Taking the Kids: Useful gadgets and gizmos for the moms in your life
And for the stylish mom who hates bugs, consider PARA’KITO, wide waterproof fun wristbands that can be worn around the wrist or ankle and are inserted with the brand's pellet of seven bug-repelling oils, offering more than two weeks of protection. They're cute too with black, white, gold and silver colors and patterns ($19.98).
For the moms who need multiple pairs of different strength reading glasses, Eyejusters are perfect for travel, and they come equipped with hidden dials so the strength can be changed easily and quickly. The frames are cute too and you can try them for 30 days at no charge (start at $89).
And for the moms like me who too often have discovered at the airport ticket counter that their bag is overweight, consider the EatSmart Precision Voyager Digital Luggage Scale. Mom simply clips the scale to her suitcase or bag and lifts -- the weight appears almost instantly. The scale takes measurement in pounds and kilograms, making it perfect for traveling internationally. Not only is it inexpensive ($14.95) but it will save mom the added stress of getting chided by the rest of the family for overpacking. I've been there.
For the mom who inevitably forgets her phone charger, The CANDI is a new wireless charging station from WITTI Design that illuminates those pesky wires and can charge any Qi-Enabled Device ($29.99).
Any traveling mom like me who hates carrying bulky headphones that inevitably tangle will appreciate the ultra-compact RHA:S500 headphones made from ultra-lightweight aluminum and include six ear tips to customize the fit. And, at $39.95, they're inexpensive enough that you won't beat yourself up too badly if they get left somewhere. For those heading off on a long night flight, consider SleepPhones -- a soft headband with ultra-thin removable speakers to play music, audio books, white noise or podcasts. The classic version is $39.99 and plugs into virtually any device; the wireless version is $99.99 The FDA lists them as a medical device that can help people sleep better.
Are you ready to skip the flowers this year? I'll bet the moms in your life will thank you -- hopefully.
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(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow "taking the kids" on www.twitter.com, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)
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