Gift Guide 2024: The Best Devices for New Homeowners.

In August, I made a decision I never thought I would: I bought a house. After spending most of my adult life in New York, I moved a few hours north to the Hudson Valley. It's been a significant change, just as I expected. Along with the typical surprises of being a homeowner—like finding a short-tailed shrew in my laundry room—the transition from renting to owning a property has granted me a control over my space that I've never had before. For instance, I've turned down several smart home products to review simply because I couldn't install things like a smart doorbell in a place that wasn't mine. It may seem like a trivial matter, but I've spent the past few months trying to make up for lost time.

Here’s a gift guide for someone who just moved, or for yourself if you relate. Everything mentioned has been tried and is currently in use, with the hope that these items will make your smart home feel more like a true smart home.

• Apple Mac Studio/Mac Mini — $1,999/$599
  The Mac Studio M2 and a pair of Studio Displays are the core of my office. This powerful machine comes in a compact format, and its SD card slot is excellent for all the photos I need to take for my work. However, if I had to choose today, I might opt for the Mac Mini to free up space on my desk, especially given its attractive price of $599.

• Aviron Interactive Home Rowing Machine — $1,999
  I had a serious back issue last year that forced me to stop running in the mornings. While I like cycling, I ultimately opted for rowing, which provides a full-body workout with less impact. Aviron, although not a well-known name in connected fitness, has created an excellent rowing machine with an entertaining library of content that includes games to make the routine more enjoyable.

• Beflo Tenon Smart Adjustable Desk — starting at $2,399
  A good desk is essential, and it's important to be able to alternate between sitting and standing. So, when I moved, I decided to get rid of my old desk and see what it’s like to live with a standing desk from Beflo. This model has numerous advanced features, controllable via a touchscreen or an app, including USB ports and lights. While it may be excessive for many, investing in a durable desk can be beneficial in the long run.

• Bird Buddy — $299
  I always wanted one, but I never had my own garden. Bird Buddy is a bird feeder with a camera that I chose for my new porch. It uses artificial intelligence to capture videos and photos at the right moment, and I’ve had to overcome some obstacles, like mischievous squirrels, but with patience, the birds are finally being attracted.

• Branch Verve Chair — $509
  I’ve recommended Branch chairs to everyone who asks. They are incredibly comfortable and improve long working hours. I recently upgraded to the Verve, which is a bit more expensive but also more stylish, with a coral color that adds a special touch to the home office.

• Coway Airmega — $230
  Air purifiers are essential in many parts of the world, especially with the increase in wildfires. As someone with many allergies living in the countryside, I can't underestimate the importance of a good purifier. Coway offers an effective HEPA model for large spaces, with a minimalist design that looks good in any home.

• Dyson Gen5 Detect — $949
  My Dyson vacuum has been a great companion in numerous battles against my rabbit’s fur. This model, which continues to perform despite wear, is effective at keeping my hardwood floors and carpets clean, removing any trace of dirt and hair.

• FoodCycler Eco 3 — $500
  This appliance allows you to quickly and efficiently turn food waste into fertilizer, which is great if you have plants at home.

• Hisense C2 Ultra Projector — $3,000
  Although it’s a bit embarrassing, I missed having a projector at home after trying one out. This 4K laser projector provides an exceptional movie-watching experience, with built-in streaming and impressive picture quality.

• Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Generation) — $280
  While it’s not the most exciting product, a good thermostat makes a big difference in comfort and energy bills. This model is easy to install, looks modern, and allows it to operate in the background without having to think about it much.

• Nightside — $350
  This was an excellent housewarming gift from a colleague. Nightside is an innovative night lamp that includes an adjustable mirror for easy reading without complicated technology.

• TP-Link RE715X — $99
  If you have a house, you need a range extender. Even though my home is relatively small, I experienced Wi-Fi issues in several rooms. This extender is easy to install and has worked well for me, even as my collection of smart home products expands.