Android Central Mother’s Day gift guide 2016

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Not sure what to get Mom this year? Look no further than these great Mother’s Day gift ideas.

Mother’s Day can be a stressful time for sons and daughters all over the world. If you haven’t yet found something for Mom, that is. Use this gift guide to help you through the process of buying for her in a way that will leave her speechless this Sunday.

  • Nextbit Robin
  • Ring Video Doorbell
  • Ring Stick Up Cam
  • Moto 360 for Women
  • Bose Quiet Comfort 25
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
  • Google Chromecast
  • Huawei smartwatch

Nextbit Robin

NextBit Robin - Mint color

If Mom loves taking pictures with her phone, the Nextbit Robin might be the ideal choice. Featuring a 13MP camera and dual-tone flash, this phone will have no problem capturing clear, vibrant images. The 32GB onboard storage is merged with 100GB of online storage, meaning she can take a picture a minute for about 75 days without running out of space. Expect a thorough catalog of children’s and grandchildren’s special moments.

The 100GB online storage can also archive things you’re not using, meaning Mom can download more games and apps without having to delete old ones. This phone runs apps smoothly with 3GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 808 processor.

Let’s talk about style. Users everywhere claim the same thing: this phone turns heads. Available now in mint color (think of a robin’s egg) or a darker midnight, this phone has rounded edges while maintaining a rectangular shape that rests firmly in your hand. Mom will love this unique device that does it all at a fraction of the price of other flagship phones.

ON SALE MAY 4-10: And just in time for Mother’s Day, the Robin will be reduced to just $299!

See at Amazon

Ring Video Doorbell

Ring Video Doorbell

This is a perfect gift for mothers concerned with security. (Or you staying out too late.) The Ring Doorbell captures video the moment the bell is rung or when motion is detected. The camera has built-in night vision so that there is no lapse in security. The Ring app (available for Android and iOS, and with desktop versions for Mac and PC) displays alerts and video over Wi-Fi, and even lets you speak with whomever is at the door.

The best part really is that you never have to actually go to the door to see who’s on the other side.

The Ring Doorbell is easy to install. It can be wired directly to existing doorbell wires, or it can be powered with the built-in rechargeable battery. There are four color options to choose from — antique brass, polished brass, satin nickel, or venetian bronze — meaning there is a stylish option for any house. And a new option lets you see things in 1080p.

See at Amazon

Ring Stick Up Cam

Ring Stick Up Cam

The Ring Stick Up Cam can be mounted anywhere and can be rotated to capture whatever angle you desire. The camera is designed to monitor your property but has many other uses. Because it features two-way talk, it can be used to keep an eye and ear on the kids when you’re not in the room and, with night vision and forthcoming on-demand video, you will be able to make sure the baby is sleeping soundly without leaving bed.

Video footage can be saved to Ring’s cloud service for playback later, and you can check footage any time you want from anywhere in the world. If you’re strictly local, the camera can also save footage to a computer.

This camera is powered by a lithium-ion battery that can be charged with solar energy. Since it is generally installed outside and in sunlight, you will not be wasting power while the camera monitors every movement. The Stick Up Cam is a great addition to the Ring Video Doorbell, creating multiple layers of security for Mom’s property.

See at Amazon

Moto 360 for Women

Moto 360 - Rose gold and blush leather band

Motorola combines tech and style with this watch (a staple Mother’s Day gift!) designed exclusively for women. There are three options to choose from to best suit her style: a gold face with gold metal strap, silver face with silver metal strap, and rose gold face with blush leather strap. Moto 360 straps can be swapped out in seconds thanks to a quick-release mechanism, allowing simple customization. The display is fully customizable, and there are many Android Wear apps to augment your experience, including Spotify and Shazam.

This watch also features a built-in fitness tracker that monitors heart rate, counts steps, and tracks calories. Keep in mind that while this watch is smart, it cannot make or take calls — Motorola advertises “Updates, not interruptions.” Not a bad idea for the mother who can’t find enough time in the day to get it all done.

See at Amazon

Bose QuietComfort 25

Bose QuietComfort 25

Featuring Bose’s incredible sound and noise-canceling technology, the QC25 headphones are a great idea for the music lover. Choose from two color options — white and gold or black — to fit Mom’s style. The headphones are large enough to fit over the ear while maintaining a lightweight design, and the suede-like material on the headband rests lightly for extra comfort.

While these headphones are advertised as Apple-compatible, they are also compatible with most Android devices. You’ll be able to listen to music on any device, but double-check compatibility before making calls or controlling music playback.

Whether Mom flies a lot or simply yearns to listen to music without interruption, she will love these noise-canceling headphones.

See at Amazon

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2

No matter the role Mom plays, she will love Samsung’s Tab S2. Her professional side will enjoy Microsoft Office Tools, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The Tab’s Multi Window capability allows easy multi-tasking; edit documents while simultaneously sharing photos with grandparents.

If Mom enjoys gaming, she will be pleased with the Tab’s vibrant AMOLED display that is available in 8- and 9.7-inch sizes. The tablet comes stock with 32GB flash memory and is expandable using a microSD card, ideal since Mom will take a lot of pictures with the 8MP camera.

This tablet is light, mobile, and will complete the tasks Mom throws at it. If she is upgrading from another tablet, Samsung’s Smart Switch makes transferring data a breeze.

See at Amazon

Google Chromecast

Google Chromecast

Chromecast is a small, unobtrusive device that plugs into the back of your TV or speakers and allows streaming content from your laptop or smartphone. Mom will love how easy Chromecast is to set up, and will love how soon she can take a well-deserved break with her favorite TV show or movie. Although Chromecast works best with Android devices, it is also compatible with Mac products.

Chromecast also has hundreds of compatible apps, including Netflix, HBO GO, and Hulu Plus. Keep in mind that some of these services require an extra subscription — not a bad idea for an add-on gift.

Mom is also able to turn her TV into a talking piece using Chromecast’s customization options. Create personalized slideshows with your own pictures that turn your TV into a backdrop for the day’s activities, from entertaining guests to giving a professional presentation. Overall this is a very versatile gift with an attractive price tag.

See at Best Buy

Huawei smartwatch

Huawei smartwatch

Watches are a common gift for Mom on her special day. If you feel like changing things up a bit this year, Huawei’s brand new smartwatch does stuff your standard watch does not do. Not to mention she’ll be one of the first rocking this fancy accessory.

The 1.4 inch AMOLED display shows notifications and alerts when paired with your phone (compatible with Android and iOS). Help Mom keep up with text messages and apps; she can even answer or make calls through the watch. This is a great idea for the mother in perpetual motion. Add a fitness tracker and heart-rate monitor to the equation and you have a top competitor for smartwatch supremacy.

Having mentioned function, let’s now discuss style. This smartwatch is designed with luxury in mind. Featuring a stainless steel body colored with gold and a white genuine leather wristband, this watch attempts to make a statement. Not satisfied with the watch’s strap? Check out these other options. Huawei’s smartwatch is a strong option if Mom is looking for something suitable for any occasion or with any outfit.

See at Amazon

Have your say

Did you give Mom something extra special last year? Did you already purchase something for her this year? Let us know in the comments section below.