The holidays are quickly approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about gifts for the special people in your life. Beyond our 28 Days of Deals, where you’ll find new, amazing savings each week from November 10th – December 8th (with all deals valid through December 31st), we’ve put together this additional round up of the latest home security holiday gifts and smart home gadgets that perfectly pair with and complement your system.
Smart Light Bulbs
Smart light bulbs are a perfect home security holiday gift to add to your list. They’re a great way to add a little flare to your automated lights. Plus they use much less energy than traditional halogen and incandescent light bulbs since they’re LED. When programmed with your home automation system, smart light bulbs can change between thousands of colors. Take your holiday decorations to the next level with themed lighting. You can even sync it to your favorite song to brighten the season!
Phillips Hue lights are consistently rated as some of the best smart light bulb producers. They’re known for their flexibility in connecting to a wide array of smart home devices. Versatility with these products goes a long way. Instantly change the mood and feel of any room by changing light color and brightness. You can even set timers to efficiently use the lights in your home.
Smart Plugs
With smart plugs, there’s no limit to your home automation potential. Essentially, smart plugs can make any “normal” wired appliance or electronic device smart home compatible. They plug directly into your outlets, almost like a power strip, which you’ll then plug any appliances directly to as well. From there, almost any appliance or device can be added to your automation network, which you’ll be able to power on and off remotely while also issuing commands via your automation app.
You might use smart plugs to power devices like:
- Lamps and other lighting that aren’t synced with home automation lights (including decorative lights!)
- A coffee pot, to start brewing before you even get out of bed
- Preheat the oven from another room – or check that you turned it off when you’ve left the house
Plus, with more devices connected to your network, you can more accurately monitor your energy usage for the best monthly savings.
It’s recommended to use different types of smart plugs for indoor and outdoor use. For indoor, the Smart Outlet series from ConnectSense is versatile and effective, allowing users to connect their devices directly via any wi-fi network (meaning you aren’t limited to specific platforms like iOS and Android). For outdoor use, the Refoss Waterproof Smart WiFi plug is stylish, IP44 Weatherproof certified, with coverings that offer more protection from dirt and debris.
Smart Shades
No, unfortunately we’re not talking about some super high-tech sunglasses (maybe some day!). We’re talking about motorized window treatments, basically automated blinds. Neither of which are very fun to say so we’ll stick with smart shades. They might not seem like a necessity, but smart shades can really take the rooms of your smart home to the next level, which is why they’re the perfect addition to our home security holiday gifts guide.
Much like the other automated devices on our list, smart shades can operate on a timer. Meaning you can schedule that perfect, natural wake-up as the sun rises each morning. The added convenience of remote operation also makes it easier to get use out of windows that may be otherwise difficult to reach. Or you can simply wow house guests with your Don Draper luxury blinds, adding the perfect finishing touches to any smart home.
We like the products at ZebraBlinds. They might be a little pricey, but they work with Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Z-wave Remote and Hubs, as well as SmartThings, making them flexible and versatile for any smart home user.
Smart Speakers
By now, you probably have some form of a bluetooth speaker in your house. However there’s real value in investing in a speaker that not only plays quality sound for your music and movie experiences, but syncs with your home automation systems for voice commands and updates. Your budget may vary for home security holiday gifts. Luckily there are plenty of options from some of the top names in tech.
Depending on your home automation system compatibility and/or your preferred networks, we suggest checking out:
- The Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa, voice control and hands-free calling. It’s a sleek, spherical design that comes with all the functionality you’d expect from an Amazon device.
- Nest Audio from Google offers the convenience of other smart speakers with the added ability to connect multiple speakers throughout your home. It’s a great feature that lets you play music room-to-room. Plus it ensures your smart home automation is always just a shout away.
- On more of the luxury-side of things, the Sonos One is perfect for the music lover in your life. It’s a bit bulkier than some other offerings, but it’s a small sacrifice for a superior product. Syncing multiple speakers, home automation compatible, and extensive customization make the Sonos One worth the higher price tag.
Infrared Illuminator
Need a gift for the James Bond aficionado in your family? With an infrared illuminator, you can ensure your outdoor security cameras work better when they’re most needed – at night! While many modern video security services offer built-in night vision, there’s always room for improvement. Infrared illuminators function directly near outdoor video cameras. They work by emitting light that the human eye can’t see, but a camera operating on a compatible wavelength can. Infrared illuminators are great options for home and business owners who need better protection at night. And they’re great for those who otherwise can’t or don’t want to install floodlights or other outdoor lighting. Plus they have excellent range and won’t disturb neighbors (or tip off potential intruders!).
The folks at Spy.com have a great round-up of some of the best infrared illuminators on the market today, as well as a comprehensive explanation of each product’s best uses and system compatibility. Don’t get left in the dark this holiday – check it out!
Smart Thermostat Upgrades
If your home is already smart-equipped, odds are a smart thermostat was one of the first upgrades you installed. We love smart thermostats, they’re a great way to save on energy costs and are perfect for convenience and comfort. You can kick your smart thermostat function up a notch, too, with gadgets like temperature sensors and air quality trackers. With temperature sensors, you can gauge the temperature and humidity levels of multiple rooms in your house. Set the perfect comfort level for any room, as well as custom commands for your smart thermostat to follow. Most temperature sensors double as motion sensors, adding an extra layer of security. We like the ZOOZ Z-Wave Plus 4-in-1 Sensor for the price, but there are a ton of these products out there. Just make sure to get one that’s compatible with your home system!
Air quality trackers are becoming more and more commonplace as well. They’re an amazing way to protect your family and customers at your business. And they provide real-time value on air quality metrics that influence health and wellbeing. Check out the array of air quality products from Awair, but be aware (get it?), most of these products require a separate application to operate.
For More Smart Home Security Holiday Gifts, Stick with My Alarm Center
Still in the holiday spirit? Be sure to stay up to date during our 28 Days of Deals specials for the latest security and Smart Home upgrades! Starting November 10 we’ll reveal a new, amazing deal every week through December 8. With all weekly offers valid until December 31, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Check out all the deals, bookmark the page, and check back each week for the latest savings. And for new customers, take advantage of any deal throughout the month and receive a $100 gift card to put towards a new security system install or Smart Home upgrade!
And if you’re looking for more ways to keep your family safe, check out our home automation services at My Alarm Center. We offer a wide range of home security options to protect you and your family. If you’re ready to discuss our custom solutions, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you prepare for what’s next.