Hi everyone, I’m trying to find the perfect Christmas gift for my boyfriend who loves smart home gadgets. We’ve already installed Govee LED strips in our living room and his study, which look amazing during our PS5 gaming sessions. He’s been keen on expanding his setup with more smart lighting. I’m also considering a robot vacuum like the Ecovacs, which might help keep the floors cleaner, though I’m not quite sure about it. What do you think about robot vacuums? Do you have any other gift suggestions that could enhance our smart home?
Robot vacuums are fantastic for anyone into automation, just ensure it’s suitable for your space as cluttered floors can complicate things. Consider expanding on smart lighting or maybe a smart plug system to automate other devices. You might find more ideas on giftchat!
If he likes to tinker, how about a high-performance mini computer to run home automation systems like Home Assistant? It’s great for someone who loves to experiment without risking their main setup. Also, a robot vacuum is a solid choice. Maybe his friends who are into home automation might know exactly what he’d like too!
I’d recommend a self-emptying model if you go for a robot vacuum. Otherwise, you might find yourself emptying it often during a cleaning cycle.
A robotic vacuum can be very practical and improve your living space significantly. I have an Ecovacs X5 Omni which does an excellent job vacuuming and mopping under furniture. It’s powerful, so it might just be what he needs.
@Xander
Thanks for the detailed advice! A machine that can navigate those hard-to-reach places would be ideal. I noticed it also has features to prevent hair entanglement, which is perfect since we have a dog. Really appreciate your input!
Benholly said:
If he’s into customization, a robot vacuum compatible with Valetudo might be perfect. It works standalone and offers room for future modifications which could be fun for him.
The only thing I can think of that still requires an internet connection is my Sonos stuff, since I just replaced my nest thermostat with a Honeywell zwave one. It’s been a journey, but I think it was worth it.
Now to convince my wife it was worth it…
Simple outlets could be an option, especially if you own your place as it allows more flexibility with installations. Govee offers some portable and reliable lighting solutions. Consider some motion sensors as well; they can add a new layer of automation, particularly with lighting.
How about starting with smart lightbulbs to replace all the standard bulbs in the living room? Govee has some good options that might fit well with what you already have.
I’ve set up a light bar from Syntech by my PC and it really enhances the vibe. Definitely recommend it if he enjoys a cool setup.
Smart lights and plugs have been the best upgrade in my home. It’s so convenient to just say ‘it’s bedtime’ and have all the electronics like lights and even the Christmas decorations switch off automatically.
Does he use a specific smart home ecosystem like Home Assistant or SmartThings? It’s important because robot vacuums need compatible integrations. Also, personal weather stations linked to home automation can be a fun and useful gift, adding a lot of practical data to his system.
Have you considered human presence sensors? They could automate your current lighting based on room occupancy, which is super handy for smart homes. Smart outlet switches that monitor power could also automate actions like turning on the LED strips when the PS5 is switched on, adding to a ‘gaming mode’ experience.
For a gamer, a Hue sync box paired with a gradient light strip around the TV would be fantastic. It aligns the lighting with the content on the screen, making gaming or movie watching more immersive.
If he’s interested in more light strips, check out options from Nanoleaf, Aqara, and Philips. They offer a variety of choices that could complement what you already have.