While moms still appreciate a classic gift like flowers, you can go a step beyond this year with something long-lasting: The gift of safety and happiness with the right home security technology.
I’ve picked out a dozen security devices from my testing in the past years that have special benefits for mom, from watching over kids (or pets) to helping her stay healthy. My list includes baby monitors, portable cameras, air quality alerts, delivery boxes and more: At least one is sure to be the perfect fit for the mom in your life.
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Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
Ecobee’s smart thermostat can save a home (and mom) time and energy.
A smart thermostat takes the time and annoyance away from adjusting a thermostat manually, letting it learn your household activity levels and helping you save money automatically. I picked this Ecobee Premium model ($244) for its included satellite sensor, which means mom can put it in a chilly room where she’s spending some time, and the thermostat will heat the home with that room in mind.
I asked Natalie Bracamontez, VP of marketing and customer engagement at home security company Brinks Home, about giving a smart thermostat as a potential gift. “I have two young boys, and one of them sleeps in a room above the garage, which tends to run warmer,” she said. “I use a temperature sensor in his room to make sure he stays comfortable-without freezing his brother down the hall. The sensor helps me adjust the thermostat based on their actual needs, and with set schedules and automation.”
Ring Stick Up Cam (Battery)
Schlage’s lever lock can be installed on many kinds of compatible doors.
Sometimes, mom needs some privacy. While many smart locks are designed to work with deadbolts, I chose this Schlage Lever ($240) because it can work with all kinds of locks and doesn’t need a deadbolt. From bedrooms to pantries, moms can get smart lock protection with remote management, keypad codes and autolocking, among other features.
Read more: CNET’s Smart Lock Buying Guide
SwitchBot Meter Pro CO2 monitor
Blink’s Outdoor 4 cam is easy to mount and reliable for watching an outdoor space.
An outdoor camera is perfect for watching kids or doggos play in the yard even when mom has to be elsewhere. I love this wireless Blink cam ($100) for its easy-to-use app and lengthy battery life — I’ve had mine for well over a year, and I still get reliable alerts on backyard animal and person activity without needing to change the batteries once.
Amazon Echo Show 5
Kidde is partnering with Ring for even smarter smoke detectors.
A smoke detector brings mom plenty peace of mind: This new smart model from Kidde ($75) watches for both smoke and carbon monoxide, while tapping in the Ring security app. That app gives you remote alerts and low battery warnings, and it can tap into an emergency response subscription if you want. Plus, Kidde’s sensors are designed to help cut down on accidental alarms from enthusiastic cooking and other common — but not dangerous — sources.
Yale smart delivery box
Lockly’s biometric safe is an excellent option for smaller home safes.
This small but powerful safe from Lockly ($350) is perfect for storing jewelry, money, old photos, documents and anything else near and dear to mom’s heart. It can easily fit in a closet or office shelf, and unlocks at a touch with its fingerprint sensor, plus many more smart features. I tried breaking into it — the safe is secure.
Petcube 360 pet cam
Arlo’s system is affordable, easy to set up and can monitor all kinds of things.
If mom’s a bit worried about security when loved ones are home, a security system can bring plenty peace of mind. One option I recommend frequently is this compact two-sensor system from Arlo ($200). It’s DIY friendly, affordable and has eight-in-one sensors that can measure anything from motion and doors opening to air quality and temperature — whatever mom wants to watch out for.
