Home Security and Smart Home Upgrades for the Holidays

Visitors, travel, outings, and gifts are all on the calendar in December. That means we’re often away from our homes and out of our usual routine. While it’s fun and festive, it can also present opportunities for security and safety lapses. Whether you’re checking out a local holiday bazaar, traveling to celebrate with family, or hosting a crew of loved ones at your place, here are some home security and smart home upgrades to make sure everyone has a happy (and safe!) holiday season.

Many DIY home security systems, like SimpliSafe, let you stop and start your home security monitoring with no penalties. If you’re going out of town for the holidays, add 24/7 professional monitoring to your DIY home security system this month. Here’s the cost for monitoring from some of our favorite home security systems:

• SimpliSafe: Starts at $19.99/mo.
• Frontpoint: Starts at $24.99/mo.
  Ring: Starts at $20.00/mo.
• Cove: Starts at $17.99/mo.

Our latest package theft report estimates that over 119 million packages were stolen in the past year. Don't let your goods get grabbed. Check out one of these outdoor security cameras with crime-deterring features like spotlights, sirens, and two-way talk to help you scare off porch pirates before they strike.

• Lindo Spotlight Camera: This new camera is full of crime-stopping features. We especially like the piercing siren and blinding spotlight. Buy on Amazon for $179.99 for a 2-pack. And don't forget to use code "LINDOC02" to save 40%!
• Reolink Argus PT Ultra: This is one of our favorite wireless security cameras thanks to customized motion zones and a crisp, 4K picture. One of the best things about Reolink is—there's no required subscription to get the most out of your camera. Pick up the Argus PT Ultra on Amazon for $139.99 this holiday season.

We don't all have a band of elves to help us out, but these smart home devices are the next best thing. Use these gadgets to save time and stress during this festive (and frantic) time of year. 

• Robot vacuum and mop combo: The Ecovacs X2 Omni will keep your floors debris-free and shiny fresh no matter how much traffic your house sees this month. This one also includes a video camera and two-way talk—which means it can do double duty as a home security tool. Get $400 off on Amazon for the holidays.
• Smart trash bin: Say goodbye to sticky messes that spread nasty things like salmonella and E. coli. The EKO Deluxe Mirage-T is a motion-sensor trash bin that your hands never have to touch. You can add this kitchen upgrade to your holiday prep for $99 on Amazon.
• Smart speakers: Keep track of every concert, recital, and ugly sweater contest by setting reminders on a smart speaker from Amazon or Google. These gizmos can also help you keep an eye on weather for travel, guide your holiday cooking, and check off every person on your gift list. 

With all the comings and goings, pets can get lost in the shuffle—or get lost literally if they sneak out in the middle of all the chaos. Here are some tools to help keep your furry family members safe this season.

• Pet trackers: Always know where your fur babies are with a tracker from Tractive or Fi. You can also track their sleep and activity to make sure they stay healthy for the holidays.
• Pet gates: Keep kitties and puppies away from dangers like fireplaces, candles, and holiday plants with a pet gate. It's also a great way to keep over-eager little ones from getting too friendly with shy or nervous pets. 
• Pet cameras: Get extra reassurance when you're away from home with a security camera designed specifically to help you keep an eye on pets. On top of making sure they haven't taken down the tree, you can also talk to them or even toss a treat to your "good boy."

• Holiday Deals
• Holiday Gift Guide
• The 23 Best Smart Tech Gifts Under $100
• 10 Smart Home Gifts for Mom
• 10 Smart Home Gifts for Dad