Around the House
Todays authority
on home improvement
Top 10 products for a new year to make life a little easier!
Breathe Better, Live Cleaner,
Feel Amazing
As we kick off 2026, the best home upgrades aren’t flashy overhauls — they’re the smart, everyday tools that quietly save time, reduce hassle, and make your routine smoother. Here are my personal top 10 home products that make life a little easier this year (and beyond). All of them are things I either own, rely on daily, or would snap up in a heartbeat.
These aren’t just trendy gadgets — they’re practical investments in cleaner floors, smarter energy use, better organization, and less daily friction around the house. Pick one (or a few) and turn 2026 into the year your home finally works *for* you.
Click the bold product names to check current pricing and grab them on Amazon!
Sale
Aqara Smart Lock U100, Fingerprint Keyless Entry Door Lock with Apple Home Key, Touchscreen Keypad, Bluetooth Electronic Deadbolt, IP65 Weatherproof, Supports Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google, IFTTT, Gray
- 【Apple Home and Home Key Support】The U100 is a smart door lock that is fully integrated into Apple Home. It can be unlocked with the Apple home keys by simply tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch, even when the iPhone or Apple Watch is out of power. Moreover, you can manage and share door access for your guests in Apple Home. (NOTE: To share Apple Home Keys, you need an Apple Home Hub)
- 【Fingerprint and More Ways to Unlock】The Smart Lock U100 offers multiple ways to unlock, including a high-precision fingerprint reader for up to 50 fingerprints, remotely configurable passwords via the Aqara Home app (An Aqara Zigbee 3.0 hub is required), one-time local passwords for visitors, and a mechanical key for emergency use. * The NFC card is not included and is sold separately.
- 【Automations with Aqara and Third-Party Devices】With an Aqara Zigbee 3.0 hub, the Smart Door Lock U100 is compatible with third-party ecosystems like Google Home, Alexa, IFTTT as well as the Aqara Home app, allowing it to be easily integrated into a wide range of smart home setups and used in smart home automations. For example, when someone presses the Aqara Video Doorbell G4, you will be able to view who is at your door and easily unlock the U100.
- 【Auto Lock & Do Not Disturb Mode】Thanks to the built-in gyroscope inside the lock, the auto-lock feature locks the door for you after you close it. Alternatively, you can disable this feature and leave the door always open. Also, the Do Not Disturb mode can mute the door lock sounds within a certain period of time, to avoid affecting your family’s sleep when you get back home late.
- 【A Durable and Secure Biometric door Lock with Long Battery Life】 The U100 is powered by 4 AA 1.5V batteries (included) and has a long battery life of up to 8 months. Also, a USB-C port for emergency charging is available. The lock body made of zinc alloy has an IP65 rating and complies with the same safety standard as BHMA Level 3. It’s capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from -31°F to 151°F. Your sensitive data (e.g., fingerprints) is stored locally and fully AES encrypted.
$134.99
Buy on Amazon
Amazon Fire TV 55" 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV, stream live TV without cable, 2024 release
- The popular Amazon Fire TV 4-Series — now even better: An ultra-slim bezel puts your entertainment front and center, while support for vivid 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Plus bring scenes to life.
- Built by Amazon, the Fire TV 4-Series brings crisp picture quality, superior streaming, and the magic of Alexa to everyday entertainment.
- 4K Ultra HD, HDR10, and HLG deliver a clearer and more vibrant picture with brighter colors compared to 1080p Full HD.
- Use the Alexa Voice Remote Enhanced to easily find, launch, and control your content. You can even check the weather, sports scores, and more.
- Stream over 1.8 million movies and TV episodes. Watch favorites with subscriptions to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. Subscription fees may apply.
CHAMBERLAIN Smart Garage Control - Wireless Garage Hub and Sensor with Wifi & Bluetooth - Smartphone Controlled, myQ-G0401-ES, White
- “Did I shut the garage” No more worrying.
- Open or close your garage from anywhere. Simply download the free myQ app for iPhone or Android and get connected with your very own Smart Garage
- Works with Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery—an exclusive Prime member benefit that protects your Amazon packages.
- Give access to family or friends while on the go
- Never worry if the garage is closed at night by setting a close schedule
$29.98
Buy on Amazon
Aqara Smart Doorbell Camera G410 with Chime, 2K, HomeKit Secure Video, 2-Way Audio, Built-in Matter Hub, Wireless/Wired, Supports Apple Home, Alexa, Google, Home Assistant, 2.4G/5GHz Wi-Fi, Black
- Works with HomeKit Secure Video and All Major Ecosystems: Fully compatible with Apple HomeKit Secure Video (HSV) for encrypted recording, iCloud storage, and relevant notifications directly on Apple devices. Also compatible with Matter, Alexa, Google Assistant, SmartThings, and Home Assistant, integrating into your existing smart home setup.
- Built-In Aqara Zigbee & Matter Hub for Simple Device Control: No extra hub needed. This doorbell includes a built-in Zigbee and Matter hub, letting you connect and manage other smart devices—such as sensors, lights, and locks—directly through your doorbell camera. Simplify your setup while expanding your smart home possibilities.
- More Accurate Motion Detection with mmWave Radar: The advanced mmWave radar detects human presence with greater accuracy than traditional PIR sensors. Get smarter alerts without false triggers from pets, wind, or moving shadows, for a more secure and efficient video doorbell. (NOTE: Detection setting is adjustable in the app to increase sensitivity for quicker response.)
- Secure Cloud & Local Storage: Protect your footage with encrypted cloud storage hosted securely, keeping your data close and compliant. Prefer local storage? Insert a microSD card (up to 512GB, not included) for easy backup. The SD card slot is safely located in the Chime inside your home, preventing theft or unauthorized access.
- 2K Ultra HD Video, 95dB Built-in Chime, and Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Features a 2K wide-angle lens for crisp, detailed video. The built-in 95dB chime delivers loud and clear alerts. Supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi and meets WPA3 security standards for reliable and secure connections. *Note: When connected to Apple HomeKit, the resolution is limited to 1600×1200. This limitation also applies to Aqara Home when both platforms are used simultaneously.
$134.99
Buy on Amazon
Aqara 4MP Camera Hub G5 Pro PoE, True Color Night Vision Security Camera Outdoor, HomeKit Secure Video, Thread Border Router, Local Detection, Thread/Zigbee, Supports Alexa, Google, Smartthings, White White - PoE Version (Ethernet Supported, No Wi-Fi)
- 4MP HD & True Color Night Vision- The security Camera Hub G5 Pro offers a 4MP Resolution with a 133° FOV and supports True Color Night Vision with a 1/1.8" sensor and f/1.0 large aperture, identifying intruders even in low-light. A Built-in 3000K DIMMABLE Spotlight functions as an intruder deterrent and improves visibility during nighttime. Note: This surveillance camera is not equipped with infrared light. No Battery.
- Local AI Visual & Abnormal Sound Detection- Thanks to the powerful built-in Neural Processing Unit (NPU), outdoor Camera Hub G5 Pro supports 7 types of visual detection and 4 types of abnormal sound detection. For visual detection, G5 Pro can recognize faces, individual vehicles, animals, people, and can distinguish if they are lingering. It also supports Lens Obstruction Detection and Package Detection. For abnormal sound detection, this camera for home security can detect babies crying, alarm sounds, barking and coughing. This feature enables you to record key events and trigger automations even during an internet outage.
- Hub & Matter Bridge- Home Camera G5 Pro acts as a hub with both Aqara Zigbee (Not third-party Zigbee devices) and Thread dual protocols, it can connect up to 80 Aqara Zigbee Sub-devices or 40 thread sub-devices, or 20 Aqara Zigbee Sub-devices and 20 Thread sub-devices. This home security camera integrates third-party matter devices into the Aqara Home app and exposes existing Aqara devices to Matter-compatible platforms like Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Home. *Compatibility depends on device type, ecosystem support, and the presence of a Matter Controller.
- HomeKit Secure Video & Multiple Storage Methods- The outdoor security camera G5 Pro supports HomeKit Secure Video (an active iCloud subscription and an Apple Home hub is required), features a built-in encrypted 8GB eMMC storage and supports Aqara Cloud, and RTSP with full End-to-End encryption for protection, G5 data is accessible by only you or your family. Note: 24/7 record is only supported with RTSP and store in your Local devices
- Easy PoE Installation- Thanks to the power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, this PoE camera can transmit videos and reveive power via only a single network cable. Note: PoE Switch required and separately purchased. Also, the poe security camera G5 Pro includes a 5V2A USB-C port for non-PoE enabled setups. Zigbee2MQTT and comparable third-party USB dongles are not officially supported by Aqara. Full product functionality may be limited or unavailable.
$199.99
Buy on Amazon
Little Giant Ladders Jumbo Step, Foldable 3-Step Stool, 2.2-Ft Aluminum, with Platform Steps, Handrail, and Tool Tray, 375 lb Load Capacity, Type 1AA, 8.7-Ft Reach, (11903) 3 Step Aluminum Ladders
- Lightweight aluminum stepladder uses a non-slip staircase design for comfortable and sturdy use.
- Adjustable safety handrail increases stability while working on top step.
- Innovative Top Cap includes smartphone holder, hooks, port holes and tray to keep all of your necessary tools on-hand while working.
- Extra-wide, slip-resistant feet are perfect for working over grates.
- ANSI Type IAA 375 lbs. Duty Rating.
$200.63
Buy on Amazon
Sale
BOSCH GLM100-23 100 Ft Blaze Laser Distance Measure, Includes 2 AA Batteries
- EASY-TO-USE: Simple, user-friendly layout features two-button operation: one for measuring, one for rounding.
- ACCURATE: Features long range measuring with extreme accuracy and measures distances up to 100 feet to within 1/16 inch. Measures in meters, feet inches, with fractions or decimals.
- DISPLAY: Features a backlit display with large icons that allows measurements to be easily read, even in dark areas. Brighter than its predecessor, the GLM20.
- PORTABLE: This compact measurer is easy to carry and fits in your pocket.
- ROUNDING BUTTON: The button allows users to easily round the measurement result from 1/2 inch up to 1/32 inch.
$39.85
Buy on Amazon
Sale
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro-Bone Conduction Headphones, Open-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Sport Headphones for Running and Workout, Sweat Resistant, Long Battery Life, Premium Deep Bass, Mic，with Hair Band, Black Black Standard Modern
- Open-Ear Comfort - OpenRun Pro features our best fit yet. Avoid the discomfort of in-ear headphones with our bud-free design. These headphones stay put during any workout. Includes Shokz headband
- Safety & Connection - OpenRun Pro ensures you enjoy your favorite audio with awareness of your environment for improved connection and safety compared to traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones
- Premium Sound Quality - Experience premium audio delivered through your cheekbone with our 9th bone conduction technology. Engineered with Shokz TurboPitch technology, OpenRun Pro headset features our best listening experience with clear sound, powerful volume, and a rich bass
- Secure Fit - A lightweight, wraparound titanium frame keeps your wireless headphones stable and in place during intense training
- 10 Hours of Music & Calls - Enjoy ten continuous hours of music, calls and podcasts with our Bluetooth headphones. OpenRun Pro also features a 5-minute quick charge for up to 1.5 hours of battery life
$159.95
Buy on Amazon
Kreg K4 Pocket Hole Jig - Adjustable, Versatile Jig for Strong Joints - Create Perfect, Rock-Solid Joints - Easily Adjustable Drill Guides - For Materials 1/2" to 1 1/2" Thick Pocket Hole System System
- Easy Woodworking Tools: Kreg pocket-hole joinery is the fast, strong, easy way to join wood-drill, drive, and done
- Adjustable Pocket-Hole Jig: The Pocket-Hole Jig K4 gives you the precision and adjustability of a proven, time-tested pocket-hole jig trusted by DIYers and pros
- Customizable Setup: This pocket-hole jig has a 3-hole drill guide for pocket holes, perfect for use with materials from 1/2" to 1 1/2" thick
- Versatile Application: The large clamping recess helps to secure your pocket-hole jig, while the Removable Drill Guide is ideal for benchtop and portable use
- Premium Kreg Tools: We offer products that help woodworkers close the gap between idea and outcome
$69.00
Buy on Amazon
The Original Tumbler Rolling Knife Sharpener™ - Knife Sharpening Made Easy - Knife Sharpener Tool for Kitchen, Outdoor & Utility Knives - Kit Offers 15 & 20° Angles - Kitchen Gadgets & Gifts for Him 1 Pack
- Precise & Long-Lasting Sharpness: Any serious chef knows quality knives are expensive. Keep yours cutting like new for much, much longer with a Tumbler rolling knife sharpener. With our easy-to-use system, anyone can get factory-sharp knives in minutes.
- Powered by Diamonds: The sharpening disc is plated with nature's hardest, most-effective sharpening stones: diamonds. The D35 grit size (compare with 800 whetstone grit) effortlessly removes the first layer of your knife’s edge while restoring sharpness.
- A Finer Edge: A proprietary stainless steel helix disc on the other end of the kitchen knife sharpener removes the burr of your knife’s edge after the base sharpening. The result? A finer edge for more precise cutting that makes all kitchen tasks easier.
- Simple, But Effective: The Tumbler knife sharpening kit is deceptively simple, but also surprisingly functional. Simply choose your angle and use the magnetic knife holder to secure your blade. Then, roll the sharpening disc back and forth until sharp. Finally, flip Tumbler over and hone the edge using the stainless steel disc.
- 15 & 20 Degree Angle Sharpening: Easily & quickly sharpen traditional and specialty blades. Powerful magnets keep your knife at exactly 20° or 15°, so you'll always get uniform angles over the entire cutting edge.
$129.00
Buy on Amazon