Dial Us In
Let's just start with the obvious: The iPhone 7 and 7 Plus debuted earlier this year and moms are loving some of the updated smartphone's new features. For moms who live on social media, the wide-angle and telephoto dual cameras on the Plus will up your Instagram game. And the fact that the phones are splash-, water- and dust-resistant offers a friendly nod to the fact that we and our kids sometimes make messes.
Take a Stand
No matter what iPhone you have, it will always need a good charge. This sleek, aluminum stand from Satechi boasts a minimalist design that complements your device in gold, rose gold, space gray or aluminum. Hands-free access and a sturdy grip for your lightning cord are two more reasons to plug in to this desk accessory.
To buy: Satechi, $25
Print This
Bypass the hassle of using your desktop printer or waiting for online developers to send your pics via snail mail. With the HP Sprocket portable printer, you can print those Instagram gems anywhere you have a Bluetooth connection. Everything is controlled via the Sprocket app, there's no printer cartridge required—and it's compatible with iOS and Android devices. So snap away!
To buy: HP, $130
Pretty Fit
While exercising is almost always hard (yes, that's the point, but still), you're bound to get inspired to literally step it up with this gorgeous fitness band from Misfit. The Ray design features the sleek metallic core, which tracks steps, calories and sleep. The device comes with either a sport or leather band but you can also opt for the double-wrap leather band, which looks extra stylish when you're sweating like a boss.
To buy: Misfit, $100 (add $30 for double-wrap band)
Preschool Plaything
Elmo at your child's fingertips? Done! PBS Kids launched its first tablet this fall—the Playtime Pad, filled with more than 25 games and 120 video clips. Kids can dive into the family-friendly, educational material on a dedicated device, complete with front-and-back cameras, a coloring app and parental controls for screen-time management.
To buy: Best Buy, $80
Get (Virtually) Real
Talk about a game changer! Google is bringing virtual reality to your smartphone with its Daydream View headset. With the stylish device, viewers can immerse themselves in 360-degree landscapes as well as movies and games. The sleek headset doesn't look half bad, either!
To buy: Google, $79
Smart Bulb
Want to dim (or brighten) your living room lights, but you're too
lazy
busy checking emails on your smartphone? Well, as you can imagine, there's an app for that. So go ahead and get comfy. The TP-Link Smart LED lightbulb works with your Wi-Fi router to brighten, soften and basically just comply with your lighting schedule. Smart, indeed.
To buy: Amazon, $20
Game On
Nintendo has certainly upped its game since this generation of moms was playing "Super Mario Bros." on the original boxy console. Our kids can now play cool games while watching a 3-D screen without the need of those awkward glasses. The Nintendo 3DS XL Galaxy edition, which hit stores earlier this year, features face-tracking 3D, faster processing power and stereo cameras that allow players to take 3-D photos. (You want to borrow it now, don't you?)
To buy: Target, $200
Code Red
Kids can get their coding game on with Piper. The ultimate DIY for little engineers who love "Minecraft," Piper is a kit that includes an LED screen, a computer, SD card, cords, switches and a wooden base that boys and girls can construct to play the electronic building game.
Talk about STEM-friendly! Kids can bolster their coding and electronics skills while also learning how to problem-solve. Next, they'll be fixing your broken TV.
To buy: PlayPiper, $299
Suck It Up
OK, yes, this vacuum is pricey. But check out what it can do. Not only does the device have a 360-degree view of the space it's covering, the vacuum also has double the suction power of regular vacuums, can detect its surroundings for stairs or dips and can even maneuver itself back to its docking station when it needs to recharge. If only our kids would do that at nap time!
To buy: Dyson, $1,000
So Cool!
Honestly, who hasn't wanted to attach a tablet to their refrigerator and make it a little "smarter"? Featuring a touchscreen display that allows you to check a calendar, leave notes for your family and stream music(!), the Samsung Family Hub refrigerator is the appliance of your dreams. This modern fridge also takes pictures of its contents, which you can access from your phone, so you'll always know what you need to buy from the grocery store. Genius!
To buy: The Home Depot, $3,798
Hey, Brainiac
Put your brain—and your kids' noggins—to the test with this fun and challenging video series. "Brain Games: The Complete Series," from National Geographic, features interactive games and experiments that give viewers more insight into what makes us tick—and why we perceive what we perceive.
The seven-disc series touches on memory, if there's a difference between the male and female brain, and if some of us were born to be a little less angelic than others.
To buy: National Geographic, $100
