Are you searching for new and innovative gift
ideas this holiday season? If so, check out our list of the hottest home
technology offerings. We’ve selected a few of our favorites for every room in
the house.
These smart systems and devices add comfort,
convenience, and a “cool factor” that will delight your friends and
family. So think about who you know that
loves the latest gadgets … or add a few of these to your own wish list!
ENTRYWAY
Ensure
the safety of your loved ones with these smart security upgrades.
Smart
Lighting
Ring, a company best known for its video
doorbells, has added smart lights to its series of integrated devices. The Ring Smart Light System includes motion sensors, pathlights,
spotlights, and even step lights, which can be turned on and off using voice
commands when paired with an Amazon Alexa device. Users may opt to receive a
notification when motion is detected on the premises, and—if integrated with
Ring security cameras—access a live video stream for an added layer of
security. Systems start at $69.99.
Video
Doorbell
Video doorbells have become an increasingly
popular security enhancement for homes, and for a good reason. Homeowners can
detect activity at their front door while away, view visitors via video stream,
and communicate without opening the door. Since Ring released its first smart
doorbell in 2013, a number of competitors have entered the market. The Nest Hello
Video Doorbell has some unique features—like facial recognition,
package detection, and pre-recorded quick responses—that place it near the top
of the pack. Retails for $229.
Smart
Lock
Smart locks are a great way to ensure your friends
and family are never left out in the cold, and the August Smart
Lock Pro+ Connect is among the most highly rated. It’s one of
the easiest models to install because it pairs with an existing deadbolt. The
Smart Lock Pro enables a user to lock and unlock their door remotely with an
app on their phone. And with the auto-lock/unlock feature, it can be set to
open automatically upon approach and relock after entry. Retails for $279.
LIVING
ROOM
These
fun and functional gifts are perfect for anyone who is big on style—but short
on time.
Automated
Planter
Caring for household plants is easier than
ever with the latest advancements in technology. Perfect for frequent travelers
or forgetful friends, the Dewplanter
uses moisture in the air to water plants without manual intervention. Now
nature lovers can enjoy the beauty and health benefits of houseplants without
the hassle. Plus, for each unit sold, the company pledges to plant a tree
somewhere it’s needed. Retails for
$69.50.
Smart
Art
Instead of buying your favorite art lover a
single painting, why not give him or her 30,000? With the Meural Canvas, you can access an extensive
collection of artwork from around the world to display digitally in your own
home. Meural utilizes proprietary technology to deliver an anti-glare matte
display that automatically adjusts to the lighting in the room. Personal
artwork and photographs can be showcased, as well. Retails for $445 with annual membership.
Motorized
Shades
Motorized window coverings aren’t new, but a
lower price point and enhanced features have helped to boost their popularity.
The latest Motorized
Shades from Somfy can be preprogrammed to raise or lower at
certain times of day or controlled on-demand via a remote, smartphone app, or
voice command when paired with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. They can also be
set to operate automatically in response to the amount of sunlight or
temperature of the room. Contact a dealer
for pricing.
KITCHEN
These
kitchen gadgets make life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. They’re
perfect for your busiest friends and family members!
Pressure
Cooker
Have you jumped on the multi-cooker bandwagon
yet? If so, you know how fast and simple these multifunctional appliances make
meal preparation. The InstantPot Duo
is a pressure cooker, sauté pan, steamer, slow cooker, rice cooker, food
warmer, and yogurt maker all-in-one. It reduces cooking time and lowers energy
consumption. Who wouldn’t love one of these versatile tools? With numerous
cookbooks and blogs devoted to InstantPot recipes, the meal options are
virtually endless. Retails for $99.95.
Cocktail
Machine
Cocktail connoisseurs will appreciate the ease
and convenience of the Bartesian Premium Cocktail Machine.
Listed among “Oprah’s Favorite Things” for 2019, the Bartesian mixes drinks
with the touch of a button. Simply fill the canisters with base spirits, choose
a cocktail capsule, and the machine does the rest. Now you can mix a margarita,
whiskey sour, cosmopolitan, and other favorites as easily as you brew a cup of
coffee. Retails for $349.
Smart
Refrigerator
Kitchens are often called the “heart of the
home,” and a new refrigerator from Samsung aims to be the hub. The Samsung Family
Hub Refrigerator helps busy families stay organized. Grocery
shopping becomes a breeze with built-in cameras that allow owners to peek
inside their fridge from anywhere. The interactive touchscreen displays
pictures, notes, and reminders for family members. And the integrated
SmartThings app enables users to control smart devices and appliances from a
central point. Base model starts at
$3,099.
BEDROOM
Almost
nothing beats a good night’s sleep. Help your loved ones wake up refreshed with
these smart devices for the bedroom.
Baby
Sleep Soother
As any parent knows, when your baby isn’t
getting sleep, neither are you. Help everyone in the family catch some z’s with
a Bubzi Co
Soothing Owl. This cuddly creature plays lullabies while
projecting a starry scene on the bedroom wall to calm young children and help
them drift off to sleep. And for every purchase, Bubzi Co makes a donation to Postpartum
Support International. Retails for
$30.95.
Sunrise
Alarm Clock
Know someone who hates getting up in the
morning? Alarm clocks that utilize light instead of a noisy alarm can provide a
more peaceful transition in and out of sleep. The Philips
SmartSleep Connected Sleep and Wake-Up Light includes
customizable sunrise and sunset simulation, guided breathing exercises, and
sensors that track room conditions, like temperature, humidity, noise, and
light. Retails for $199.95.
Smart
Thermostat
Temperature fluctuations during the night can
disrupt sleep. The Nest Learning
Thermostat uses smart technology to track a user’s preferences
and build a schedule around them. Homeowners can place one of its integrated
sensors in their bedroom to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the
night. And Nest thermostats cut energy consumption, so they’ll rest easier
knowing they’re saving the planet and
money on utility bills. Retails for
$249.
BATHROOM
Bathrooms
don’t have to be boring. Technology can add flair to the daily routine.
Waterproof
Speaker
Music enthusiasts and podcast fans will enjoy
streaming their favorites in the shower with a wireless waterproof speaker. The
Ultimate Ears
Wonderboom 2 is a mid-priced and versatile option that can go
from the bath to the beach. It packs an impressive 13-hour battery life in a
small, portable case that’s waterproof, dust-proof, and floatable. Retails for $99.99.
Digital
Smart Scale
A scale isn’t an appropriate gift for
everyone, but diet and fitness enthusiasts may appreciate the high-tech
features available with the Withings Body+.
It tracks weight, body water, and fat, muscle, and bone mass for up to eight users.
It can also be set to display local weather and the previous day’s step count.
Customized pregnancy and baby modes make this a suitable choice for a growing
family, as well. Retails for $99.95.
Vanity
TV Mirror
For a truly luxe bathroom addition, consider
an integrated vanity television mirror. The Seura TV Mirror seamlessly
incorporates video into a bathroom vanity. It’s vanishing glass technology
makes it possible to view the television through a mirror. When turned off, the
screen completely disappears. Add lighting or a custom frame to complete the
look. Starts at $3,099 for a 19” display.
OUR
GIFT TO YOU
Are you considering a permanent technology
upgrade for your own home? Give us a call first! Buyer expectations and
preferences vary depending on price point, architectural style, and
neighborhood. We can help you determine how the enhancement will impact the
value of your home before you make the investment.
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