With the holidays just around the corner, odds are you’ve already picked out the perfect gifts for just about all your friends and family. But for the tech enthusiast in your life that seemingly already has it all, crossing their name off your list may be proving harder than it needs to be. To help you out, I’ve picked out my favorite smart home gadgets that are sure to delight.
Smart home tech has really grown over the past year, with many of the most sought-after devices moving beyond beyond the basics. Voice-activated speakers like the Amazon Echo and smart plugs are as popular as ever too, but smart home tech have evolved from these starting purchases. This makes 2017’s latest smart home-oriented gadgets perfect gifts for those early tech adopters in your life or those who may want a taste of what a smartphone-controlled house has to offer.
I’ve rounded up several of the most notable devices for smart homes from connected lighting kits to more practical ways to update your home.
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance Starter Kit | $140
Philips Hue has carved out a niche in the smartphone-connected lighting scene and is a staple in just about any smart home. With HomeKit compatibility, the ability to choose between 16 million colors and voice control from Siri, Alexa and Google Home, the Hue Starter kit is a wonderful introduction into what smart homes can offer. This Hue kit includes 4 multicolor bulbs along with the hub and everything you need to get started. If the person on your list is already all-in on Philips Hue, add-ons like the Hue Go or Bloom are great ways to expand their setup and add additional mood lighting.
Nanoleaf Aurora Rhythm Smarter Kit | $230
If you’re looking for a gift idea more outside the box than the more well-known Philips Hue bulbs, my personal favorite is the Nanoleaf Aurora kit. These multicolor triangular lights adorn your wall or ceiling and can be configured in just about any pattern imaginable. Thanks to the ability to sync with music and integration with HomeKit, these are sure to be the one of the coolest and most noteworthy gifts to give this holiday. The Aurora Smarter Kit includes 9 panels and the music-activated Rhythm add-on.
ecobee4 Thermostat | $249
Thermostats are a great starting point for new smart home gadget adopters. And with the cold weather already hitting, it can be a great way to save on heating bills throughout the winter. My particular favorite is the ecobee4 which sports HomeKit and Alexa support, as well as an additional temperature sensor. Its touchscreen-packed design blends in well with most homes and allows you to set schedules, turn off the heat when no one’s home and more.
August Smart lock Pro | $249
For those smart home owners more concerned with practicality, connected deadbolts are a great way to bring smartphone-control to otherwise neglected aspects of the smart home. The August Smart Lock Pro is one of the more recent releases from the company and my top pick for your smart home. This connected deadbolt features both HomeKit as well as Alexa compatibly and packs functionality like location-based unlocking, virtual keys for guests and more.
More under $30
Z-wave accessories
If there’s someone in your list who’s already adopted smart bulbs and the like, going for Z-Wave gear is a great next step that can really upgrade their smart home. These accessories work with hubs from SmartThings and Wink, meaning there’s a high chance they may already have a way to use them. But if not there are standalone hubs as well. You’ll find anything from motion sensors, temperature monitors, door sensors and more.
Smart plugs
Smart plugs are often the first purchases an intrigued smart home adopters opts for. They’re great for automating lamps, coffee makers, Christmas lights and so much more, making them perfect and affordable gifts for your family members. My favorite model falls to the iHome Smart Plug which includes compatibility with everything from HomeKit and SmartThings to Alexa and Wink.
Even more 9to5Toys Gift Guides:
- Trevor’s five favorite tech gifts under $50
- Jared’s Favorite Tech Toys – Robots, Cars and more
- Patrick’s Favorite Smartphone Accessories w/ Bose, Twelve South, more
- Ali’s Top Fitness Apparel & Tech Picks featuring Nike, Fitbit, S’well, adidas, more
- Justin’s Favorite Gifts for Musicians keyboards, accessories, more
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