Dear Mom,

After all the things you’ve done for me (like paying that credit card I ran up back in my first year of college) I figured I’d do something different this Mother’s Day.

Instead of the usual flowers and a card, I wanted to find you a present that’s both useful and works as a reminder that you’re a hip, cool mom who’s not afraid to crank her iPod — and all that awful, awful music that was popular in the 70s.

So I put some thought into it this year and found five fun tech toys that I think you’ll enjoy. Gadgets aren’t just for Father’s Day, after all.

You know how you’re always concerned about germs and making sure me and my brother wash our hands before every meal? Time to return the nagging — err — favor.

You’ll love the iSkin Microban iPhone and iPod case. ($24.99 to $34.99 at the Apple Store) It’s antimicrobial and prevents the growth of germs and bacteria and can be washed with soap and water.

While we’re on the topic, you’ll also love this iHome iP39 Stainless Steel iPod/iPhone dock. ($99.99) It’s has a built-in kitchen timer, so it’s perfect for jamming out to your Celine Dion songs while waiting for those amazing blueberry muffins you make when I come to visit. I think this one’s a win-win for both of us.

For Christmas, dad bought you that cool, pink digital camera. The CEIVA Pro 80 digital picture frame ($147.99) will let you display all your new digital snapshots. It comes with the "Dazzle Crystal Kit" of Swarovski crystals you can use to decorate the frame anyway you like. I’ll leave that to you, but I’ve always pre-loaded the fame with photos of your two wonderful sons and doting husband.

Now I’ve noticed that you and dad have been stocking the wine rack lately with healthy reds and sweet whites. Take the Skybar Wine Traveler ($19.99) along on your next picnic. It’s insulated and keeps pre-chilled wine at the perfect temperature. The convenient carrying handle makes it easy to lug around to parties and cookouts — like your amazing annual Memorial Day picnic where you and dad spend all day cooking every imaginable dish from smoked ribs to macaroni salad.

Before you go out, I know you like to make sure your hair is done just right. That’s why you’re getting a T3 Giftset. ($200) It comes with the featherweight T3 hair drier with brushes, sectioning clips, and conditioner. The T3 is high-efficiency. It uses very little energy, and its ionic infrared heat will dry your hair 60 percent faster than a normal drier.

The Rundown

FOR THE IPHONE MOM

The iSkin Microban iPhone cover It’s an iPhone case that protects against germs.

Why: Your mom will appreciate that all those hand-washing lessons have rubbed off on you.

FOR THE WINE DRINKING MOM

The Skybar Wine Traveler It keeps chilled wine cool for hours so the wine is ready to enjoy when you are. A convenient carrying handle makes it perfect for toting wine to dinner parties, picnics, or evenings out on the town.

Why: Your mom shouldn’t have to drink warm white wine on a hot summer’s day.

FOR CHEF MOM

The iHome iP39 Stainless Steel iPod/iPhone docking stereo, alarm clock, and kitchen timer Perfect for listening to music in the kitchen.

Why: Her favorite songs put mom in a good mood. Good moods lead to cookies and pies and other delicious treats.

FOR MOM’S HAIR

The T3 Giftset The T3 ultralight, high-efficiency hair dryer with brushes, sectioning clips, and conditioner.

Why: Because your mom deserves to look fabulous.

FOR THE SHUTTERBUG MOM

The CEIVA Pro 80 Digital Picture Frame decorated with Swarovski Crystals

Why: Your mom needs a stylish method to display her favorite photos of you.

FOR MOM’S JEWELRY

Brookstone Ultrasonic Jewelry and DVD Cleaner.

Why: It cleans your mom’s jewelry and movies with ease and without any chemicals. And it’s on sale for $39.95.

Sonoro Audio, a German designer of high-end audio products, announced Tuesday that it is releasing a clock radio that’s decorated with about 4,000 black and white Swarovski crystallized stones.

The Swarovski crystals cover the outside of the radio forming a tattoo-style vine wrapping across the product, the company said in a statement.

You can have some bling for $2500 if you can make your way to Saks Fifth Avenue’s home department.

We’re currently reviewing one of Sonoro’s Cubo products, and we love the way it sounds so far.

Just in Case Inc. is the maker of a discreet and stylish condom case for women. Just in time for National Condom Day (Valentines Day) they are giving away 10,000 of their compacts to women’s Non-Profit Groups nationwide.Nominated by the public, two lucky non-profit organizations from each state will receive 100 compacts to distribute to their customers to promote safe sex.

Pastel, Classic Bling, Metallic or Rendez-Vous Red, the cases look like a compact mirror on the inside, but secretly hold up to two condoms at a time. All of the he cases go for $24.95, except for the Classic Bling case, which is studded in Swarovski Crystals, which sells for $199.00.

Five percent of the gross profits are donated to causes such as AIDS research and prevention and women’s health.

Mother Marsha G. Bartenetti and daughter Rachael Sudul, founded the corporation in response to "alarmingly growing rate of teen pregnancy, STD’s, and HIV/AIDS cases and created a product that gives sexually active women a stylish reason to carry condoms", a press release says.

According to their website, a men’s line is underway as well as an “ultra chic evening compact.”

The cases are a great way to be safe and fashionable, and would make a great gift for a loved one this Valentines Day.