Mother’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start shopping for the perfect gift. While chocolates and flowers are a nice gesture, they don’t take a lot of effort. You know that, and the moms in your life know it too. A gift that speaks to their unique interests would be much more appreciated. If you’re not exactly sure what that would be, we’ve put together a list of Mother’s Day gift ideas to inspire you.
Every mom, regardless of age, has a life beyond their children. And while most of us are guilty of forgetting that, Mother’s Day is one of the few days a year when it’s important to acknowledge the moms in your life for the multifaceted people they are.
We’ve deliberately curated a list of gift ideas for moms that have a hobby or special interest, or may be interested in starting one. From photography to astronomy to making music, we’ve got a gift in mind for every type of mom.
Without further ado, here are 13 ‘more than a mom’ Mother’s Day gift ideas.
Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones
If your mom enjoys listening to music, this Mother’s Day might be a good opportunity to get them some new headphones. Now that most cell phones also function as devices for listening to and storing music, a good set of headphones is all they need to listen to their favorite artists whenever they want.
Headphones have existed in some form since as early as the 19th century, but they’ve also changed a lot in recent years. Headphones like Sony’s WH-1000XM4s are a high-end, fashionable accessory. They’re intelligent, wireless, noise-canceling, and sound great. Read more about the headphones in our Sony WH-1000XM3 vs Sony WH-1000XM4 Comparison post.
If you think the mom in your life would prefer something smaller, the Sony WF-XB700 wireless earbuds and Apple Airpods Pro are great alternatives.
Sonos Move Speaker
If your mom likes their music to play out loud, a new speaker might be preferred. Like headphones, modern speakers have come a long way. As a smart speaker, the Sonos Move is compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple Airplay 2. It can answer your questions, make and receive phone calls, even turn off the lights at your request. A built-in array of powerful, far-field microphones means it can pick up your voice commands from afar, even in a noisy room.
If your mom is primarily interested in the voice assistant feature, you could save some money and purchase the Google Home Mini or Amazon Echo instead. However, they are no match for the superb sound quality offered by the Sonos Move. Additionally, the Sonos speaker offers 11 hours of battery life and has IP56 weather sealing. It’s not the most portable speaker on the market, but it is small enough to move around your house easily. It even has a built-in handle.
If the mom in your life is the outdoors type, and would prefer a speaker they can comfortably take on a walk or to the beach, The JBL Charge 4 is a great option. It’s lightweight, IPX7 water resistant, offers 20 hours of battery life, and is currently just $139.95. Check out our post about The Best Outdoor Speakers 2021 for more recommendations.
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT Turntable
If the mom you’re celebrating is over 50, there’s a good chance they listened to music on vinyl when they were younger. Maybe they still have some old records sitting in storage and gathering dust. If that’s the case, a brand new turntable might be just the thing to make their day.
Alternatively, if they are under 50 or don’t own any records, a turntable is still a great gift. Listening to records has become so popular, even modern artists have started releasing their new music on vinyl. As it turns out, there’s something comforting about the scratchy analog sounds of a record, regardless of your age.
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT is a great entry-level turntable. It’s compact, affordable, and even Bluetooth compatible. Hook it up to your mom’s sound system, or if they don’t have one, you can bundle it with a pair of Microlab Bluetooth bookshelf speakers for just $249.99.
Instax Mini 11
Turntables aren’t the only analog technology that are once again in vogue. Unsurprisingly, instant cameras have returned to popularity in recent years. In a world where every person carries a digital camera in their pocket that can take unlimited photos, there’s something novel about using an instant camera. Perhaps it’s because they offer the best of both worlds; the romance and anticipation of a traditional film camera, and the immediate gratification of digital photography. There’s something so rewarding about snapping a photo and physically holding it in your hands as it comes to life.
Fujifilm’s Instax range of instant cameras deserve some credit for the renaissance. They’ve consistently churned out a range of stylish, easy-to-use instant cameras in recent years, including the Instax Mini 11. The little camera has a compact, ergonomic build and prints small photos that develop in just 90 seconds and easily fit in your wallet. The camera comes in a wide variety of bright pastel colors and currently costs just $69.95, or $89.95 with a pack of film and a photo clip stand.
If your mom prefers a retro look and feel, the Instax Mini 40 is effectively the same camera in a vintage build. Alternatively, the Instax SQ1 prints larger photos and has a bigger build and longer battery life. Polaroid has also released some new models in recent years.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30 Active Lifestyle Tough Camera
Instant cameras are great for parties and taking selfies, but aren’t ideal for adventures outside. If you’re hiking up a mountain, you want a camera that won’t weigh you down or get damaged, but still has the specs to take a better photo of the view than your smartphone.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30 camera was made for exploring the great outdoors. It’s dustproof, waterproof (to 23ft/8m), shockproof (up to 5ft/1.5m), and freezeproof (to 14F/-10C). With a 16.6MP sensor and 25-100mm F4.5 lens, the point & shoot camera takes decent pictures whether you’re underwater or on top of a snowy peak. The camera also weighs just 5.2 oz (144g) when loaded with a memory card and battery, and easily fits in one hand. Not bad for a camera under $200.
Sony ZV-1 Vlogging Camera
If the mom in your life loves YouTube, they might be interested in starting their own vlog. YouTube isn’t just for teenagers and young adults. There are countless popular YouTube channels run by moms, many of which are focused on motherhood and family life. However, one of the great things about YouTube is that you can upload content on almost any subject and there’s still a chance you’ll find an audience.
The Sony ZV-1 is a camera specifically designed for vloggers and content creators. It’s a remarkably small, easy to use point & shoot camera that captures high quality stills and video. Using the ZV-1, you can shoot 4K HDR video with full pixel readout. The camera also offers fantastic autofocus and image stabilization capabilities, and is an overall pleasure to use.
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is another great vlogging camera. Unlike the ZV-1, the M50 Mark II doesn’t have a fixed lens, and can also be used as a high-grade webcam. If the mom in your life takes a lot of video calls, they might appreciate the upgrade. Check out our post on the Best Vlogging Cameras for Beginners 2020 for more recommendations.
Zoom PodTrak P4 Podcast Recorder
If the mom in your life doesn’t currently listen to podcasts, it’s only a matter of time. Podcasts have surged in popularity over the past 5 years. Edison Research estimates that as of 2021, approximately 70% of Americans are familiar with podcasting, and about 35% listen to a podcast at least once per month.
If your mom is already hooked, the next step might be starting their own. Starting your own podcast has never been easier, especially with audio recorders like the Zoom PodTrak P4. It’s specifically designed for recording podcasts, and makes it very easy. Read our full review here.
The P4 currently costs $199.99, but your mom will also require some additional gear before they start recording. This $449.99 bundle includes two podcast microphone packs with everything they’ll need to get started.
Alternatively, you could get your mom a high-quality USB microphone like the Blue Yeti X. It will allow them to record their podcast directly into a computer. They could also use it for other passions, such as singing or gaming, or to improve their audio for video conference calls.
Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80 AZ Telescope
Have you ever caught your mom looking up at the night sky in admiration or wonder? Or maybe they love reading about the latest efforts by NASA to explore the final frontier? If so, they might be interested in taking up astronomy.
The Celestron StarSense Explorer LT 80 AZ smart telescope is great for beginners. The telescope works in conjunction with a mobile app to help you find objects in the sky. It’s a great way to start learning more about astronomy and how to find stars, constellations, and other celestial objects using a telescope.
The StarSense Explorer LT 80 AZ is also affordable, easy to assemble, and lightweight without feeling cheap or fragile. If your mom likes this gift, maybe they will even name a star after you.
Canon EOS Ra
If your mom already owns a telescope, maybe they would be interested in trying astrophotography instead.
Canon’s EOS Ra camera was specifically designed for astrophotography. The camera is equipped with a modified infrared filter that permits four times the amount of hydrogen alpha light into the sensor than a standard Canon EOS R camera. This allows the camera to capture more detailed photographs of celestial objects. The EOS Ra also features a 30x magnification feature that allows you to get a little closer to those deep-space objects that are literally lightyears away.
It’s worth noting that because of its modifications, the EOS Ra is not the ideal choice for other styles of photography. You’ll likely get some odd color reproduction in your photos when you try to capture something other than the night sky. You can read more about this unique camera in our full Canon EOS Ra Review.
Nikon 10×42 Prostaff 3S Binoculars
Like astronomy and astrophotography, birdwatching (or birding) is a peaceful, relaxing pastime that can be enjoyed at any age. We recommended all three activities in our post about Outdoor & Indoor Hobbies You Should Try in 2021.
While you can go birding without binoculars, it certainly helps to have a pair with you. That way you can see birds (and other wildlife) up close, without physically getting close enough that you accidentally disrupt or scare them. We recommend the Nikon 10×42 Prostaff 3S binoculars for beginners.
The 10×42 Prostaff 3S binoculars are lightweight, comfortable and easy to use, and feature high quality optics that ensure a pleasant experience. Featuring lead-and-arsenic-free eco-glass with multilayered coating for high light transmittance, these binoculars won’t let your mom down. They’re also waterproof, fogproof, and encased in a non-slip rubber-armored coating. Currently priced $136.95, these binoculars offer great value.
Apple Watch Series 5
Wearable technology has exploded in the last ten years, and the Apple Watch is one of the all-time great smart watches. We recommend the Series 5 – while the Series 6 is the more recent model, it only offers several updates. The Series 5 is almost as powerful with a considerably smaller price tag.
Other than telling time (with an optional, always-on display), the Series 5 Apple Watch features a built-in compass for more accurate navigation, and can be used for everything from texting and receiving calls (when synced with an iPhone) to health and fitness tracking. Not to mention the variety of stylish bands available.
If the mom in your life is primarily interested in fitness tracking, alternatives like the Fitbit Charge 4 or the Fitbit Versa 2 are more affordable and offer longer battery life. Although, for your own sake, please don’t give your mom (or anyone) a fitness-focused gift unless it was specifically requested.
Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
If your mom really likes music, maybe they’d be interested in making their own. While it’s never too late to start learning an instrument, a MIDI keyboard controller like Novation’s Launchkey Mini MK3 is also an option.
MIDI keyboard controllers are primarily used to make electronic music. They’re designed for use with a DAW (digital audio workstation); a type of software that deals with recording and editing sound. The Launchkey Mini MK3 comes with the Ableton Live Lite software, and is incredibly easy to use. Your mom will be making music within moments of setting it up.
The Mini MK3 features 25 mini-keys, 16 touch sensitive drum pads, and touch strips for adjusting pitch and modulation. To learn more about the Mini MK3, check our Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 vs MK2 Comparison post.
If the mom in your life is already an experienced musician, maybe they just need access to a new instrument. For pianists and keyboard players, this Yamaha EZ220 keyboard bundle includes a bench, stand, learning materials and more, and costs just $299.99.
Microsoft Surface Pro 7
The tablet is very quickly becoming the new laptop. Offering almost all the same functionality in a more compact and versatile build, tablets are now the device of choice for artists, students, professionals, and others that require a portable yet powerful computer.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 7 is one of the most versatile tablets currently available. Whether your mom likes making digital art, editing photos or videos, watching movies, or any of the hundreds of other things you can do on a tablet, they’ll get plenty of use out of a Surface Pro 7.
Alternatively, if your mom prefers a Macintosh operating system, the 8th Gen 10.2’’ Apple iPad is also more affordable. However, the Surface Pro 7 is still better priced than the latest iPad models.
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That concludes our 2021 list of Mother’s Day gift ideas. We hope our list has inspired you to consider the interests and passions of the moms in your life, other than their children.
The perfect gift doesn’t have to be expensive, or even related to a hobby. But it should show the mom you’re honoring that you love, listen, and respect who they are, outside of their role as a mother.
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