Mother's Day is coming up, that one time a year when you can shower your mom with something that says you appreciate her and all the effort she makes for you. Not sure what to get? Bought her an orchid last year or a scarf? These nine gifts are both digital in nature — but thoughtful as well. We think she'll love them whether she's a chef at heart or more yoga-minded.
For the Green Thumb: Click and Grow Smart Garden 9
The Click and Grow Smart Garden 9 comes with complimentary plant capsules
Click and Grow
Flowers are a lovely gift, there is no doubt. But give mom a way to grow her own plants, and you have a present that gifts itself all year long. The Click and Grow Smart Garden 9 is small enough to fit into a tiny home, yet can produce plants in just weeks. At $199.95, you get nine pods for easy to grow plants, and if you want to splurge, three replacement pods run $9.95 for a pack so she can grow her first batch of basil — and then be ready to replant just two months later.
Available on Amazon
For the Tidy: iRobot Roomba 980
The iRobot Roomba 980 runs for two hours straight before needing a recharge.
GearBrain
No, you're not going to get knocked for buying mom a vacuum. Not the it's a cute roving robot that cleans up for her on its own. The iRobot Roomba 980 will sweep up dirt and debris and can be turned on remotely from work, or even while on vacation, to keep her space clean, tidy and neat. She'll wonder why she didn't have one while you still lived at home. At $899.99 it's a bit of a splurge — but for her having one less thing on her to do list, it's worth it.
Available on Amazon - $799.99
For the Calming Presence: Calm app
You can pick up a year's subscription to Calm for $59.99
Getty Images/iStock
Buying your mom a subscription to an app may not sound like a great gift — except that an app doesn't need to be stored in a closet, and this one is likely to bring the one thing moms always wish for: time. The Calm app — which works with iOS and Android devices —encourages users to take a break during their day, and includes meditation videos, sound effects and music — all for $12.99 a month, or $59.99 a year. You can't buy her an extra hour, that's true. But you can buy her an excuse to stop and relax even for a few minutes a day.
When money is no object: The iPhone XS Max
The iPhone XS Max is a jaw-dropping luxury upgrade for that mom who lives on her phone
GearBrain
A new smartphone is one of those gifts that pretty exciting, no matter who is getting one. The new iPhone XS Max is a powerhouse, with a big screen, tons of processing power, and a stainless steel (read: sturdier) frame. Yes, it's going to set you back about $1100 — but if there are grandchildren in the mix here, or you just like to stay in touch with mom, the photo capabilities with its new camera which can pick up low light images better, is gonna pay off, we guarantee it.
Apple iPhone XS and XS Max available at Best Buy
For the Fitness Buff: Withings Steel HR Sport
A hybrid smartwatch and fitness band, the $200 Withings Steel HR Sport is stylish and practical
Withings
Is Mom someone who likes to work out? Maybe she a runner, or she hits the gym on a very regular basis. In either case, the Withings Steel HR Sport is a solid device that is going to help her keep track of her fitness goals, while also looking pretty sharp in the process. The smartwatch also works in water, and starts at $200.
Withings Steel HR Sport Available on Amazon - $159.96
For the Animal Lover: The Microchip Pet Feeder Connect
A microchip reader in the Sure Petcare's Pet Feeder Connect tells you which pet is eating, and how much
Sure Petcare
Whether she has cats or dogs, the $159.99 Microchip Pet Feeder Connect is a thoughtful gift, especially because it's not really for her, but for something she likely dearly loves. The feeder makes sure your pet is eating, and also tracks which pet has nibbled away, and which has not. The bowl also stays sealed when her pet is not getting a snack — keeping food fresher. That peace-of-mind? That's a wonderful gift.
On sale on Amazon - $149.99
For the Chef du Jour: The Anova Precision Cooker
The Anova sous vide device lets you cook through a smartphone app in water
Anova
Think of this sous vide as the slow cooker of the 21st Century. Set your meat, or whatever you want to cook, inside the bag, and then in the water bath, and you — or really mom — is set for dinner without doing another thing. The $129 Anova Precision Cooker pairs with Bluetooth to get your meal starter all through a smartphone app. Maybe she'll even invite you over for a home-cooked meal, which let's face it, you're likely in sore need of since you've left home.
On sale at Amazon
For the Competitive Mom: The Lenovo Mirage Solo
The Lenovo Mirage Solo is a standalone VR device — you don't need a computer for the robust virtual experience
GearBrain
Have a mom who likes games? One who could out run you on any video game you ever played? The Lenovo Mirage Solo is going to be perfect — a VR headset that can tap into experiences and yes, games, that she's more than likely never tried her hand at before. For you, this is another opportunity to get even for all those years of losing at Mario Kart. For her, it's a wonderful way to step into VR and find a whole new set of ways to feed her competitive nature.
On sale on Amazon
For the Family Leader: Echo Plus
The Echo Plus is the perfect assistant for any mom — Alexa always does what she's told
GearBrain
The Echo Plus is a souped version of the Amazon Echo line, running on Alexa, the smart assistant, and delivering a number of features to help keep a household ship shape. From reading the weather outside — and inside a room as well, to puling up driving estimates, shopping lists and schedules, Alexa is the lieutenant that any family leader needs by its side. Mom is going to love Alexa. An assistant that does everything she asks? What mom could ask for more.
