The best tech you can gift mom year-round

*The Oura Ring is a great gift for the mom who hates strapping things to her wrist.* | Image: The Verge

What do you gift your mom? That’s a challenging question to answer, especially given mothers — the generous, unselfish beings they can be — are not likely to spill the beans when asked.

Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you. With the help of The Verge staff, we’ve curated a list of some of the best tech gifts you can treat your mom — or any mother figure, really — to year-round. Whether it’s for her birthday, Mother’s Day, or Christmas, here you’ll find something that caters to all kinds of budgets and interests, ranging from smartwatches and Kindles to massage guns, robot vacuums, and more. You can rest assured that these are items we can personally vouch for as well, having tested and reviewed them ourselves.

Peruse this list below and see if there’s anything on here you can either buy or glean an idea from that’ll put a smile on your mom’s face.

The best gifts for mom

Gifts under $50

An image of the Google Chromecast, the best streaming stick of 2021 for most people, resting on a soundbar. — *The Chromecast plugs into your TV’s HDMI port.*

Chromecast with Google TV (4K)

The best streaming device out there

If you’re going to buy your mom a streaming device, you might as well purchase the best one on the market, which is the Chromecast with Google TV (4K). Google’s Chromecast offers software that brings together recommendations from all of your streaming services and even provides a host of useful information, including Rotten Tomatoes ratings. In addition to offering access to all the major streaming services, the device provides support for 4K content, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Vision. Right now, you can buy it for $49.99 from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and Google. Read our review.

*Unlike Apple’s AirTags, the Tile Mate is compatible with iOS and Android devices.*

Tile Mate (2022)

An item tracker that’s compatible with iOS and Android

Gifting your mom a Bluetooth tracker like the 2022 Tile Mate can help her save time the next time she forgets where she put her car keys. The convenient tracker is compatible with both iOS and Android, and the Tile app will allow you to keep tabs on her belongings from up to 250 feet away. Unlike Apple’s AirTags, each Tile Mate features a built-in hole, too, so she can securely attach the device to her keys, purse, or just about anything without the need for additional accessories. The trackers are even water-resistant and offer user-replaceable batteries. You can currently buy one for $19.99 in either white or black at Amazon, Best Buy, or Target.

*The third-gen Echo Dot offers far better sound quality than its predecessor.*

Echo Dot (third-gen)

An excellent, puck-like smart speaker

It may be an older device, but Amazon’s third-gen Echo Dot is still a high-quality, Alexa-enabled smart speaker you can buy for under $50. Once set up, the puck-like speaker will allow your mom to easily control her smart home gadgets hands-free — or check the weather, set alarms, listen to music, and carry out a host of other tasks via Alexa. It may not sound as great as the fifth-gen Echo Dot, but it still offers impressive sound for its size and remains an affordable way to smarten up any room. Right now, you buy the last-gen device for $24.99 instead of $39.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. Read our review.

*The MyQ Chamberlain’s Smart Garage Control is compatible with Amazon Key, so Amazon drivers can securely drop packages off in your mom’s garage if she’d like.*

MyQ Chamberlain Smart Garage Control

A smart garage door opener that’s compatible with Amazon Key

With MyQ Chamberlain’s Bluetooth-equipped smart garage door controller, your mom can open and close her garage door from just about anywhere. This means if she accidentally forgets to shut it while leaving home, she can do so even while out and about. Even better, it’s compatible with Amazon Key and Walmart’s in-home delivery service, which means drivers can securely drop off groceries and other packages in your mom’s garage if she opts in. The Smart Garage Control retails for $29.99, and you can buy it from Best Buy, The Home Depot, and Ring.

An assortment of screens displaying Netflix’s content like Stranger Things, The Queen’s Gambit, and The Umbrella Academy. — *A Netflix gift card offers mom access to thousands of movies and TV shows.*

Netflix gift card

A gateway to endless entertainment

With a Netflix gift card, your mom can indulge in thousands of movies and TV shows from the comfort and safety of her home. The popular streaming service boasts more recent hits like Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Wednesday, along with older hits like Stranger Things, Bridgerton, Top Gun, and more. Plus, if she’s already a subscriber to the popular streaming service, she can use the gift card toward paying her monthly fees, which start at $6.99 / month and run up to $19.99 / month depending on the plan. Right now, you can buy a digital Netflix gift card from Target , Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart. If you prefer a physical gift card you can wrap, you can order one from Best Buy.

*Anker’s Nano 3 is a powerful charger you can easily take with you on the go.*

Anker 511 Charger

A fast, portable charger

For the mom who is always on the go, there’s the Anker’s 30W 511 Charger, a USB-C charger that’s small enough to fit in your mom’s purse but capable enough to juice any device she might have. The Anker charger can quickly charge iPhones as well as Samsung Galaxy devices, Google Pixel phones, tablets, and a range of other tech. The charger comes in a variety of attractive colors, too, including black, white, blue, green, and purple. Right now, you can buy it for $22.99 from Amazon and Anker.

Gifts between $50 and $150

*The Instax Square SQ1 is like the classic Polaroid but comes in a variety of fun colors.*

Fujifilm’s Instax Square SQ1

An instant camera with a selfie mode that prints classic Polaroid-framed film

Mom can take a trip down memory lane with Fujifilm’s Square SQ1, a great instant camera she can use to capture and print memories within minutes. The camera is like the classic Polaroid cameras that rose to prominence in the late-’70s — it even uses Polaroid-framed film — but it’s also equipped with fun, modern features like a one-touch selfie mode and mirror. The camera comes in several colors (orange, blue, and white) and is available for around $120 from Amazon, Best Buy, and Moment. Read our review.

Amazon’s Echo Show 8 (second-gen)

The best smart display for most people

Amazon’s second-gen Echo Show 8 is always a popular, welcome gift (and for good reason). Your mom can use the Alexa-enabled smart speaker to make Zoom calls, view grocery lists and family photos, watch videos, and control a range of smart home devices. The newer Echo Show 8 also offers faster performance than its predecessor and an improved 13MP camera that allows you to keep the subject centered in the frame as they move around on video calls, meaning your mom can call friends and family while cooking or exercising. Plus, she can use the device to stream shows and movies from Netflix, Hulu, and a number of other popular services. Right now, you can buy it for $79.99 instead of $129.99 at Amazon, Target, and Best Buy. Read our review.

2021 Kindle Paperwhite

The ultimate e-reader

For the bibliophile, the latest Kindle Paperwhite is the ultimate Kindle. Your mom won’t need to worry about the device running out of battery life because it can last for months on a single charge, nor will she have to worry about getting it wet given its IPX8 waterproofing. It’s also easy to read text on its crisp 6.8-inch 300ppi display, which is larger than that of its predecessor, and it even features a USB-C charging port and adjustable color temperature, allowing it to better emulate the color of actual paper. The ad-supported base model with 8GB of storage starts at $139.99 and is currently available at Amazon, Target, and Best Buy. Read our review.

Amazon Smart Thermostat

A cheap, Alexa-enabled thermostat

Don’t be fooled by the price: Amazon’s Smart Thermostat may be affordable, but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. If anything, our reviewer found it to be one of the best she’s used in her 10 years of testing smart thermostats. The modern device — which is the cheapest smart thermostat you can buy right now — ensures your mom will feel comfortable no matter how hot or cold it is, as it will automatically adjust to the temperature of her home based on whether she’s inside, out and about, or asleep. It also offers native support for Amazon Alexa, so she can adjust the temperature hands-free using her voice. It’s available for $79.99 at Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and Lowe’s. Read our review.

A person holding the Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet — *You can use the Fire HD 8 to use popular apps like Netflix, read books, video chat, and more.*

Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet

An affordable tablet

While it can’t compete with an iPad in terms of performance, Amazon’s latest Fire HD 8 could be a good present if you’re looking for a basic tablet for under $100. The Fire HD 8 comes with USB-C support, a battery that should last for up to 12 hours, and support for Amazon Alexa. Your mom can use the budget-friendly tablet to play games, access popular apps like Netflix and Twitter, or video chat with loved ones. She can also use the Fire HD 8 to read books — even if it isn’t a dedicated Kindle — making it an affordable e-reader alternative as well as a tablet. The ad-supported base model, which comes with 32GB of storage, currently starts at $99.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target. Read our review.

Gifts between $150 and $399

*These AirPods are sweat and water resistant, features that come in handy while out for a run.*

AirPods (third-gen)

The latest pair of AirPods

If you have a music-loving mother, the latest pair of AirPods make for a great gift. The third-gen wireless earbuds are IPX4 sweat and water-resistant, which is something your mom will likely appreciate during a light workout, and they support features like spatial audio, which makes listening to select content a more immersive experience. The newer earbuds also showcase shorter stems than the previous model and come with a wireless charging case that’s compatible with Apple’s MagSafe charging system.

Normally $179, you can buy the MagSafe-compatible model from Apple or AT&T for around $179, or at Sam’s Club for $169.98 ($10 off) if you’re a member. The model that comes with a Lightning charging case is also on sale for $169 at Walmart. Read our review.

Amazfit GTR 4

Our absolute favorite fitness tracker

You can help your mom keep tabs on her health by gifting her the Amazfit GTR 4, which is one of our favorite fitness trackers. The smartwatch boasts a lot of features that are hard to find at this price range, including an OLED screen, stress and sleep tracking, and Amazon Alexa support. It also offers a host of basic features, like the ability to make calls, as well as some more unique features, such as a native camera remote and a Pomodoro timer. Plus, it’s platform-agnostic, so she can use it with either her iPhone or Android device. It’s currently available for $199.99 from Amazon, Target, and Amazfit. Read our review.

Beats Fit Pro

A great pair of wireless earbuds for fitness fans

Apple’s AirPods make for a great gift, but if your mom is a fitness fan or fancies herself an athlete, it may be a better idea to gift her a pair of the Beats Fit Pro. The fitness-centric earbuds boast IPX4 waterproofing — meaning she won’t have to worry about them while in the middle of a sweaty workout — and they come with built-in wing tips, helping ensure they’ll stay in her ears no matter how fast she runs. Plus, unlike the third-gen AirPods, they feature active noise cancellation, so your mom can easily tune out the world and better focus on the task at hand. Regularly $199.99, you can currently buy a pair of the Beats Fit Pro for $159.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Read our review.

*The Theragun Mini is small, powerful, and quiet.*

Theragun Mini massager

A powerful, portable massager

Whether she’s in need of some R&R, suffers from the aches and pains of growing older, or simply lives an active lifestyle, the Theragun Mini is a gift your mom will surely appreciate. The excellent massage gun is powerful, quiet, and incredibly small — so she can carry it around whenever she needs some relief for her muscles — and it comes in three distinct colors (black, white, and red). You can buy it right now at Target and Walmart for around $179, or at Amazon for $199, its typical retail price.

Ring Alarm Pro

A smart home security system that makes it easy to build out a smart home

Gifting a smart home security system is like gifting your mom some peace of mind. Provided she doesn’t already own a lot of smart home devices, the Ring Alarm Pro is well-designed, simple to use, and will make it easy for your mom to build out her smart home. It comes with a slew of useful features, including a built-in Eero mesh Wi-Fi router and a Ring Lighting bridge she can use to connect her smart lighting. While it integrates extremely well with Amazon’s Alexa, note that it isn’t compatible with other platforms. The Ring Alarm Pro Base Station starts at $249.99 at Amazon and Best Buy, while the starter kit sells for $299.99 (Amazon, Best Buy). Read our review.

*The latest Oura Ring is an excellent health tracker that doubles as a subtle piece of jewelry.*

Oura Ring (third-gen)

A smart ring loved by the stars

Loved by celebrities like Prince Harry and Kim Kardashian, the third-gen Oura Ring is a sleep and recovery tracker that doubles as jewelry. As noted in our review, the comfortable health tracker offers a range of perks, including quantified meditation sessions as well as the ability to measure your daytime heart rate and track various sleep metrics. It’s a nice gift if your mom is a fan of rings or simply would prefer a stylish smartwatch alternative that doesn’t wrap around her wrists.

Right now, you can buy the ring in gold, silver, and black directly from Oura for $299. Note, however, that a paid subscription is required to access some of the ring’s more insightful features, including the guided mindfulness sessions. The first six months are free, but after that, you — or your mom — will be required to pay $5.99 a month.

Fellow Stagg Kettle

A terrific (and attractive) pour-over kettle

Whether your mom opts for tea or coffee, an excellent pour-over kettle is always a welcome gift that will brighten up her mornings. With Fellow’s electric Stagg Kettle, your mom will be able to enjoy the perfect drink each day, primarily because she can choose her desired temperature and even time her tea or coffee extraction with the kettle’s built-in stopwatch. The stainless steel kettle also comes in a variety of colors and handle styles, making it an attractive piece of kitchen decor as well as a convenient appliance. Right now, it’s available starting at $165 from Amazon, Williams Sonoma, and Fellow.

Gifts over $400

2021 iPad Mini

The most powerful iPad Mini yet

If you’ve got some cash to spare, why not gift your mom Apple’s latest iPad Mini? The 2021 tablet is the most powerful Mini yet, with a fast A15 Bionic processor, USB-C support, and an elegant, 8.3-inch display your mom will surely appreciate. Plus, the redesigned tablet comes with perks like Apple’s Center Stage feature, which allows the front-facing camera to digitally pan and zoom in on your mom while she’s taking video calls. The base model with Wi-Fi and 64GB of storage normally retails for $499.99, but Best Buy currently has it for just $399, while Walmart has it for $469.99. You can also buy it for around full price from B&H Photo and Target. Read our review.

iRobot Roomba j7

Our favorite robot vacuum

The iRobot Roomba j7 is our favorite robot vacuum, one capable of accurately navigating around your home and avoiding obstacles like pet waste and power cables. Your mom will also appreciate its mapping capabilities and support for Google Home and Amazon Alexa, which will allow her to control it with her voice and program it to clean only select areas. Right now, you can buy the Roomba j7 for $599 from Best Buy, Wellbots, and iRobot. Read our review.

Technology

vendredi 13 janvier 2023