Every year the holidays arrive quicker than expected. As I’m writing this, Christmas is only 31 days away, so we decided that we wanted to put together a holiday gift guide to help make your shopping a bit easier. These are some of our favorite products and there is surely something here that will interest anyone from the most die-hard tech junkie to grandma who still has a flip phone.
On to the list! (in no particular order)
*Pricing not guaranteed – displayed price reflects cost at time of posting
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 and Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
The Video Doorbell Pro 2 is Ring’s best-in-class doorbell for ultimate performance and protection. See and hear like never before with boosted HD+ video and crisp audio quality. Pinpoint movement with 3D Motion Detection.
What we like-
Small size, fits perfectly on door trim
It’s hardwired so there are no annoying batteries to charge
The fish-eye lens allows you to see items that are dropped off right at the door
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro
The Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro is an awesome addition to the Ring Doorbell. You can stop crime in its tracks with ultra-bright LED floodlights. Stay protected in almost any weather condition with the new 3D Motion Detection. And monitor motion events from above with Bird’s Eye View.
What we like-
Most homes have an old floodlight that needs to be replaced, why not upgrade to a floodlight that has a built in industry leading camera?!
The design is modern, yet timeless, fitting any home’s style
Change lightbulbs, no thanks. We will take built in LEDs, please.
With color options of white, black, or oil-rubbed bronze we can match other fixtures. Brass? Sorry.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 – Black Friday Deal $169
Ring Floodlight Pro Wired – Black Friday Deal $179
SONOS Move and SONOS Beam
At VHS we are total SONOS fans, it’s an incredibly simplistic system to use and really creates the tech experience that we love. The SONOS Move is the perfect example, it can seamlessly fit into any room but has the flexibility to be carried out to the patio or deck while BBQ’ing or enjoying your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.
What we like-
TRUE room filling & immersive sound (coming from audiophiles)
The 11 hour battery life gives unmatched flexibility
Sleek aesthetic disappears into any room
SONOS Beam
This is not your average sound bar. Dolby Atmos maps sounds in space for a 3D effect so you experience planes as if they’re flying overhead, hear footsteps moving across the room, and feel the score surround you.
What we like-
The small form factor allows this device to fit ANY space
Paired with a mount, the sound bar can be attached directly to a TV while mounted to the wall
The sound…. Oh the sound
SONOS Move – $399
SONOS Beam Gen 2 – Black Friday Deal $359
ASUS ZenWifi Mesh Network
When it comes to ultra-reliable internet, for most homes, a mesh network is the way to go. As far as mesh networks go, the ASUS ZenWiFi system is our personal favorite. The ZenWiFi AX system consists of a pair (or more) of ASUS AX6600 WiFi 6 routers, featuring unique technologies that give you superfast, reliable and secure WiFi connections — inside or outside of your home!
What we like-
The mobile app is super intuitive and allows you to quickly monitor and make changes to the network
Scalability – depending on your home size, adding additional mesh points allows you to expand your coverage
The ability to wire your mesh devices to create true wired WiFi access points is a big win, plus the 3 additional network ports allows your to hardwire more devices
Asus ZenWifi – Black Friday Deal $349
Lutron Caséta
With a wide range of smart dimmers, switches, and plugs for indoors and out, Caséta offers a complete smart lighting control system that is also easy to use.
What we like-
Set a schedule around the setting of the sun so your family always comes home to a well-lit house
Create a custom scene to dim the lights and drop the shades for movie night. Or turn off all the lights from the comfort of your bed
The Smart Hub enables Caséta to work with more smart home devices than any other smart lighting control brand, so you have the flexibility to build the smart system you want and control it how you like with the free Lutron app, smart remote, voice assistant, or automated schedules. And since it can control up to 74 devices, you can be confident that you can expand the system as you go.
Lutron Caséta – $50 – $189
Lutron Caséta Starter Pack – Black Friday Deal $79
Nest Learning Thermostat
The Nest Learning Thermostat was the first thermostat to get ENERGY STAR certified. It learns what temperature you like and builds a schedule around yours. Independent studies have shown that it saved homes an average of 10% to 12% on heating bills and 15% on cooling bills.
What we like-
The design of the Nest Learning Thermostat can fit the aesthetics of almost any home due to the different color options. Bonus points if you add in an Elago wall plate to really bring the look to life (see image above with color matched black plate)
Nest integrates with most smart home systems, this simplifies the way you can control the temperature in your home. You can adjust the thermostat manually, on your phone from anywhere in the world, or with your voice via Alexa, Google Assist, Etc.
Via the app you can gain insights into how much energy you’ve used and adjust accordingly
Nest Thermostat – Color Dependent $179-$249
Echo Show 10
The Echo Show 10 is Amazon’s second largest screen and Echo/Alexa device in one. Alexa can show you even more – With a 10.1″ HD screen that’s designed to move with you, video calls, recipes, and shows are always in view. The speakers deliver premium, directional sound.
What we like-
Set up compatible Zigbee devices or smart products without a separate hub. Ask Alexa to show you security cameras, control lights, and adjust thermostats
Take a look around when you’re away – Securely access the built-in camera to remotely monitor your home anytime with the Alexa app or other Echo Show devices
Put your memories on display – Use Amazon Photos to turn your home screen into a digital frame that makes your favorite pics look great in any light with adaptive color
Echo Show 10 – Black Friday Deal $169
Govee Smart LED Light Bars
The Govee Smart LED Light Bar is a great way to add color to your space and have fun while doing so. Sometimes, adding full light strips isn’t feasible or may be too much for your space. By adding the Govee light bar, you achieve the same effect with a smaller device.
What we like-
The voice control allows you to change colors and brightness via Alexa or Google Assist
The light can be mounted behind your TV for ambient lighting
This is a great solutions for kids who want the ever popular LED light strips, but you may not want to install them around the whole room
Govee makes a ton of cool lighting products, its worth browsing their other offerings
Govee Smart LED Bar – Black Friday Deal $43.99
Capstone Touchscreen Smart Mirror
What do you get the person who has everything? A smart mirror of course! How about a smart mirror that runs on Android, has a touch display and in-built speakers? Meet Thin Cast. Unlike many other smart mirrors on the market, this one uses Android OS which means you can install any android app on this mirror. It comes with a clean OS, no bloatware, no useless apps.
What we like-
Full touch screen control or hide the display so it disappears and converts to a full length mirror
Listen to your favorite music, podcast, or video content while getting ready
Its perfectly over-the-top and completely unnecessary… but oh so cool
Capstone Smart Mirror – $799
HONORABLE MENTIONS
Here is a quick list of other products we like!
Surge Protector & Outlet Extender w/ Nightlight – Black Friday Deal $13.97
Echo 4th Gen – Black Friday Deal $49.99
Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Battery) – Black Friday Deal $189
PETLIBRO Automatic Dry Pet Food Dispenser – Black Friday Deal $48.99
myQ Smart Garage Opener – Black Friday Deal $16.98
Apple Airpods Pro 2 – Black Friday Deal $199
As always, if you need help setting up and/or installing the different products we’ve covered here, fill out the contact form below and we can setup a free consultation!
