TThe greatest gift for your mom this holiday season is an opportunity to unwind. A day free from obligations, where someone else handles cooking, cleaning, and chores. She can take a break, enjoy brunch with friends, or indulge in shopping. However, don’t forget to have something beautifully wrapped and waiting for her under the tree.
Having been a technology critic for over ten years and a mother myself, I particularly enjoy unwrapping gadgets. That said, you don’t need to be a tech enthusiast to value the practicality and luxury of well-thought-out devices. I consulted numerous moms across various price ranges to gather insights on their tech wish lists this holiday season.
All prices are accurate as of the publication date.
Tech gifts for mom under $50
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Apple AirTag
Parents can often feel overwhelmed, anxious, and forgetful. I absolutely love Apple AirTags. You can attach it to your car keys or keep it in your wallet for peace of mind. When my car keys get lost within the cushions of the couch or my wallet is left in another bag, the iPhone’s precision search acts like a homing device to locate my keys. When outside Bluetooth range, AirTags can relay location information via nearby iPhone users, helping you find misplaced items like luggage. I’ve relied on AirTag more times than I’d care to admit, including attaching it to my 13-year-old’s house keys to help him find it after losing it repeatedly.
Photo: Provided by Scosh
Scosche MagStack USB-C Cable
I’ve come to realize that I can never have enough cables. Nowadays, every device operates on USB-C, and while many come with additional cables included, it’s inevitable that someone in my family will borrow mine, leaving me without it.
I admire these cables for their durability and the convenience of being able to neatly coil them for travel, thanks to their magnetic jacket. They also enable speedy data transfers and quick charging when connected to compatible devices and power adapters. A chic cable with various stylish colors and a sleek design; I doubt any mother would say, “No, thank you.”
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Coffee Warming Tray
All moms, particularly those like me who work from home, understand the frustration of pouring a fresh cup of coffee, setting it aside, and diving into work—only to discover an hour later that it has gone cold.
This mug warmer changes that. Just place the mug on the heating plate, and your coffee, tea, or any other hot beverage stays hot for hours. No more waste, and mom will be thrilled. You can savor your morning in peace. “I’m specific about coffee mugs,” Marta shared. That’s why she prefers a mug warmer like this over heated mugs that require charging and hand washing.
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Breathing Pal Kyle Mindfulness Breathing Light
This charming light serves dual purposes: it can be a night light or a calming meditation aid to alleviate anxiety. It offers three breathing exercises, including simple box breathing, to help moms collect themselves after a stressful day. The light cues guide mom, and you can even change the colors to match her mood.
Plus, its adorable design (which comes in koala, rabbit, and ball shapes) is sure to bring a smile. Carla, 46, noted: “I had read about the benefits of guided breathing, but I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic. Seeing this cute koala could motivate me to stick with it.”
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Yukosphone Tripod
Moms always find themselves behind the camera, but seldom in front of it. Capture her essence by using a tripod for her phone. This model features extendable legs that collapse to the size of a handheld selfie stick, inclusive of a remote control that allows you to snap a picture when everyone is beaming.
Active moms will appreciate being able to set up their phones and tripods to document the action, ensuring they don’t miss a memorable goal or home run. Blair, 40, expressed: “I want a small tripod to have beside me while playing. I dislike holding my phone, and can’t clap or cheer while playing, so I miss recording it.”
Technology gifts Mom under $100
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Kensington MagPro Elite Magnetic Privacy Screen
$75.99 at Kensington
As someone who frequently works from home but also at local coffee shops and travels for work, I find this privacy screen invaluable. It stops nosy onlookers from peeking at my screen.
Designed specifically for MacBooks (but available for other computers as well), it adheres magnetically to the screen without adhesives. When viewed directly, it doesn’t obstruct your sight, but when you shift your angle, nothing can be seen. It also cuts down on blue light, thereby reducing eye strain, making it excellent for long hours in front of screens.
Photo: Provided by Hyper
Hyper Hyper Pack Backpack
I’ve been utilizing this backpack over the last few months for remote work and travels. At first glance, it doesn’t seem big enough to hold everything I need, yet it surprisingly accommodates more than expected. During a recent lengthy flight to Spain, I managed to fit all of my essentials: laptop, headphones, compact camera case, smartphone, battery pack, sunglasses, toiletries, house keys, wipes, cables, and chargers.
Having been caught in the rain multiple times, the water-resistant fabric and zippers ensure that everything inside remains dry. Plus, it’s made from recycled plastic bottles!
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Monster AC601 Earphones
My best friend absolutely adores these earbuds. She “borrowed” them a few years back and still uses them daily, especially during workouts and walks. Not only are they very affordable, but they also feature Bluetooth 6.0 for a reliable connection to your device, complete with real-time translation capabilities. The included charging case provides a whopping 32 hours of battery life, reducing the hassle of daily charging. “I love the purple Monster earphones,” Marta, 46, said, “I have oddly shaped ears, and these don’t irritate me like typical earphones do. They fit perfectly and I don’t have to adjust them constantly.”
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Anker MagGo Power Bank
I won’t leave the house without these chargers. Their slim profile fits nicely into any bag and provides extra power when needed, whether it’s to get an Uber or catch an exciting moment at your kids’ game. Thanks to Apple’s MagSafe technology, it attaches effortlessly to the back of your iPhone, allowing wireless charging without the hassle of tangled cords. Although wireless charging is slower than wired, the latest 15-watt Qi2 standard is fast enough.
Tech gifts for mom over $100
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Panasonic Technics Wireless Earphones EAH-AZ100
These are my absolute favorite earphones. I wear them during walks, commutes, working at coffee shops, and even while traveling. The noise cancellation capabilities are top-notch, effectively blocking out sounds—even on airplanes. I’ve been using them for a year and am extremely impressed by their fit, sound quality, and noise reduction features.
The Bluetooth multipoint feature allows them to connect with both your phone and laptop, automatically shifting audio as you switch between devices. I own the classic black version but would highly suggest the new champagne gold finish so she can feel extra special wearing them.
Photo: Provided by Walmart
JBL Flip 7 Portable Bluetooth Speaker
At just over $100, the JBL Flip 7 offers sound quality that competes with portable Bluetooth speakers priced at twice its cost. I’ve used it at home, on a beach vacation in Mexico, and it has proven to be a hit among teenagers. You get a fantastic battery life of up to 16 hours per charge, excellent sound quality, plus Auracast, which allows pairing with two speakers for a richer audio experience.
The IP68 rating ensures its safety, even if accidentally submerged in water. Moms will appreciate the PushLock system, which accommodates interchangeable accessories like wrist straps and carabiner clips, both included in the package. At this price, why not get two?
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Oura Ring 4 Smart Ring
The Oura Ring 4 is ideal for moms to monitor important metrics such as sleep, heart rate, physical activity, and blood oxygen levels. Additionally, it includes tracking features for pregnancy, menopause, and perimenopause symptoms. Personally, I appreciate the organized app that provides feedback on stress levels, readiness throughout the day, as well as daily snapshots.
It’s comfortable to wear, stylish (especially the new ceramic model), and boasts a week-long battery life on a single charge. One caveat is that to access the full range of features, a $5.99 monthly subscription is required. However, for the insights it offers, she likely won’t mind trading a fancy latte once a month.
Photo: Provided by Amazon
Apple Watch Series 11 Smart Watch
I adore the Apple Watch Series 11, and many mothers I know are keen on it as well. The upgrades from previous versions include a smoother, more resilient screen, improved battery life (a common issue with the Apple Watch), and real-time translation features.
Busy moms will appreciate the new wrist gestures that make it easy to dismiss notifications and answer calls when their hands are occupied. “If you’re seeking a premium gift for your mom, I bought the Apple Watch Series 11 to upgrade from my Series 7. I love it for tracking my workouts, but also appreciate the Find My Phone function since my memory isn’t what it used to be,” Marta shared.
Photo: courtesy of Skaff
Customized SCUF Valor Pro Wireless Game Controller
Moms can be gamers too! Sometimes they find themselves sharing gear with their little gamers. A personalized game controller makes for a thoughtful and unique gift. You can customize colors for the faceplate, thumbsticks, rings, D-pad, and even bumpers and triggers. Just like that, mom has her very own controller!
This will be her pride and joy, ensuring the kids won’t be borrowing it. More importantly, she’ll appreciate knowing it was made with love. “I’m a gamer, and what I really want is a customized SCUF Valor Pro Wireless controller,” says Dayna, 35. “I share my system with my children. It would be wonderful to have something special just for me.”
Photo: Provided by Amazon
TheraGun Prime Massage Gun
For moms who enjoy morning runs, afternoon walks, home workouts, and yoga classes, muscle soreness can become a reality with age. While some high-end massage guns can be pricey, entry-level options provide much-needed relief. “I’ve been wanting a massage gun, but it’s something I wouldn’t buy for myself. I take a bike class regularly, and my legs ache by day’s end, especially while managing small children at home. Having a massage gun for evening relief would be amazing,” shares Melissa, 30.
Source: www.theguardian.com
