Holiday Gift Ideas That Will Save You Time and Money in 2024

Smart home appliances such as voice activated Nest, Alexa and Wi-Fi-enabled plugs have stormed into Canadian homes in 2023.  They offer both convenience  and energy efficiency which saves you money. These devices can be controlled remotely via smartphones, enabling them to turn off forgotten devices, pre-heat ovens, or adjust home heating from anywhere, saving both time and energy. How cool is that?!  Then there's hydroponic growing units where you can grow fresh herbs like cilantro, basil or mint and even strawberries, cucumbers or veggies right on your kitchen countertop! 

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Robot vacuums are now so user friendly, you can just set them and forget them. Mine even returns to its charging dock when low on juice!  Growing your own veggies using LED lighting will also help save on ever increasing grocery store bills. Heating and cooling system alerts can notify you of potential issues with eligible HVAC systems. They’re meant to provide helpful information about the health of your HVAC system. These alerts can work with the Nest Temperature Sensor product also. 

Here are some more hugely popular items below that are not only a great gift to give, but and even better one to receive since they will save you cash!

A Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat can learn a family's schedule and adjust heating accordingly, reducing energy bills. Smart plugs can automate lights and appliances, enhancing home security by simulating occupancy when the family is away. Furthermore, integration with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant adds hands-free control, making daily tasks simpler and more accessible, especially for individuals with mobility challenges.

This compact smart speaker with Alexa features full sound that's great for bedrooms and small spaces. Small enough to blend in and mighty enough to stand out. You can ask Alexa to play music, audiobooks, and podcasts from your favorite providers like Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, Sirius XM and more. Connect via Bluetooth to stream throughout your space. Easily control compatible smart home devices like smart plugs or smart lights with your voice or the Alexa App.

These smart technologies not only provide comfort and convenience but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Here are some of the most popular selling items with links to buy.

Smart Home Plugs

Try these indoor wifi enabled plugs which are controlled by an app on your phone. They can be great for appliances which use high amounts of energy, meaning more dollars in your pocket.

Remotely controlled outdoor plugs are also available for yard or patio lighting, and energy intensive outdoor UV heaters or similar.  

LED Grow Lights for Indoor Plants

Compared with single red blue indoor growing lamp, this grow light delivers more highly-uniform light needed by seedlings, starters and plants than those single red and blue spectrum led grow light on the market. This light spectrum will help plants grow healthier and accelerate all growth stages. It's popular with both commercial growers and the home hobbyist.

Consider also investing in an AeroGarden which is perfect for a variety of larger items (herbs, salads, tomatoes, peppers & more). Stay in complete control of your garden using the control panel and keep plants thriving while you're away on vacation! Home grown freshness & flavor right at your fingertips 365 days a year.

Grow fresh herbs & veggies right on your kitchen countertop with this indoor herb garden. No soil needed when plants grow right in water with this hydroponic growing system. Grow up to 9 plants, up to 24" tall in your indoor garden. Just drop in the non-GMO, pre-seeded pods and watch them grow. Sprouts in days, harvests in weeks and lasts for months with a 100% germination.

Remote Controlled Heater

This small 4 mode heater rapidly warms up within 2 seconds with PTC ceramic heating, a more energy-efficient technology. It has a variety of working modes to meet your different needs. The built-in heat sensor ensures it reflect the ambient temperature without manual adjustments for an upgraded thermostat.

If even comes with an app & voice control. Turn on the space heater, even when away from home, so you'll always return to a warm space. Dual use of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi makes network distribution easier and faster. It's even compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.

SMART Light Bulbs

Smart light bulbs are not only a cool gift idea, but will also save your friends and family on energy bills. Smart light bulbs change color and brightness simultaneously when sounds are detected by the microphone on your phone. With these bulbs, you can control them with simple voice commands. Applying the timer function and modes like Sunrise & Sunset allow you to set your bulbs to brighten when you wake up, and gradually dim when you fall asleep. How cool is that?

Robot Vacuums Are Taking Over!

I gotta say, after I bought my Robot Vacuum, I was impressed. If you have hardwood,  laminate or linoleum floors, or low pile carpet, then you will thank me for buying one.  Pet hair and dust bunnies will no longer be a thing.  They have decent suction for basic dirt, debris, and pet hair more quickly. Some have a wet mop function cleans your home even more thoroughly.

COOL FEATURE: They return to their charging dock when low on battery!

Using their Smart App you can set the home cleaning schedule, modes, suction level, etc. Some robot vacuums are also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant making it possible to clean your home with simple voice commands. Most come with a remote control is also included in the package, you can choose the control method. (2.4GHz Wi-Fi Only, most do not support 5G)

Make Espresso At Home And Save!

The Breville Barista Pro delivers cafe quality deluxe coffees with its integrated grinder to go from beans to espresso in under one minute!  Save hundreds each year on driving/gas, parking, tips and expensive baked goods in coffee shops by entertaining at home with cafe au laits, espressos and americanos!

Features include:
DOSE CONTROL GRINDING: With a single touch, the integrated precision conical burr grinder with dose control delivers the right amount of coffee on demand, for maximum flavor. Manual removable magnetic tamper
OPTIMAL WATER PRESSURE: Low pressure pre-infusion gradually increases pressure at the start and helps ensure all the flavors are drawn out evenly during the extraction for a balanced tasting cup
FASTER HEAT UP TIME: Innovative ThermoJet heating system achieves the optimum extraction temperature in 3 seconds with the instantaneous transition from espresso to steam
PRECISE ESPRESSO EXTRACTION: Digital temperature control (PID) delivers water at the right temperature plus & minus 2°C, ensuring optimal espresso extraction
MANUAL MICROFOAM MILK TEXTURING: The powerful steam wand performs at the level allows you to hand texture microfoam milk that enhances flavor and enables creation of latte art at home