10 creative holiday gifts for the home
Black Friday is here and the holiday shopping season is upon us.
Are you ready to tackle your shopping list?
According to the National Retail Federation, shoppers will spend an average of $935.58 each this holiday season, down slightly from 2015's record-setting $952.58.
Whether your budget is higher or lower than the national average, we've got you covered with gifts for everyone you know. From less than $20 to $200, these gifts for the home are available online from a number of retailers, meaning you could skip the crowds (and stress) that come with shopping Black Friday deals in person.
Click ahead for 10 unique home gifts for your family and friends.
Ring Video Doorbell, $199
Give it to: The home security specialist
This high-tech doorbell lets you answer the door even when you're not home. The Wi-Fi-connected device comes equipped with a camera and speakers, allowing homeowners to see, hear and speak to visitors from their smartphones. It also comes equipped with night vision and motion sensors, which can record activity and store it in the cloud for homeowners to review later. The doorbell comes in four different finishes.
WEMO Insight Switch, $50
Give it to: The energy-conscious techie
This smart outlet does more than just shut off the lights. It plugs into any standard outlet and can connect to smartphones via Wi-Fi, allowing users to monitor their energy usage, set schedules and enable notifications. For example, using it to plug in a clothes dryer will let you see when the dryer turns off so you can grab your items before they wrinkle.
DIY Fermentation Crock, $59
Give it to: The adventurous foodie
This dishwasher-safe fermentation crock could let the most adventurous chef in your life create his or her own probiotic beverages or fermented produce. It holds up to 5 liters and comes with a reusable label and wax pencil to make identifying the contents of the batch simple. It also comes with a recipe book. This plastic and glass crock is lighter and less expensive than stoneware versions, which typically retail for a lot more.
Home Plate Welcome Mat, $21
My hometown of Chicago is still celebrating the Cubs' World Series victory, so baseball is everywhere here. Whether your favorite baseball fan supports the Cubs or a team that was slightly less successful last season, this welcome mat could add a sporty touch to his or her entryway. The 2-by-2-foot mat is available in 19 colors.
The Smoking Gun, $100
Give it to: The creative carnivore
This handheld device adds a smoky flavor to foods without placing them in a bulky traditional smoker. The Smoking Gun runs on four AA batteries and comes with sample jars of applewood and hickory smoking chips, although it can use most combustible materials, like teas or spices. The kit also comes with a nozzle extender hose, an instruction manual and an acrylic stand.
Test Tube Desk Organizer, $13.50
Give it to: The science student
Keep desk accessories stowed out of the way with this test tube desk organizer. The refillable glass tubes come stocked with pushpins, paperclips and binder clips. Black plugs keep the contents from spilling, and a metal stand keeps everything neat and upright.
Sticks Multi Hook, $25
Give it to: The modern minimalist
This sleek, hideaway hanging device could double as minimalist art for the entryway. The flip-down plastic hooks hold up to five pounds. All the hardware needed for installation is included.
Aromatherapy Shower Kit, $45
Give it to: The stressed-out showerer
This shower attachment could help someone in your life relax. The plastic arm attaches to the showerhead and the pods release organic essential oils into the shower water, releasing the relaxing scent without leaving oily residue on skin or hair, according to the manufacturer. Each pod lasts an average of five showers. The oils come in six scents, and the starter kit comes with the arm and three oil pods.
Chalkboard Table Runner Set, $34
Give it to: The kids' table
Everyone knows at least one child who draws on absolutely everything. This reusable chalkboard table runner could give kids an appropriate place to doodle while the adults enjoy their holiday meal. When the kids' masterpieces are complete, the table runner wipes clean with a damp cloth and is ready for another round. A set of white chalk is included, and a multicolor chalk set is also available.
LED Lighted Bag Toss Tournament, starting at $63
Give it to: The backyard Olympian
The backyard competition doesn't have to end at sundown with this day-to-night beanbag toss set. Battery-powered LED lights help players aim for the target and keep track of the beanbags in the dark. The set also comes with a storage bag to keep all the pieces together.