Connected Christmas Home Automation gifts ideas

With Christmas right around the corner, everyone is racking their brain trying to come up with the perfect gift for their loved ones. With today’s limitless options, figuring out where to start can be a hassle. And let’s face it, when it comes to the art of giving, there are many ways one could go wrong. So, what is a suitable gift then?

If you’ve read the previous blog post, then you will know all you need to know about the smart lock. I for one, am getting one for my dad since I’m concerned for his safety. And it also happens to be suitable for integration with his Vantage home automation system so it’s a double win.

When it comes to smart security gifts, perhaps a smart camera would be a nice addition to your loved ones’ security systems? These are today’s hot items after all! Especially since a camera is worthless without its ability to record either locally or to the cloud. Most of these models have a programmable detection range that enables the camera to start recording as soon as movement is detected. If this peaks your interest, I’d advise you to look at any of the following items: Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera, iSmartAlarm, iCamera Keep Pro, Canary, SimpliSafe Home Security System or Nest Protect. They all are valuable options, so it just depends on your preferred price range and required features.

Another great idea might be the Amazon Echo Dot/Echo/Echo Show or Echo Spot. Any item of this series makes a cool gift, whether you’re looking for a cooking aide, to watch movies on the go, to control your home automation system or just to have Alexa order your daily pizza for you – all you have to do is ask.

Speaking of speakers – pun intended – how about the Nuvo P400 or P500? You’ll definitely win the unspoken Christmas gift competition if you show off with one of these babies. The sound quality alone will blow their socks off!

Another smart gift could be a universal remote. URC and RTI are the two most frequently used brands for these items. And it so happens that these seamlessly integrate into most home automation systems over IP.

If the receiver of your gift does not own a home automation system yet, perhaps you could introduce them to the 21^st century with a smart plug. The iHome iSP6X SmartPlug, the WeMo Insight Switch, the Belkin WeMo Switch, the iClever Smart Plug or the TP-Link HS107 Smart Plug would do the trick!

If you don’t have any holiday plans yet and you’re trying to get a last-minute dinner invitation in, I would recommend providing the potential host with a smart kitchen appliance. There is a wide variety of options available, depending on your targeted audience. I have taken the liberty of listing a few for you: Anova Culinary Precision Cooker Wi-Fi – in case your host is interested in sous vide cooking (where food sealed in plastic is immersed in a hot bath to cook to perfection) they will need an immersion circulator to get started. Easily controllable from a distance through Wi-Fi and the app continuously notifies the user of the cooking process. Plus, it’s available on Amazon for $96.99 so it’s pretty much a steal. Or the Perfect Bake Pro – if you’re hoping to get some baked goods out of your gift, this baking scale should do the trick. It’s connected to an app as the scale measures everything that’s added, so even the newbies can get it right! And last but not least, the Traeger Timberline 1300 – the trusted manufacturer for pellet grills has now integrated Wi-Fi to allow controlling cooking temperatures, setting timers and access a recipe database through the app.

Now that we’re already grilling, we should tap in to the outdoor smart gift pile. Perhaps smart sprinklers: Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller, or a smart lawn mower: Husqvarna Automower 315X, BBQ appliances: iGrill Mini, Orbit B-Hyve or a robotic pool cleaner: Polaris 9650iQ.

However, if you’d rather stay indoors and have some smart fun, you should check out the When in Rome Travel Trivia Game. Fun assured and future proof, the perfect gift for a friend who loves Alexa. Or if all of this is too much and you’re just looking for a fun little trinket, you can always get a Tile Pro Key Finder!

So, if you currently have this brand-new scale or vacuum cleaner in the closet, unwrap it for yourself because I gave you too many alternatives for you to make that blunder! I hope I helped you navigate the maze of potential gifts and steered you in the right direction to have yourselves a Merry Christmas and I happy New Year!

Anneleen Vandevyver 
Legrand Integrated Solutions