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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Jacob York

Home (security) for the holidays: 5 easy tools to protect your home while traveling

A Ring doorbell outside during the winter.

For many of us, the holidays mean being out and about, whether you're shopping for last-minute gifts or spending time at parties with loved ones. But leaving our houses, pets and possessions unattended for an extended period of time can cause apprehension. That's why having a trusted layer of protection is crucial.

By using simple, easy-to-install Ring products, you can get some peace of mind, no matter what you're doing this holiday season. With options for both inside and out, you won't miss out on the fun because you're waiting for a package delivery or keeping an eye on your pet. You can actually be present this year, which is the best gift.

(Image credit: Ring)

Battery Doorbell

Package deliveries are the best part of the season. Whether it's a gift for someone else or a little treat for yourself, knowing you have something on the way is a thrill. The great thing about Ring's Battery Doorbell is that you never have to miss out on that feeling, no matter where you are. It notifies you when someone is at your door and lets you speak to them from anywhere. (Don't want those carolers wasting their time if you're not there, you know?)

It's perfect for holiday deliveries, though. You can speak to delivery people and let them know exactly where you want them to set packages. (Maybe don't place the 100-lb. box at shin height, if we can avoid it.) The Head-to-Toe Video feature lets you see a wider range of verticality, so you can notice any packages left at foot level (or have a conversation with your tall cousin when he swings by).

(Image credit: Ring)

Floodlight Cam Plus

Throwing a party and need to run out for a couple of last-second supplies? You can keep an eye on your driveway with the Floodlight Cam Plus, which features two motion-activated LED floodlights that flood your driveway with light (get it?) when they're triggered.

You can keep an eye on your car (or for early-arriving guests) from inside a department store or over a hot stove. It's also hardwired, so you don't have to worry about the battery running out. With HD video and the Two-Way Talk feature, you can see, hear and speak to anyone that's on camera. There's even a security siren you can activate from your phone if you want to give someone a spook while they're carrying a cake indoors. Always a classic gag.

(Image credit: Ring)

Indoor Cam

There are so many things to celebrate this month. Whether you're keeping an eye on a dubiously wired Christmas tree or a menorah that just won't quit, having a small, unobtrusive Indoor Camera is a must. They're easy to install—you can literally just plug them in and place them pretty much anywhere. There's a manual cover that turns off the camera and the mic, so you don't have to worry about maintaining your privacy.

More importantly, you can stay in touch with your furry friends. Use Two-Way Talk to check in on your pets while you're out and about. You'll hear them and they'll hear you. Or maybe you don't even want to disturb them. Just watch them snooze on HD video. That's just as good.

(Image credit: Ring)

5-Piece Alarm Kit

This time of year isn't just about what you can do for yourself — it's about what you can do for someone else. If you know someone who is moving into a new apartment or smaller home, the 5-Piece Alarm Kit is a perfect gift. There are no tools required to install it, which is perfect for mechanically-disinclined people like myself. It secures a door or window in one room while detecting motion in another, giving a little chirp to make sure you're aware of any activity. Want to go the extra mile? Add a Ring Protect Pro subscription. It provides Alarm Monitoring in case of an emergency, sends real-time mobile alerts when an alarm is triggered, and allows you to arm or disarm your alarm directly from the Ring app. There's no gift like the gift of tranquility.

(Image credit: Ring)

Spotlight Cam Plus

Let me paint a picture: You're trying to sneak some gifts in the back door of your place. You're walking around the side of the house. It's dark. You can't see where you're going. Suddenly, you hit a patch of ice, wipe out and have to spend the holidays moving your torso as gingerly as possible. That could have all been avoided with a Spotlight Cam Plus.

Two motion-activated LED spotlights will illuminate areas like a side yard or alleyway. It has a lot of different power options — rechargeable battery pack, plug-in, hardwired or even solar — so you can always count on it. With HD video and Two-Way Talk, you can give your uncle who is always "borrowing" your snowblower a shout when you see him rooting around in your shed. It's versatile, useful and will save you from a literal backache. What's not to love?

Package Alerts (available for select Ring video doorbells) work best with medium-to-large shipping boxes. Envelopes, tubes, small boxes, and food deliveries may not be detected. Make sure you have Motion Detection enabled in the Ring app. Learn more here.

Professional Monitoring is an add-on plan that first requires a compatible Ring Home subscription. Both sold separately. Service available within the U.S. (all 50 states, but not U.S. territories) and in Canada (excluding Quebec). Ring does not own its monitoring center. Smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring is not available for business or commercially zoned addresses. See Ring Alarm licenses at: ring.com/licenses. Additional fees may be required for permits, false alarms, or Alarm Verified Guard Response, depending on your local jurisdiction.

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