Oh mom, you’re such an unbelievably special woman! We love you for your patience, your unconditional love, and the way that you always made us feel like we are your favorite. You were the only one who didn’t roll your eyes when we told you what we wanted to be when we grew up – in fact you encouraged us to dream! We declared that we wanted to be doctors, lawyers, scientists, Alaskan Crab fishermen  – and all of the other professions showcased on the Discovery Channel – and you said we could, because you believed we could be anything!

It’s only fair that on Mother’s Day we showcase some really awesome gear that we don’t think you’d want to live without, because we understand that you can’t always think of gift suggestions when we’re pressuring you about what you really want.

We know that you have certain expectations, and we understand that they don’t include flowers, chocolates, or small home appliances. Ans it’s okay mom, we’ve got you covered…!

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Dust Mop Slippers

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What do you get that special lady who already has everything? It’s often tough to pick out one memorable gift when there are so many to choose from. Here’s a gift that does double duty. First it will stem the incessant nagging tide of complaining that you’re not doing your share of housework. These one-size-fits-all slippers will once again bring peace and harmony to your household. Slip these onto her feet before she shuffles in to the kitchen to make you breakfast and you’ll never deal with unsightly dust bunnies ever again. Second, imagine her surprise when she opens these babies up! Available in snazzy plaid or blue – these are sure to put a smile on the face of that special someone this holiday season. Suggested accessory: Do it yourself divorce paperwork – only $24.95

Dust Mop Slippers or for “we share the housework couples” – try this his and hers set for $21 shipped from Amazon

The Amazon Kindle 2

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If your mom loves reading trashy romance novels, but she is too embarrassed to pull them out in mixed company, then you owe it to her to purchase a Kindle 2. Not only does the Amazon eReader understand discreet romance, they offer choices from over 18,000 romance related titles. These aren’t your average Harlequin’s, though that series is certainly present – witness the 4.5 star rated Slow Hands

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Anyway! The Kindle Romance Collection is subdivided into categories such as “contemporary romance” and “historical romance”, and with titles such as Irresistible Romance, Baby Bonanza and Kiss Me Deadly.

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The best part? There are thousands of titles which fall well under the $5 mark…not to mention all of the free books! So not only can you set mom up with a way to enjoy her guilty pleasure without drawing a second glance, she’ll think you are amazing for giving her access to cheap smut! Kid in a candy store doesn’t even begin to describe it…just remember where you got the idea, and you can thank us later. ;-)

Mom’s Glasses (set of 4)

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What Mom wouldn’t want her very own set of daily “Mom” affirmation glasses. These tumblers hold 12-1/2 oz of whatever Mom likes to drink. If she drinks a lot then just pour into all four and she can chug 50 oz of her favorite beverage. Guaranteed dishwasher safe. She’ll be the envy of all the other Mom’s in the neighborhood too.

Mom’s Glasses – $24.95

Reflexology Massage Socks

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Does your mom like getting her feet massaged? Since that’s pretty much a universal female need – and guys are universally bad at it – why not help her out with this set of reflexology socks. Pre-printed on the soles are all the important reflexology points that when massaged are supposed to send relief directly to the respective body part. Just watch that you don’t massage the colon spot too much.

Reflexology Massage Socks – $12

Cookbook Box Set

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This colorful set of six cookbooks is sure to make Mom smile (or at least do a reasonable job of faking it). Recipes for Indian, Pasta, Fruit, Wok, Vegetable and Treats make up this eclectic set. Each page is accompanied by a color photograph of the dish so you can tell Mom “see, this is what it’s SUPPOSED to look like”.

Fred Flare – $30

Apple iMac

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I can recommend the Apple iMac from firsthand experience. When my Mom’s aged Dell laptop was on its last legs two years ago I was faced with a decision. Replace it with another Dell laptop with a tiny screen she may have trouble seeing – or go for the 24″ iMac. Luckily I went with the iMac and except for one bad power supply problem (which Apple fixed at the local store), the whole iMac experience has been a home run. My Mom does most of her computing online, loves the big screen, had zero problems with the Mac operating system and if there’s a problem with the hardware then it’s carried into the local Apple store – thus removing me from the job of computer repairman. Strong recommendation here – expensive but worth it.

iMac – $1,199 to $2,199

iPhoto Print Products

Give mom the gift of memory with a book of her favorite pictures.

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I’m not a good gift picker-outer, but these have been a home run for me with both my parents and my in-laws. Last year mom got a hard-cover book filled with pictures of my niece and nephew (her grandkids) Joey and Talia. She loved it. And after my in-laws came back from the Galapagos Islands, I “stole” their pictures (being the family IT guy has its perks) and made them a coffee table book of their trip. It looks great, is super personal and is sure to please.

iPhoto Print Products- Prices start at $19.99 for softcover and wire-bound books and at $29.99 for hardcover books.

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