Get mom something really different for Mother’s Day with this one that works smart home again safety devices. From saving money to protecting packages against deck robbersthis technology is useful, effective and often time-saving. Mom will appreciate the lasting value of these products — and how they make life easier.
Check out below to see some of my favorite picks, why my mom loves them and where you can buy them now. I’ve included a little bit of everything with gadgets for young moms, pet parents, single mothers many more.
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium
The Ecobee smart thermostat can save time and energy for the home (and mom).
A smart thermostat takes the time and frustration out of manually adjusting the thermostat, allowing it to learn your home’s activity levels and help you save money automatically. I chose this Ecobee Premium Model ($244) thanks to its built-in satellite sensor, which means mom can put it in a cold room where she lives for a while, 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 little boys, one of them sleeps in the room above the garage which is usually warm,” 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, along with preset schedules and automation.”
Ring Stick Up Cam (battery)
The Ring’s battery-powered camera is high-end but offers a flexible, weather-resistant option to keep an eye on kids wherever they are.
A home camera is a great way to watch it children, nanny and everything else. I love it this Ring model ($90)not just because of its smart passive detection and two-way audio, but because it’s a battery-powered model that mom can walk into any room she wants — or take outside for an afternoon of play. The app offers alerts, live views and customizable animations.
Schlage Encode Lever smart lock
The Schlage lever lock can be installed on many types of parallel doors.
Sometimes, a mother needs privacy. While many smart locks are designed to work with deadbolts, I chose this one Schlage Lever ($240) because it can work with all types of locks and does not require a deadbolt. From bedrooms to mattresses, moms can get smart lock security with remote control, keypad codes and automatic locking, among other features.
Read more: CNET’s Smart Lock Buying Guide
switchBot Meter Pro CO2 monitor
Switchbot’s Meter Pro displays local air quality wherever you place it and is small enough to fit in a pocket.
Air quality affects everything from the quality of exercise to the health of children and pets, but it’s difficult to judge. This SwitchBot monitor ($70) my favorite way to keep an eye on CO2 (carbon dioxide) levels in any room in the house. It’s portable, intuitive and can connect to a remote monitoring app. For example, put it in the kitchen and see how cooking or stove operation affects your air quality (my CO2 levels definitely go up), then take action with an air purifier or an open window. It measures humidity, too.
Blink Outdoor 4 cam
Blink’s Outdoor 4 cam is easy to install and reliable for outdoor viewing.
An outdoor camera is perfect for watching the kids or dogs playing in the yard even when mom has to be somewhere else. I love it this Blink wireless camera ($100) with its easy-to-use app and long battery life — I’ve had mine for over a year, and I’m still getting reliable alerts for background activity for animals and human activity without needing to change the batteries once.
Amazon Echo Show 5
The Echo Show 5 makes a great video chat option for kids and a way to watch with security cameras.
Smart display like the Echo Show 5 ($90) it does more than just show TV shows or recipe video walkthroughs. It also provides a live view from compatible security cameras (like the Blink Cam I just mentioned) with a simple voice command, allowing mom to glance at the cameras even when her hands are busy.
Smart smoke detector powered by Kidde’s Ring
Kidde is partnering with Ring for even smarter smoke detectors.
A smoke detector brings a lot of peace of mind to mom: This new smart model from Kidde ($75) watches for both smoke and carbon monoxide, while tapping into the Ring security app. That app gives you remote alerts and low-battery alerts, and can log into emergency alerts if you want. Also, Kidde sensors are designed to help reduce false alarms from cooking and other common — but harmless — sources.
Yale Smart Delivery Box
Delivery boxes keep packages safe and easy to handle.
Is mom worried about porch robbers making off with deliveries? There’s something new — well, old but updated — to fix that: This smart delivery box from Yale ($280) keeps packages safe while allowing you to use the app to lock or unlock it and get alerts when it’s in use. You can also upgrade it with a keypad (give the number to the delivery service) or a cooler bag, depending on what mom likes to order.
Petcube 360 pet cam
Petcube’s small 360 cam is a solid budget option for petowners.
If mom has a furry friend she cares about, this is it compact pet cam from Petcube ($45) it’s affordable and specifically designed to recognize pets and provide AI-powered alerts about where they are and what they’re doing. It’s also equipped with night vision, two-way audio to talk to your pet and audio alerts if your pet starts barking.
Arlo home security system
The Arlo system is affordable, easy to set up and can monitor all kinds of things.
If mom is a little worried about security when loved ones are at home, a security system can bring a lot of peace of mind. One option I often recommend is this one two-sensor integrated system from Arlo ($200). It’s DIY-friendly, affordable and has eight-in-one sensors that can measure anything from door openings to air quality and temperature — anything mom wants to monitor.
CuboAI Smart Baby Monitor 3
A white CuboAI baby monitor.
If a mother has a small child who spends a lot of time in bed, I checked this unique CuboAI baby monitor ($300) and come impressed: Designed to mount on a stand or wall and literally monitor your baby’s bed, it provides notifications about crying, sleeping, breathing and warnings if it seems that the baby’s face is covered and so on. As kids get older, it can start to double as an AI warning system if the toys wander into non-customizable areas.
For more options, check out our list of the best smart home devices, best smart plugs and top fitness trackers.
