The weather is getting colder and the days are getting shorter, which can only mean one thing: the holidays are almost upon us. Before the hustle and bustle of the season takes over, now is the time to start preparing your home for the coming festivities. Whether you’re expecting guests or simply want to check off everything that’s been on your home to-do list this year, The Home Depot is here to help you complete any projects you’ve been eyeing. (Plus, they have sales going on through the rest of the year.) If you’ve been considering some tech upgrades, we’ve put together a list of our favorite smart home products and the tools needed to install them, all available at The Home Depot. Everything on the list is easy to put together yourself, and they also make great gifts for friends and family. Read on for our top picks, and get ready to impress your guests with your new smart lighting setup.
Smart Home Products
*Note: Prices may not reflect ongoing sales and inventory.
EcoSmart 16 ft. Smart Tape Light
- $40
This multi-purpose tape light can be easily installed anywhere in your home for instant ambiance — or as a simple way to light up hard-to-see spaces. The wide variety of color and lighting settings are controlled via a handy remote or with The Home Depot’s Hubspace app.
Ring Wired Doorbell
- $60
Using your existing doorbell wiring, this smart doorbell connects to your phone to allow you to hear, see, and talk with anyone at your door — no matter where you are. The camera features advanced motion detection and HD video.
Google Nest Cam Battery
- $180
Google’s weather resistant security camera is made to go anywhere you need it, outside or in. It’s battery-powered and wire-free, so it’s easy to install yourself. You can access the camera and microphone from your phone to see or talk to visitors, and it can even be set up to send alerts when it spots movement, a person, or a vehicle.
Wyze Smart Thermostat
- $80
Upgrade your thermostat before the cold winter weather with Wyze’s easy-to-install smart thermostat. The technology allows you to adjust the indoor temperature from your phone or via a voice assistant — whether you’re away from home or just don’t want to get up from the couch.
Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Switch Starter Kit
- $200
This starter kit works with your existing ceiling and wall lights, allowing you to control your lighting settings from your phone, with the handy remote, or via a voice assistant. You can also set automatic schedules for your lights based on the seasons or your own needs.
Google Nest Hub, 2nd Generation
- $100
The Google Nest Hub is the perfect centerpiece to a smart home. You can ask it to pull up recipes in the kitchen, add appointments to your calendar, track your sleep, play music, and more — all with a simple voice command or a tap. It can also connect to other compatible smart devices, like Nest doorbells, Nest thermostats, and Nest cameras.
Google Nest Mini, 2nd Generation
- $49
If you’re not ready to commit to a smart display, the Google Nest Mini smart speaker is a great alternative. It’s small and discreet, but still powerful. You can ask it to set alarms and timers, play music, and connect with other compatible smart devices in your home to control things like lighting and the temperature with your voice.
Google Chromecast
- $30
Plug the Google Chromecast into the HDMI port of your TV to stream videos, music, and your favorite streaming services from your phone or laptop in 1080p. It’s an easy way to upgrade your TV without having to buy a new one.
Installation Tools
*Note: Prices may not reflect ongoing sales and inventory.
RYOBI ONE+ HP Cordless Hammer Drill & Impact Driver Combo Kit
- $229
If you need heavy-duty tools for a DIY home installation, this kit includes an 18-volt hammer drill and an impact driver, along with two batteries, a charger, and a handy bag.
Husky 6-in-1 Multi-Function Pliers
- $13
Pliers are always helpful for home DIY projects, and this tool can be used in multiple ways, including as a wire cutter and a reamer. Its long-nosed design and non-slip gripping power is helpful for working in tight spaces.