I’m very practical.

I’ve thanked my husband repeatedly for years after he bought me a printer and, at another time, a bread machine, so I think a tech gadget would appeal to me for Mother’s Day…  and apparently I’m not alone in this.

Tech Gifts

According to the Orlando Sentinel, many families may want to buy Mom or Grandma a laptop, smartphone, eReader, tablet, or media player for Mother’s Day (also see Tech for Elderly Parents).   Thirteen percent of Americans are expected to buy electronics totaling $1.5 billion this year.

Of course, ask friends or research on the internet before buying electronics for Mom if she hasn’t specifically requested something.  Think about what she likes to do or how the device would add to her life in some way.  She may give you a puzzled look when she opens her gift, but she’ll thank you warmly later!  She’ll probably like any social functions on the devices for sharing with her family and friends.

eReaders

I read a magazine article recently about the differences in eReaders (if you’re looking for one be sure to buy her some eBooks, too).  I’ll summarize your options here:

• Amazon’s Kindle ~ This is apparently the easiest to use and to read.  Also, the 3G version allows you to download in 100 countries.
• Apple’s iPad ~ This is really a tablet computer and the priciest option; however, Mom can surf the web, check her eMail, add apps and more.  You can find other tablets, too.
• Barnes and Noble’s Nook ~ Mom can share books with other Nook users and check books out from a library.  The Nook downloads apps and also comes in a color display version.
• Border’s  Kobo and Cruz ~ This link compares the two.  The Kobo was the most affordable of all the eReaders at $100 when I checked.  The Cruz plays music and videos and the display is in color.
• You could, of course, download apps for Mom to read books on her phone instead, which might be handy, but too small for her.

Other Tech Gifts

This blog is about technology and ministry, so you’ll have to go elsewhere for ideas outside of the traditional flowers and candy, but I’ve got a few more ideas here.  The ideas from TCBY yogurt (who gives out free cones or cups for Mother’s Day) kick-started this list.

• Put apps on Mom’s phone, Nook, or iPad (many are free).

• Epicurious  or AllRecipes for recipes and shopping lists
• ShopSavvy for coupons and price comparisons
• A birding app (I had to put this on in case anyone in my family reads this post)

Create a Pandora.com account for her to listen to her favorite personalized music stations on her laptop or smartphone.   Show your soccer mom how to use Bluetooth or an adapter to play her music over her car’s speakers.

Make an online donation to honor mom.  If you don’t know what she supports, I can recommend a donation to Magdalena (read how this adaptation of the “JESUS” film has touched women’s lives for Christ).

Post on a blog or on Facebook or make a YouTube video honoring your mother or grandmother.

Make a photo memory book or other photo gift available from many photo websites.

Order flowers online to be delivered to Mom or Grandma.

Go together with family members on a Groupon or Living Social deal to treat her to a local spa or restaurant.

If you’re a mom, share this post with your family and have a great Mother’s Day!

Related Posts:

• Tech for Elderly Parents
• Two Kindles and the Earthquake in Japan

This image is available on Wikimedia Commons.