Renewed Smart Home Gifts: Cameras, Doorbells and a Thermostat

With 2.5K QHD video, color night vision and IP65 weather resistance, this one works on a bookshelf or a back porch. A motion-activated spotlight, voice warning and siren make it feel like real protection, and reviewers single out the crisp picture and easy setup. Some buyers did report functionality issues, so keep the gift receipt handy.

Two wired indoor cameras whose feeds pop up right on a Roku TV or player at the press of a remote button. Families can peek at the kids' room or the pets in 1080p color, day or night, and get alerts on motion or sound. Feedback on reliability is mixed, with some buyers delighted and others reporting duds.

This camera swivels a full 360 degrees and tilts 180, automatically following movement, which reviewers say works well for tracking people. It can patrol up to four custom waypoints and stores video on a microSD card with no subscription required. Buyers call it great value, though some had connectivity hiccups.

A wire-free outdoor camera with a 140-degree view, 8x zoom, color night vision with spotlight and person detection that tells people from cars and animals. Setup takes about five minutes with no wiring. It requires a SimpliSafe Gen 3 system, so only gift it to someone who already has one.

A square 150-by-150-degree view captures visitors head-to-toe and packages tucked against the door, which reviewers love. It runs up to six months on its USB-C rechargeable battery or can be hardwired. No monthly fee is required, and buyers consider it a great value.

The one-camera version of Roku's indoor model adds a guided app setup with photos and videos, plus Wi-Fi 6 for a steadier connection. It works with Alexa, Google Assistant and Roku Voice, and buyers say it simply works well. A small, easy-to-love gift for checking on a pet or a napping toddler.

IP65 weather resistance and an all-weather plug keep this wired camera running in rain or snow. Its 1080p color night vision is pitched as clear enough to make out a passing car's make and color. Like Roku's indoor models, the feed comes up right on the TV.

Three wireless 2K cameras with a 130-degree view, spotlight, siren and two-way audio cover a house inside and out. Reviewers rank it among the best for video quality and easy setup. The catch: several buyers report batteries dying within about two days, and premium features need an Arlo Secure plan.

This thermostat learns preferred temperatures and programs itself, while the Nest Leaf nudges toward efficient settings and Sunblock adjusts for direct sun. It comes with a 90-day warranty as a certified renewed unit. Customer reports are mixed, with Wi-Fi connection and heat-mode problems among the complaints, so it suits a confident DIYer.

Two pan-tilt cameras with 360-degree pan, 180-degree tilt, motion tracking and near-silent movement that won't wake a sleeping baby. One buyer says theirs arrived basically brand new, and several call it nice for the price. Outdoor use requires the separate Outdoor Power Adapter.