Top 10 Christmas Gadgets for Moms

by Lori Cunningham

Welcome to WellConnectedMom.com’s 2nd annual Top Christmas Gadgets for Moms.  There are a lot of gift guides for moms available this time of year, but few cover the top tech gadgets that help moms to communicate better, work smarter, play harder, and enjoy time well-spent with her family.  Technology is getting better everyday with time-saving features at a lower cost.  Gadgets that fit in the palm of your hand are more powerful today than computers that filled whole  rooms in the1970′s.

Whether you are a tech-savvy enthusiast or a tech novice, many of the items on this list are easy to set up and begin using right out of the box.  Enjoy this list and be sure to leave your feedback or suggestions at the end of this article on your fave gadgets  to share with other moms.

A Smartphone with a Data Package

Most of us have a smartphone with data already, but there are still some holdouts out there.  I know.  I was one of them.  I didn’t get a data package on my smartphone until I was asked to participate in AT&T’s LosetheLaptop.com blogger contest.  I was given a Tilt2 phone with data access for 4 months and I wrote about my experiences on how convenient it was to have it while shopping, traveling, communicating with friends, etc.  Wow, smartphones are so handy—and addicting.  With a smartphone you can instantly receive and send e-mail’s, check your calendar and keep it sync’d with your computer calendar at home, take pictures & videos to download to your computer or send to family & friends, read eBooks, play realistic games, review recipes, get free navigation & traffic programs to help you find your way around, watch movies, etc.

The most popular smartphone is the iPhone, but Android-powered phones are gaining ground.  Other options are the new Windows 7 phones and the original Blackberry.  There are plenty of deals out there now on smartphones for Christmas.  You may even get one free with a 2-year agreement.  Although the data package is handy, keep in mind it could cost up to $25 more per phone for the convenience.  To save some money, check with your employer or spouse’s employer to see if they have any deals going on with any of the major carriers.  Check with the colleges you attended too.  I found that my alma mater, USC, had a bigger discount with our phone carrier than my husband’s top 500 fortune company!  When you call your carrier, they can tell you on the phone if your company has a discount set up with them.

Want some more reasons for using a smartphone?

• The Benefits of Smartphones
• 15 Reasons Why the iPhone Will Make You Smile

iPad or Galaxy Tab

Last year, the WellConnectedMom.com’s 2009 Christmas Gadgets for Moms list suggested a netbook.  I purchased one last year and love it.  It’s lightweight and durable.  This year, however, there are a couple of new players in town –  the iPad and now the Samsung Galaxy Tab — both great tablet PC’s.

You’ve heard all the news and hoopla over the iPad.  It’s bigger size over the smartphone makes it an excellent tool for checking and sending e-mail, surfing the web, reviewing pictures, watching movies or TV, connecting with friends on Facebook, reading ebooks, following  recipes while cooking in the kitchen, even price comparison shopping in stores!  The much anticipated iPad sold 1 million units in its first 4 weeks.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab (based on the Android platform) just launched and though it doesn’t have the initial craze that the iPad experienced, it is steadily gaining awareness due to its unique features over the iPad such as a front and back camera, Flash support, expandable memory, and multitasking capabilities due to increased RAM.   However, the iPad trumps the Tab in having a 10 inch screen (over the Tab’s 7 inch screen – though it’s all about personal preference), a higher resolution screen, and an app store that has 3 times the number of apps as the Android.

So why would you need an iPad or Galaxy Tab AND a netbook or laptop?  Or a smartphone and a tablet PC?  Well, the truth is you don’t need both.  However, a tablet PC affords you the flexibility to use a touch screen with vibrant colors, the portability to take it with you in a pocket or purse without the weight of a netbook/laptop, and the convenience of seeing things more clearly with a larger screen over a smartphone.  In many cases, people are buying a tablet PC in addition to the PC’s/netbooks/laptops they already have because of it’s compact size and convenience.

To learn more about the differences  between the iPad vs. the Galaxy Tab see: Samsung Galaxy Tab vs. the iPad:  Compare for Yourself.

The iPad retails anywhere from $499 for 16GB hard drive with WiFi to $829 for a 64GB hard drive with WiFi + 3G (through AT&T only).  The Galaxy Tab retails for $599 for the 16 GB WiFi + 3G version or $399 if purchased through any major carrier.  It includes a mini SD slot allowing up to 32GB more of memory.

Have an iPad already?  Check out these free iPad games to play with your kids:

Internet-enabled TV

Internet-enabled TV’s are the latest craze – along with 3D TV’s.  Although I don’t anticipate 3D TV’s will take off the way Internet-enabled TV’s will due to the inconvenience or wearing glasses and their price.

Internet-enabled TV’s are similar to smartphones and tablets in the respect that they offer apps with contained usability to some popular websites.  Utilizing apps on your TV screen allow you to play games, catch up on Facebook and Twitter, watch movies in your que from Netflix, check the weather, check sports scores, watch YouTube.com and Internet podcasts, display pictures, etc., without having to get up to go to your computer.

Internet-enabled TV’s must connect to your router in order to access the Internet.  All Internet-enabled TV’s have an Ethernet plug (if you happen to have an Ethernet cable nearby that connects to your router) or can access the Internet wirelessly with a WiFi adaptor (often purchased separately for around $75.)

Moms will enjoy the ease of selecting movies from their Netflix que, checking their Facebook status (and updating their status), and listening to their favorite Pandora stations from the comfort of their couch.

Wi-Fire Network Adaptor

Now, this isn’t a sexy gadget like the previous mom gadgets but it can really pack a punch.  If you don’t have a roaming wireless data package through your cellphone carrier for your netbook/laptop, then you rely on free WiFi (hotspots) to obtain your Internet connection.  There are more public restaurants, libraries, stores, and other places that offer hotspots but unless you are in the restaurant/store/etc. you are out of luck.

Now you have another option.  The Wi-Fire network adaptor has a range of up to 1,000 feet — three times the range of a normal network adaptor!  This means you can be in a restaurant near Starbucks and tap into their free hotspot Internet service.  Find multiple hotspots you never knew existed.  Have a RV or road trip planned?  Bring along Wi-Fire and skip the trip to the Internet cafe or library.

Or, if you use wireless access in your house, is there an area where you just can’t  get good Internet access?  Perhaps the  bedroom farthest away from the router?  Or maybe outside on the patio?  With the Wi-Fire adaptor, access will no longer  be a problem.  There’s no need to invest in “access points” which help to carry the signal throughout your home.

The Wi-Fire provides a stronger signal which means less spotty connections and frustration because your computer got “hung up” or you got booted out of your online game session…or eBay last minute bidding!  Wi-Fire provided me with an adaptor and I was impressed with the number of network connections I was offered.  If you use a network adaptor for Internet access, this device is a must.  It retails for $49 and can be found at Hfield.com and Amazon for $46.49, as well as a number of other online retailers.

My Ditto Media Server & Backup Drive

Now, I realize I’m getting a little techy on you and a media server & back up drive certainly isn’t a typical Wow gift.  But let me explain.  As moms, we are the memory keepers of the  family.  We take pictures, we make scrapbooks, we write down cute things our kids say and journal memoirs from our vacations.  These memories are important to us and to our growing children.  Due to smartphones, digital cameras, and scanners, more of these memories are digitally stored.  Are you backing up your pictures and videos on an ongoing basis?  Do you have an easy way to display your memories besides gathering around your phone or computer?

The myDitto home network server will provide you  with 1.)back-up security and peace of mind and 2.)secure access to your files like never before.

I love the myDitto server, it has some great unique features.  You can use the myDitto to:

• continuously back up all your pictures, videos, music, and documents from all of your PC’s to one safe centralized location
• access your files on myDitto from your iPhone, iPad, Windows Mobile 6.1+ phone
• stream your photos, music, or videos to your Internet TV or other DLNA compliant devices (gaming console, stereo receiver, Blue Ray player, etc.)
• obtain secure remote access to your files (through peer-to-peer connection)
• allow others (such as grandparents) the ability to see particular folders on your server (like your 2010 pictures folder and all of its contents)

One of the promises of the myDitto is it’s fast set-up — no techie is needed.  Once plugged in, the myDitto accesses your router, establishes itself, and automatically obtains the necessary permissions to communicate with your network.  No need for your routers WEP password like other systems.  The myDitto is designed to be “plug ‘n play.”

There are so many uses here for the myDitto that I’d like to expand upon, besides the most important use of backing up your precious memories.  I’ll go into more details during a product review at a later time.  You can purchase the myDitto online through Amazon.com in a range of hard drive sizes (with price ranges from $161.99 for 500 GB of space to $239.99 for 4 TB of space).  TigerDirect.com sells the 2 TB hard drive for $239.99.

A Web Cam

If your a regular reader of WellConnectedMom.com, you know that I just recently discovered the fun and usefulness of having a PC web cam.  If you’ve never tried Skype before, it’s worth giving it a whirl.  My daughter and I had a blast talking with our friends using Skype – and we could play chess through it too — all for free.

After I was done writing my review on the Microsoft LifeCam web camera, I discovered a new, and perhaps the MOST important use for a web cam — My Kids Video Diary.  My kids are fascinated by my video camera.  So one night I was blessed with the thought, “why not video tape the kids singing their favorite song or get their thoughts about their birthday party, a fun event, etc.?”

My kids eagerly sat on my lap to sing to the web cam their favorite song, “Jesus Loves Me,” and latest favorite “Joy to the World.”  Wow, I have always wanted to hear my son sing “Jesus Loves Me” on my regular video camera but he always shied away.  But now with the web cam I’ve got it!

Create new precious memories and remember old ones by using a web cam and keeping a video diary.  Pictures are great but seeing your childrens’ actions and hearing their voice is priceless.  Web cams vary in price and quality.  You can pick one up for as cheap as $25.  You might want to consider a HD (high definition) though for better quality long-term memories.

XBOX Kinect

The Wii Fit was one of our big recommendations for 2009.  This year, XBOX finally caught up with it’s XBOX Kinect.  In fact, the XBOX surpassed with Wii in regards to “cool” technology.  No need for controllers anymore, with the XBOX Kinect, YOU are the controller!  Now you can spike a volleyball, sprint to the finish line, score a goal, race a car, paddle dangerous waters, become Harry Potter, compete to be the “Biggest Loser,” learn to ice skate with ease, box your husband, downhill ski, workout using Zumba and Pilate’s moves, and more!  There’s only one problem….you have to get off the couch!  Nonetheless, what a great way to get “into” today’s video games with your children.

Visit the XBOX Kinect site to see the Kinect games in action, it really is pretty impressive.  Not only has Microsoft found a way to analyze your body movements and portray them though your avatar on the screen, they have also implemented voice activation and a remote through your hand gestures.  To pick a game you can either tell XBOX Kinect which one you want or scroll through the choices using the motion of your hand.

Kinect is a very innovative technology and one sure to create fun and excitement for your family.  I know it will be on my own Christmas list (hint hint, hubby if you’re reading this  ). The XBOX Kinect retails for $199.98  and can be found at most major retailers…online and off.

Zeo Personal Sleep Coach

If you are a long time reader of WellConnectedMom.com, you’ll know that one of my very favorite gadgets is theZeo Personal Sleep Coach.  I found it at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) earlier this year.  The Zeo consists of an alarm clock and a head band.  At night, you put the head band around your forehead and it tracks all of your sleep moments such as:

• how long until you fall asleep
• how many times you awoke during the night
• how many minutes you were awake during the night
• how much REM you’ve had
• how much deep sleep you’ve had
• how much light sleep you’ve had
• how long you slept for

At the end of your sleeping session, the Zeo rates your quality of sleep based on these measures.  In the morning when you wake up, you can see all the results on your Zeo alarm clock which was transmitted from the headband wirelessly.  The info. is then stored to a SD card that resides in the alarm clock.  You can take the SD card and plug it into your computer to chart and keep track of your blissful or sleepless nights online.  For an additional fee, Zeo will even analyze further your sleep patterns and coach you through to more peaceful sleeping.

It’s truly an “eye opening” experience!  The Zeo Personal Sleep Coach sells online for $199.00 or your can buy it at Brookstone stores or online. The Zeo is also available online at The Sharper Image.

Rubik’s Slide

The Rubik’s Cube was by far one of the most popular toys of the 80′s.  It came packaged as a cube with 6 nicely colored sides.  But once you started twisting and turning it only a very small number of us could ever get it looking uniform again on all six sides.

Believe it or not, the Rubik’s Cube just turned 30.  To celebrate it’s birthday, the makers of the Rubik’s Cube introduced the Rubik’s Slide.  The Slide is a more compact version that uses lights and sounds to add excitement to the game.  It includes over 10,000 puzzles to figure out in three different levels, easy, medium, and hard.

Instead of physically turning and twisting the sides of the cube as with the original Cube, you slide and twist just the top.   The Slide a fun, addictive game that gives you a pattern that you must replicate by switching the colored squares around.  Unlike the Cube with its 6 different colored sides, the Slide only uses 3 colors – red, white, and blue.  But spatially, it is difficult to figure out; if you slide a square three squares to the right – it appears back to the left side again.

It’s a good game to play with your kids and challenge each other who can get the most puzzles solved in a row.  So far my best is 28…on the easy level!  The Rubik’s Slide was awarded the “Creative Toy Award 2010 Game of the Year Award by Creative Child Magazine.  Amazon sells the Rubik’s Slide for $19.99 but is currently on sale online at ToysRUs.com for $10.00!

Speakal iPig

Yes, you read it correctly, an iPig actually made the list of our top 10 Gadget for Mom for Christmas.  Now, you might think I’m a little off my rocker, or you might think of nepotism, as I have “ham” in my last name.  Although there is truth in both of these statements neither one of them is the reason I included the iPig on the list.

There are two main reasons why I love the iPig.  One, it’s so darn cute!  How can you look at the iPig and not fall in love with it’s cuteness!  There are many iPad stereo accessories on the market – many of them professional and upstanding models.  But how many people play their iTunes through a pig?  If you want to stand out from the crowd, have something your kids will love too, and have an item in your home that provokes curiosity, look no further.

Reason number two is the sound.  Believe it or not, this pig can really pound out the tunes!  It has tremendous bass.  It has a 9 watt sub-woofer in it!  I turned it up really loud, I’m talking really loud, and the sound was fantastic.  For a little pig, it could really fill the room without a loss in the quality of sound.  The iPig comes with a remote control so you can change the song or adjust the volume without getting up.  With it’s auxiliary input, it also works as a speaker for other devices such as your TV, laptop computer, gaming consoles, CD player, or other mp3 systems.

I saw the iPig as well as it’s friends, iBoo, mi-Soccer, and others when I saw them at the Consumer Electronic Show in January.  I immediately fell in love with their personalities.  If you’re looking for something to show off your personality and have great sound, you’ll really enjoy the iPig.  iPig retails comes in four different colors (pink, yellow, white, and black) and retails for $129.  Amazon.com sells it for $119.99.  Sears.com actually has the best price at $99.99.  Speakal sells discounted “1st generation” yellow and white pigs on their website for $79.99.

So there you go – 10 great gadgets for mom’s that are sure to delight and dazzle you — and they’re cheaper than diamonds.  Not sure yet what to get your husband?  Choose a gift from this list…you know what they say, “give a gift to someone you’d like yourself!”  Enjoy your holidays and your time with your family.  Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year are always a great time to reflect on how thankful we are for our many blessings.  Have a wonderful Holiday Season and stay tuned for the WellConnectedMom.com’s upcoming annual 12 Days of Christmas Freebies!