Gadgets

12 smart-home gifts that people actually want

Published

3 weeks ago

December 4, 2024

12 smart-home gifts that people actually want

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Building a smart home can be rewarding, but knowing which pieces to get (and in what order) can be daunting. If you’re the techy one in your family, save your family and friends the stress by getting them smart-home gifts they’re actually going to use. Whether they’re interested in home security or just want to be able to turn on their lights without having to flick a switch, we’ve got the right recommendations.

Amazon Echo

Amazon

Smart-home accessories can always be controlled using an app on an iPhone or Android phone, but it’s a lot cooler to use your voice instead. The Amazon Echo smart speaker lets you control smart-home accessories using Alexa, Amazon’s smart-home assistant. Once everything is configured, you can say commands like “Alexa, turn off bedroom lights,” and watch as the smart light bulbs (more on them next) shut down. Alexa can also be used to set timers, play music, get answers to questions, and even send audio messages to other Echo speakers.

Yale Assure Lock 2 Smart Lock on a plain white background. — Yale

Few smart home devices offer the sheer convenience upgrade that comes with a smart lock. This smart door lock can remotely indicate whether or not the door is locked, so no more worrying when you leave the house. If the door does happen to be unlocked, this smart setup can lock it with a single tap. The Assure Lock 2 can also be unlocked using a programmed code, fingerprint, or physical key. One of the best reasons to gift a smart door lock is the additional peace of mind that comes with it. Your giftee will get a notification each time their door has been unlocked—and by whom, if they’re using a specific numeric code—so they’ll know if someone has gotten inside. Yale also offers a Lever Lock smart lock, in case their door is configured that way.

GE Cync Dynamic Effects Smart Light Bulbs (2-Pack)

GE Cync Dynamic Effects Smart Light Bulbs on a plain white background. — GE

Smart light bulbs are the most practical smart-home gift you can give because they’re the easiest to install. This two-pack of smart light bulbs from GE’s Cync line will screw into any standard-sized light fixture without any adapters or special tools. Once they’re installed, the lights can be turned on and off, dimmed, or set to one of up to four million colors using the Cync app. One underrated feature is the ability to turn lights on and off at a set schedule, which comes in handy if you install the light bulbs outdoors and want them to turn on and off at dusk and dawn, respectively.

Nest Learning Thermostat

A smart-home gift should have a material impact on the person you’re giving it to, and the latest generation of Nest’s Learning Thermostat checks that box. The thermostat can be controlled via a smartphone app, but its best feature is its ability to learn when you’re home and when you’re not. This allows it to manage your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system as efficiently as possible. By running your heating and cooling systems less often, this thermostat could help lower the utility bill. This generation of the Nest Learning Thermostat comes with a temperature sensor. If you have a room that’s always too hot or cool, this sensor can help the thermostat know when that room needs a little more attention.