Gifts for Mom

The 2.8 m (110 in) steel stand slides together without tools and packs into a carry bag with the hammock, though the whole set weighs 12.5 kg (27.6 lb). Its cotton hammock measures 2.2 by 1.6 m (87 by 63 in) and holds up to 204 kg (450 lb). Cotton is slow to dry, so take it in before rain.

• Its own steel stand
• Holds 204 kg (450 lb)
• Stand assembles without tools

What owners say: Owners call it very sturdy and comfortable, straightforward to put together and a size they’re happy with. No complaint recurs.

It holds 2.3 kg (5.1 lb) of seed over six ports, with a Cardinal Ring for bigger birds to perch on. The weight that closes the shroud can be adjusted, so heavier birds can be kept off too. At 71 cm (28 in) from base to hanger, it hangs from a sturdy hook, or sits on a pole with an adaptor sold separately.

• Squirrel-proof
• Holds 2.3 kg (5.1 lb)
• Six feeding ports

What owners say: Owners say it beats the squirrels, feels built to last and holds plenty of seed, and they enjoy watching it; the price is where they part ways.

It holds 473 mL (16 oz) and keeps drinks hot for up to 11 hours, or cold for 24, by Contigo’s figures. One hand holds, sips and locks it. A hook inside the lid keeps a tea bag’s string tidy, the lid goes on the dishwasher’s top rack, and the steel body is washed by hand.

• Hot up to 11 hours
• Push-button lid that locks
• Tea-bag hook in the lid

What owners say: Coffee stays hot for a long time and nothing leaks or spills, owners say, and they like the lock button; it travels well and cleans easily.

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The USB-C port gives up to 30W, enough to take a recent iPhone or Galaxy to half full in about 25 minutes by Anker’s figures, and the USB-A port up to 22.5W for an older cable, both at the same time. A small LED picks out the ports in the dark, it turns its own power down if it runs hot in a parked car, and Anker covers it for 18 months.

• 30W fast-charging USB-C port
• 30W and 22.5W together
• LED light finds the ports

What owners say: Owners rate how quickly it charges and how much power it packs into such a small plug, and they like having USB-C and USB-A side by side and its blue ring of light.

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WoodWick’s medium hourglass holds 275 g (9.7 oz) of soy and paraffin wax and burns for up to 60 hours, by the maker’s figure, with a wooden lid to keep dust off between evenings. Break off the blackened tip of the wick before each lighting so the flame catches cleanly. At about 11.5 cm (4.5 in) tall, it fits a bedside table or a desk.

• Crackling wooden wick
• Burns up to 60 hours
• Wooden lid keeps dust off

What owners say: Owners love the warm vanilla and the comforting crackle, and say it burns for days on end, longer than other candles.

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Each has a clear 100 mL (3.4 fl oz) cup that shows when it needs filling, and seven settings run from fine to coarse on a ceramic core. FORLIM rates the motor at under 68 dB. Covers fit over the grinding ends between meals, and a brush in the box clears any salt that clogs.

• 100 mL per mill
• 7 grind settings
• Motor rated under 68 dB

What owners say: Owners say it works right out of the box, is easy to fill and use, and holds its charge so long that some haven’t recharged it yet; they’re pleased with what it costs.

Heads up: Only one USB-C cable comes in the box, to share between the two mills.

It brews about four mugs at a time. The filter has three layers of steel mesh, and two spare screens come in the box: stack one on for a cleaner cup when the grind is on the fine side. The handle and knob stay cool, and every part, filter included, goes in the dishwasher.

• Double-walled steel, 1 litre
• 3-layer filter, 2 spare screens
• Won’t crack like glass

What owners say: Owners say it keeps coffee hot well after pressing, looks smart on the counter and is easy to clean, and they find it sturdy.

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Choose any temperature from 35 to 48°C (95 to 118°F) on the colour touch screen or the remote and the heater holds it there, with a timer from 10 to 60 minutes and three massage patterns. Raise the support rod before each soak so the sides stay up. Afterwards the massage plate lifts out to clean and a drain hole makes emptying easier.

• 24 motorized massage balls
• Heats to 35–48°C (95–118°F)
• Massage plate lifts out

What owners say: Owners find it enjoyable to use and a good massage for the feet, with water that heats up fast and stays warm. No complaint recurs.

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It weighs 5.4 kg (12 lb) and is sized for one person rather than the whole bed. Fine glass beads sit in small stitched pockets so the weight stays even, it goes in a home washer and dryer on low, and Mr. Sandman backs it with a 12-month guarantee.

• 5.4 kg (12 lb)
• Minky-dot and smooth sides
• Weight stays even, no bunching

What owners say: Owners describe it as luxuriously soft with the weight spread nicely, say they sleep deeply under it and feel it’s good value.

Heads up: The listing calls it queen size, but at 122 × 183 cm (48 × 72 in) it’s cut for one sleeper rather than to cover a queen bed.

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It stands upright on its own steel stand by the coffee maker, so it’s always within reach. For the thickest foam, tilt the cup a little and keep the whisk near the top of the warm milk. No plug comes in the box, so it charges from a phone charger’s USB port.

• USB rechargeable
• Steel stand included
• Hardly any splashing

What owners say: It froths well and feels solidly made, according to its owners; the battery holds up between charges, it rinses clean in seconds and the steel stand is a favourite. No common fault turns up.

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