High-tech presents for the modern mom
You can always get Mom a new mobile phone, laptop or digital camera.
But for a truly remarkable Mother's Day, what about a robot? Or an outfit made of special fabric that fends off heat and perspiration? Or a new techno gadget?
After all, flowers are nice, but they last a few days. A robot can be recharged. So we sifted through more than 100 devices to bring you some intriguing possibilities this Mother's Day.
A National Retail Federation and BIGresearch survey said you'll likely spend less on Mom this year -- $138.63 on average compared to $139.14 last year. Then again, you could use your stimulus check and boost that gift for Mom and help the economy, too.
Consumer sentiment is down. Prices for food, gasoline and other products are up. And just when you've paid off your Christmas and Easter bills, here comes Mother's Day this Sunday.
Despite the economy, you are still likely to buy a gift for mom, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation and BIGresearch.
The survey said 84 percent of consumers celebrating Mother's Day will likely invest in just one major gift, instead of several smaller gifts.
So even if she says "it's the thought that counts," you might want to think about something totally different.
What about a robot? Or an outfit made of special fabric that fends off heat and perspiration? Or any number of techno gadgets?
Here are some possible gifts for moms of all ages and in many price ranges:
Product: Roomba
Why it's cool: This disclike robotic vacuum sucks up dust by roaming your rooms. Other robots scrub floors, clean gutters and pools. There's also the Virtual Visitor to stay connected to family.
Cost: $150 to $400
Find it at: iRobot.com, Amazon.com, some retailers
Web site: www.irobot.com
Product: CareBots
Why it's cool: Lucy, Kelly and Eve are CareBots that can be Rosie-like companions ala "The Jetsons," provide medication reminders, talk and tell jokes. Its Web cam provides a visual link to family to keep tabs on mom or grandmother.
Cost: $19,950, includes delivery and two-day training
Find it at: GeckoSystems Inc.
Web site: www.geckosystems.com
Product: Wildbleu fashions
Why it's cool: This line of daytime and nighttime clothing uses technical fabrics that promise to whisk away heat and perspiration for moms or grandmothers who have hot flashes due to menopause or hormonal changes from pregnancy or illness.
Cost: $20 and up
Find it at: Wildbleu online
Web site: www.wildbleu.com
Product: Cricut home die-cutting machine
Why it's cool: For lovers of crafts and scrapbooks, this machine creates millions of shapes on paper, card stock, vinyl, vellum and more, without using a computer.
Cost: $299 to $499
Find it at: Online, Wal-Mart, Joanna's Fabrics, craft shops
Web site: www.cricut.com
Product: Washable Mouse
Why it's cool: Little sticky fingers are no problem for this computer mouse. Just wash it under the faucet and continue to work online. Its scroll pad lets you scroll vertically and horizontally with one touch.
Cost: $29.99
Find it at: Belkin International, QVC, OfficeMax
Web site: www.belkin.com
Product: Kitchen LCD TV
Why it's cool: Spark Electronics' Aquos LCD TV is 19 inches, high-definition, ultra-slim and offers a magnetic remote that can be placed on the refrigerator or other metal surface. Mom doesn't have to interrupt cooking since the remote has three transmitters that allow users to operate the TV without pointing at it.
Cost: $400-$650
Find it at: Online, Abt Electronics, Fry's Electronics and Allnet/AVAD Central
Web site: www.sharpusa.com
Product: Orbit speaker
Why it's cool: Palm-sized speaker can be tossed in a purse or pocket and taken to the park, beach or just the yard with your MP3 player. Runs for 24 hours on three AAA batteries.
Cost: $29.95
Find it at: Altec Lansing
Web site: www.alteclansing.com
Product: DVDirect
Why it's cool: The VRD-MC5 model can quickly transfer high-definition or standard home videos and digital photos to DVD discs without using a computer.
Cost: $229.99
Find it at: Online, Sony Style stores, Best Buy, Circuit City
Web site: www.sonystyle.com
Product: Framed art screen
Why it's cool: This framed work of art is printed on canvas so a touch of a remote can automatically roll it behind the frame to reveal your plasma TV. Comes with an infrared remote. Or get a radio frequency-controlled remote for $90 more. Various works of art and 40 frames for any décor. Fits 42- to 60-inch screens.
Cost: $2,595 to $4,395
Find it at: Online
Web site: www.cableorganizer.com
Product: Vita-Mix 5200
Why it's cool: OK, so we're going to provide at least one appliance for the die-hard gourmet cooks. This blender goes up to 240 mph and can blend the entire fruit or vegetable, including skin, core, seeds and stems. It doesn't contain bisphenol-A, the plastic chemical that is under investigation for leeching into food and has "copolyester," a plastic-like material that is shatterproof and dampens noise.
Cost: $449
Find it at: Online
Web site: www.vitamix.com