Affiliate Disclosure
If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Read our ethics policy.

These top Mother's Day gift ideas are perfect for Apple fans

Last updated

Many moms are happy with a card, flowers, or a meal out. If you want to go a step further, here are some Apple-related Mother's Day gifts you can spring for.

If you'd like to see our recommendations in-action, check out our hands-on video.

Beats Solo3 - Mickey's 90th Anniversary Edition

This one's for moms who adore both Disney and music. Apple released these last October, but it flew under the radar for many out there.

Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones Mickey Mouse 90th Anniversary Edition Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones Mickey's 90th Anniversary Edition

The Mickey edition is functionally identical to any other Solo3, but the Mickey's 90th Anniversary Edition ($299.95) design extends from the headband to the earcups, and comes with a custom felt case. If it's a little too audacious, plenty of conventional colors are available.

Apple News+

This is literally a gift for yourself as much as your busy mother, as the subscription cost ($9.99 per month) includes Family Sharing. That means both of you can keep up with the latest news and relax with over 250 magazines. All magazines have a year's worth of back issues. Subscribe to Apple News+ here, and learn the upsides and downsides of the service.

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

2018 Kindle Paperwhite

While an iPad or even an iPhone XS Max is always a better value — you can do more on it, and read via the Kindle iOS app — when you just want something to read, a physical Kindle can be ideal. There are no distractions, and you can keep it right in your car or bag, knowing the battery will last for weeks. Right now the Kindle Paperwhite ($129.99) is the middle child but probably the sweet spot. You could spend $250 and get a Kindle Oasis, which has a larger screen, or you could spend $90 and get a lower resolution.

Monoprice Wireless Charger

Monoprice Wireless Charger

Get a few. These low-cost Monoprice wireless chargers are handy to have around the house and at $7.99 apiece, you'll look cheap gift-wrapping just the one. There are very many Qi chargers available that range widely in both price and features, yet these are practical for both cost and compatibility with every Apple device.

Tile Pro

Tile Pro

For those who frequently misplace their keys or other objects, a Tile Pro makes it easier to track them down. It can be made to ring from an iPhone even if it's out of sight — conversely, a double-press of the Tile button will make an iPhone ring, even when set to silent. A two-pack is available from Amazon for $49.99.

Philips Hue 2-Pack Smart Light Starter Kit

Philips Hue 2-Pack Smart Light Starter Kit

Bring your mother's decor into the 21st century by introducing them to HomeKit-controlled lighting. The Hue 2-Pack Smart Light Starter Kit ($99.99) includes two color-changing bulbs and a Hue hub, which connects to a Wi-Fi router. If you or your mom are more ambitious, more expensive kits offer things like extra bulbs and/or a dimmer switch. We've reviewed many Hue products in the past and have always been a fan of their ease of use, design, and functionality.

Anova Nano

Anova Nano

The Nano is a first step into the world of sous vide cookery. Using a large pot and a companion app, the Nano can be used to cook meats and vegetables to a specified level of doneness without ever overcooking. The app provides assistance with recipes and timing, as well as alerts when food is finished. It's currently on sale for $89.97 at Amazon, with two other models offering more power and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Vivid Seats

Stevie Wonder

Instead of picking up another gadget for Mother's Day, you can use your gadget for a real-world experience. Pick up a pair of tickets or a gift card with a service such as Vivid Seats. It works with the Wallet app, which makes it easy to display tickets at a venue, and with so many live shows there's certainly something she'll love to see, especially if you go with.

iPad mini 5

The iPad mini ($394+) finally got a refresh this year, making it very tempting for those looking at a smaller iPad that doesn't have outdated specs. It now packs excellent performance for all the games and photo apps available, but with its small size, it's an excellent reading device. An updated display offers True Tone ambient color matching and extra brightness.

AirPods 2

AirPods 2

These are a no-brainer to us. The second-generation AirPods are a fantastic upgrade over the original, and pair in seconds with any iOS or macOS device, requiring no tinkering in the Bluetooth menu.

They sound great, have excellent microphones for taking phone calls, and if you opt for the wireless charging case it's one less thing your mom needs to worry about. You can grab second-gen AirPods for $159, or $199 with the wireless case.

UE Wonderboom

UE Wonderboom

We took a look at the UE Megaboom when it launched and the Wonderboom ($52.99 refurbished) is just as fun. It's a highly mobile Bluetooth speaker, suitable not just for the house but the pool or campsite. For its size and price, it also sounds great.

Logitech Crayon

Logitech Crayon

As long as your mom has a compatible iPad, we recommend the Logitech Crayon ($49.99). This is essentially a lower-cost alternative to the Apple Pencil with a lot of the same technology, just missing pressure sensitivity.

She doesn't have to be an artist — a stylus can be useful for playing puzzles, coloring, or jotting down notes and lists.

Apple Watch Series 4

Apple Watch Series 4

There are still great deals on the Apple Watch Series 3 ($199+), and many people may be legitimately content with last year's model. If you want to make sure your mom has the latest and great though, check out the Series 4 ($384+). There are two big features that make it worth it to us: the EKG sensor and fall detection. Both of these health options are just as important as the fun ones like Walkie Talkie.

Fitbit Inspire HR

Fitbit Inspire HR

If you don't want to shell out quite so much for an Apple Watch, a cheaper alternative is the Fitbit Inspire HR ($99.95). It still acts as a solid fitness tracker, with heart monitoring built in. It may not be as flashy as a Watch, but these lower-cost fitness wearables are popular for a reason.

Ember Mug

Ember Mug

Many moms love to sip coffee and tea, which can make Ember mugs a nice luxury. There are two sizes of cups ($79.99+), as well as a to-go tumbler ($149.95). They keep your beverage dialed in at the perfect temperature so it doesn't go cold while it sits. They're made of ceramic too, so they have a great feel to them and don't scream "gadget." Heat can be easily controlled through an accompanying iOS app.

Apple TV

Apple TV 4K

TV has mercifully been gaining in quality over the past few years, with even Apple stepping into the game. Before Apple launches its upcoming streaming service, you can prep your mom with a new Apple TV.

There are two models to choose from — the Apple TV HD ($149) and the Apple TV 4K ($179+). To know which to get, check if your mom has a TV with 4K or HDR — if she doesn't, she's not going to get much different from the pricier set-top.

Both are capable of running apps, including some games, and can stream content from hundreds of different services including Hulu, Netflix, HBO Now, and Amazon Prime. Just be prepared to help set all of these up — and let her borrow your Netflix password.