Five Star Gift Ideas

If your friend is really into smart home automation, there are plenty of thoughtful and practical gift options to explore. Here are a few ideas that could make their birthday extra special:

1. Smart Speaker or Display: Consider getting them a smart speaker like Amazon Echo or Google Home, or a smart display like the Amazon Echo Show or Google Nest Hub. These devices can not only play music and answer questions, but they also serve as the central hub for controlling various smart devices in their home.

2. Smart Thermostat: Help your friend take control of their home's heating and cooling with a smart thermostat like the Nest Learning Thermostat or the ecobee. Not only will it help them save energy and reduce costs, but it can also be controlled remotely from their phone or via voice commands.

3. Smart Lighting System: If your friend enjoys ambiance and mood-enhancing lighting, a smart lighting system is a fantastic gift. Brands like Philips Hue offer easy-to-install kits that transform ordinary lighting into colorful and customizable experiences. They can control the lights using their smartphone, voice commands, or even sync them with music and movies.

4. Smart Security Camera: Help your friend keep an eye on their home with a smart security camera. Brands like Arlo and Ring offer wireless cameras that can be monitored from anywhere via their smartphone. These cameras can provide peace of mind and an added layer of security for their home.

5. Smart Plugs: Smart plugs are a convenient and affordable way to turn any device into a smart device. With a smart plug, your friend can control and schedule the on/off function of lamps, fans, or any other appliances using their smartphone or voice commands. This is a great addition to any smart home setup.

6. Smart Lock: Upgrade their home security with a smart lock that allows keyless entry and remote control. Brands like August and Yale offer easy-install options that integrate seamlessly with an existing deadbolt. They can lock and unlock their door using their smartphone, assign temporary access codes to visitors, and receive notifications about who is coming and going.

7. Subscription to a Smart Home Service: Consider gifting your friend a subscription to a smart home service like IFTTT (If This Then That) or HomeAssistant. These services allow users to create custom automations between different smart devices and platforms, enhancing the capabilities and convenience of their smart home setup.

Before choosing a gift, it's essential to consider the compatibility of the devices with your friend's existing smart home ecosystem. You may also want to research any specific brands or products they have mentioned or expressed interest in. By giving a gift that aligns with their passion for smart home automation, you're sure to make their birthday memorable and meaningful.

Or you can get her/him a star map with the date when she/he was born.