Can A Smartwatch Be Used Without A Cell Phone Plan Say With An Ipod Touch

I work with some students that would benefit from the reminders a smartwatch could provide, but can’t afford a cell phone plan.

Is there any way to get these watches to work with only WiFi internet access - say from an iPod touch or even something less expensive, if available? (Though I don’t know what would allow a Google Play account over WiFi and costs much less than an iPod Touch.)