by Melissa Stewart
Disclosure: I am a Verizon Wireless Lifestyle blogger. I receive products free of charge to review. This makes me happy. All opinions are my own. I write about stuff I think you’ll like. She Owns It has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.
Does your mom tech?
Yes? No? Either way, it’s time to buy a Mother’s Day gift, and we’ve selected an assortment of gadgets that will appeal to Moms of any sort.
Here are a few of our favorites at price points that won’t break the bank:
iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot
Mom needs a robot! The Jeston’s had one. Maybe the Roomba isn’t quite Rosie the robot maid but it’s still awesome. The Roomba vacuum knows where it’s going at all times thanks to a full suite of navigation sensors. It also has a multi-stage cleaning system and gets to work brushing, suctioning, and agitating floor surfaces to get them as clean as possible. Mom will appreciate getting a break from vacuuming!
Nest Learning Thermostat
This smart thermostat features automatic scheduling and programs itself by learning from its owner. A handy Energy History feature provides details about how much energy has been used and why. Other highlights include Auto-Away, which adjusts the temperature when the house is empty, along with a leaf that appears when an energy-saving temperature is selected. Set up and installation is quick and simple.
A tablet
For casual internet perusing, Facebook updating, and game playing, Amazon’s Fire tablet is a tough value to beat. For the multitasking mom who wants to set up her office anywhere, try Samsung’s TabPro S 2-in-1 Windows 10 tablet, which combines a tablet and a laptop. Does mom prefer Apple products? How about Apple’s iPad Air 2, it’s fast, beautiful, and a little more affordable than the newest models.
An e-reader
Is mom a book reader? Do books make her happy? Narrow your search and buy a dedicated e-reader. Try the best-selling Kindle Paperwhite with its sharp screen, built-in adjustable light–read day and night, and massive selection of books–over a million titles at $2.99 or less!
A portable battery
So this doesn’t sound very glamorous but one of these little life savers is something mom will appreciate. If mom’s phone is running out of juice she can extend her phone’s battery life while on-the-go. I received a Motorola Power Pack Slim 4000 from Verizon and it’s saved me (and my kids) several times! Two to try are the compact ban.do Back Me Up! Mobile Charger and the Anker PowerCore+ 20100.
A media streamer
If Mom’s rocking an older, not-so-smart TV, a media streamer like the Roku Streaming Stick might be the perfect gift. Roku will let her watch just about any show, movie, or video she could want on the big screen. Or how about Amazon’s Fire TV with excellent parental controls, great support and the ability to work with tricky hotel and dorm-room Wi-Fi systems. Lot’s of great choices and mom will thank you!
Amazon Echo
Mom needs a personal assistant! Amazon Echo is a fun gadget that fills the room with immersive, 360º omni-directional audio and allows for hands-free controls. It can even detect commands from far away thanks to far-field voice recognition. In addition to answering questions and reporting the weather, the Echo can be used for other tasks such as providing info on local businesses and even reading audio books.
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Melissa Stewart is a purveyor of possibility, community builder, entrepreneur advocate and coffee enabler. She’s had a “home office” since age 5 (just ask her) and one of her first magazine subscriptions (paid from her piggy bank) was Entrepreneur Magazine. She is passionate about business, addicted to coffee and eternally optimistic. She Owns It is her passion project, dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs through resources, support and inspiration. Do you tweet? She does (a lot!). Follow her at @melissaonline.
Melissa Stewart is the founder of SheOwnsIt.com. She is a Purveyor of Possibility, Entrepreneur Advocate and Coffee Addict. She believes that behind every successful woman is her story. What’s your story?
