The Verge’s 2025 smart start gift guide – The Verge
We have several clever gift ideas for anyone needing a modern home makeover in 2025.If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.by Quentyn KennemerIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.The cliche “new year, new me” rally cry doesn’t exclusively apply to resetting common goals related to health, finances, or education. The turning of the calendar is also a great reminder to check whether your daily sanctuary could be more pleasant or functional. There are many ways to usher in change, too, whether that’s with a bit of cleaning or a full-blown Jetsons-style makeover.To that point, we’ve gathered a list of upgrades that can help spark a sense of renewal. Whether you’re a first-time smart home builder or looking to add some cutting-edge tech to your current setup, the recently released gadgets below can save you time and money while adding a little fun to your daily routine. Our picks include innovative lighting kits like Nanoleaf’s Blocks Combo XL, an AI-powered smoker, and a robot vacuum to help clean around the house, plus a smart home hub with ubiquitous compatibility to manage it all in one place.We’re also highlighting a few analog upgrades, such as a stylish oil diffuser and WoodUpp’s slick accent panels. These pieces aren’t necessarily “smart” in a connected sense, but they’ll go a long way toward building inspiration and vigor to conquer the year ahead.Wotor’s wine stoppers come in handy for preserving the most precious of nectars. They’re a step above reusing a cork, and the bundled vacuum pump lets you suck as much air as possible out of the bottle before sealing it, helping prevent oxidation. Your recipient will be happy to have it for any milestones they plan on celebrating this year.Who said chargers have to function as unattractive wall ornaments? Counterpart’s 35W The Charger hides a retractable USB-C cable inside a puck-like case that comes in five handsome colors. When you’re done using it, just press the button and watch the cable roll back into place for travel or later use around the house.The Google TV Streamer is a one-stop streaming box with an excellent user experience that makes it easy to find content to watch, listen to, and play. You can use Google Assistant to search for recommendations or specific titles across every app available, and the set-top box also acts as a smart home hub with Matter and Thread support.The Echo Show 21 can act as the centerpiece of any burgeoning smart home. The 1080p smart display is a Matter and Thread controller, meaning you can locally control compatible devices using voice commands or a range of widgets. Its built-in auto-framing camera also facilitates video calls. Plus, it has decent speakers for music and other features shared among Alexa displays.If you’re conducting a modern living room makeover, Castlery’s Harper Lift-Top Coffee Table would be a great addition. The oak veneer piece pairs nicely with warm decor, and the entirety of the tabletop is extendable, offering ample room for quick dining or your laptop. There’s also a roomy storage compartment beneath the top so that you can house books, blankets, and other accessories.Repeatedly adjusting the heat can be annoying — even with a connected thermostat. Luckily, Google’s fourth-gen Nest Learning Thermostat can reliably learn your preferences over time and automatically set the temp based on several factors, including the weather outside and whether you’re home. It also smartly maintains a healthy balance between comfort and energy usage.Picking up a Roomba that could mop and empty its own bin for under $500 would be inconceivable a couple of years ago, but here we are. The Combo 2 Essential only needs its water changed and microfiber mop pads washed. It’s pretty hands-off otherwise, especially since the self-sealing bag in the dock can last up to 60 days before you need to swap it out.SwitchBot’s apt-titled Air Purifier Table cleans the air in your home while leveling up the decor. It features a wood grain tabletop outfitted with Qi wireless charging, a soft-glowing lamp that’s customizable with 10 colors, and even a built-in fragrance dispenser to keep your space smelling fresh. There are plenty of onboard controls, but you can also control the Matter-enabled device with an app or your voice.The Tube E26 is a funky, tube-style smart bulb with 52 customizable zones and plenty of pizzazz. You can set it to display one or two colors at once or go all out with several unique effects that are designed to mimic everything from a lava lamp to a crackling flame. The Matter-ready bulbs also work with a hub-free app and voice controls via Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, and Samsung SmartThings.Eve’s Matter-compatible smart plug is an affordable way to ease in recent smart home converts. It connects any appliance or gadget with an AC plug to the Eve app, which offers manual or automated power control. You can also control it natively or by using your voice on any device that supports Alexa, Google Home, Apple Home, or Samsung SmartThings.Nanoleaf’s Blocks Combo XL kit can elevate any gaming setup or productivity space. It comes with nine square color-changing LED panels, along with an accent board with a hook for headphones. You can slot the included shelf into the pegboard to hold faux plants or your latest Funko Pops, and like most Nanoleaf wares, you can always pick up more modular components at Nanoleaf’s website.If someone you know could use a battery-powered buzzer, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus doesn’t require hardwiring, making it ideal for even apartment dwellers. The head-to-toe 1536p camera is still fast enough to catch passersby as soon as it sees them, however, while the use of a quick-release battery means you can keep a spare charged for virtually no downtime.Nugget ice is serious business for some, and the GE Profile Opal 2.0 Ultra Nugget Ice Maker is a relatively affordable alternative to buying a fridge with the ability. It makes 1.6 pounds of ice per hour and starts producing nuggets in just 10 minutes. You can also set schedules in the app or control it with either Alexa or Google Assistant voice commands.Looking to ensure a safer 2025? Eufy’s Floodlight Camera E30 can pass for a serious home security detail. The 2K security camera has two onboard floodlights, pan and tilt functionality that covers nearly every vertical and horizontal direction, AI subject tracking with dead zone motion detection, and even the ability to sound a siren remotely if needed. Best of all, it does all of this without a subscription.When managed correctly, bamboo plants draw sustenance from their roots for nearly infinite growth — but growing them indoors requires patience and ongoing care. Lego’s Lucky Bamboo set can be great for someone who loves the look of bamboo but not necessarily the maintenance. Building the 325-piece set still takes a while, but when you’re done, you’re done for good.The Vitruvi Stone Diffuser hides its ultrasonic diffusion process behind a ceramic covering to blend in with modern decor. Instead of heat, it vibrates 2.5 times per second to activate your scent, meaning your essential oils should last longer. It can cover a 500-square-foot room for up to eight hours, too, and features a warm ambient light that will help you locate it in the dark.Acoustic wall panels with wooden slits can add a stylish sound-dampening treatment to any wall. A number of brands currently sell them, but WoodUpp’s Akupanels are uniquely compatible with a range of hangers, shelves, mounts, and other upgrades that don’t require alterations or planning ahead for wall studding. The cuttable wooden veneer panels are available in several classic finishes.Dash’s simple griddle is a classic kitchen appliance that’s suitable for preparing big breakfasts and other hearty meals without excessive pots and pans. With five heat settings, the 20 x 10.5-inch nonstick cooktop can quickly go from slowly cooking veggies and eggs to grilling burgers and thin steaks. It also has an integrated drip tray and comes in several fun colors.Ruggable’s washable rugs are brilliant. The spill-proof interchangeable rug covers are thin and flexible enough to fit into most washing machines, making cleanup a breeze. Just peel the cover from the nonslip rubber pad and toss it in for a cycle. If you get multiple covers of the same size, you can also easily swap styles to fit any mood or season.Aspiring grill masters might appreciate some help for tougher smoking jobs, perhaps to avoid overcooking expensive brisket. The generative AI in the cheekily named Brisk It Origin 580 not only offers recipe-specific tips and cooking instructions but also manages the entire process. It sets the ideal temperature and even detects when your food is done to stop cooking autonomously.© 2025 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved
