"A mother's arms are more comforting than anyone else's." ~ Princess Diana.
Mother's Day honors motherhood and is observed in various ways worldwide. In America, it was established in 1914 by President Woodrow Wilson to fall on the second Sunday in May
Although celebrated in most countries, some on different days, the theme remains the same - absolute love for the 2.2 billion married, single, step, grand, godmothers, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community.
One of the top consumer spending holidays in the United States, the National Retail Federation forecasts a total expenditure of $31.7 billion. Surprisingly, most mothers prefer quality time to sleep, read, and eat. This year, technology makes buying the ideal Mother's Day gift easy.
THE GIFT OF SLEEP
Most mothers rank uninterrupted sleep as number one on their gift list.
Smart mattresses analyze sleep patterns and adjust the firmness and temperature of the bed. The Pepaminto Mattress Topper won the 2023 Innovation Award at the Consumer Electonic Show with its combination of thin warming strips and naturally cooling graphite bands.
According to Verywell Mind, SleepScore is the best overall app for improving sleep. It uses Sonar Sensor Technology to track breathing and body movement through each stage. The data, combined with profile and lifestyle information, gives insights into sleep patterns. Alternative devices like the Fitbit Charge 5 are simple to use and deliver an accurate daily sleep score.
Wyze smart lights allow device-triggered automation and sleep routine scheduling through voice commands. Philips Hue systems simulate candles and sunsets, while LIFX creates a relaxing environment with fading lights and soft tones to promote natural uninterrupted sleep.
White noise devices, such as the LectroFan, the Dohm from Marpac, or the Dreamegg with 24 soothing tones, help block out disrupting noise. When it's time to face the day, the Google Nest Hub's calming alarm and warm light will gently wake your mom in the morning.
THE GIFT OF WORDS
According to 42% of mothers, having the chance to read comes in second, so if you gift an e-book, wrap it in a big bow of time!
With lightweight, low-cost portable electronic gadgets, technology makes reading more convenient and enjoyable than ever. Statista projects that the e-reader market will be worth around US$23.12 billion by 2026.
TechRadar says the popular Amazon Kindle Paperwhite is the Kindle we need. With a single charge lasting for weeks, adjustable font sizes, and a built-in dictionary, the screen can shift to a warm mode at night.
If learning a language is on your mother's gift list - for the exotic holiday she is planning or the one you are treating her to - Babbel offers reading, writing, listening, and speaking exercises.
Rosetta Stone is one of the oldest, most well-known language-learning apps. FluentU teaches through authentic videos, and Duolingo has quick lessons to earn points that unlock new levels. Or, if your mom is a movie buff, treat her to a foreign film streaming service, and remember the popcorn!
Mother's Day is the third-largest card-sending holiday after Christmas and Valentine's Day. According to most mothers, reading a heartfelt greeting is the most cherished, especially when personalized with colorful, handwritten memories or funny anecdotes.
However, if you're racing against the clock, free apps like Smilebox, YouCam Perfect, or 123Cards will deliver your digital greeting by Sunday, May 14th.
THE GIFT OF FOOD
Most mothers love spending quality time with family, especially when it involves food.
For some mothers, being pampered at a fancy restaurant is high on their list. Others prefer the intimacy of a family effort by downloading cooking apps or YouTube videos to spark inventiveness.
According to Android Police, the SuperCook app is number one on their list. It sources recipes using available in-house ingredients, so nothing goes to waste. Diet options include vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free recipes.
YesChef is a streaming platform taught by internationally renowned culinary artists. Alternatively, your mom can join Gordon Ramsay in his private kitchen to learn everything from appliance setup to next-level cooking. Swearing is optional.
Or go online to gift a regular meal delivery service from a favorite eatery for mothers who want restaurant-quality food without leaving the house.
After a good night's sleep, your mom can relax in bed with a leisurely e-read while a morning coffee brews. Smart coffee maker apps start the process with voice commands - one sugar, please - and let you know when it's time to pour.
With the gift of technology - sleep trackers, e-readers or cooking apps - every day is Mother's Day!