Is a Video Doorbell a Good Housewarming Gift?
A video doorbell shows who's at the door on your phone, even when you're not home. For a new homeowner, that can feel like a smart, grown-up gift. But it's not right for everyone.
Here's how to decide.
What a video doorbell does
A video doorbell replaces (or sits next to) a regular doorbell. When someone rings or walks up, it can:
- Send an alert to the homeowner's phone
- Show live video of the front door
- Let them talk to the person at the door through the phone
- Record clips, on some models with a paid plan
It's a great gift if they…
- Get lots of packages. They can see deliveries arrive and tell the driver where to leave things.
- Are often away. They can check the door from work or on vacation.
- Like smart home gear. If they already use a smart speaker or smart plugs, a doorbell fits right in.
- Want to feel settled in a new place. Seeing who's at the door adds peace of mind.
It may be a hassle if they…
- Don't like apps. Video doorbells are run from a phone app. Without it, they do very little.
- Have weak Wi-Fi at the front door. The doorbell needs a good Wi-Fi signal to stream video.
- Don't want another subscription. On many models, saving and watching past clips needs a paid plan.
- Rent, or have strict HOA rules. Check whether they can mount something on the door frame.
Battery or wired?
- Battery doorbells are easiest to install, with no wiring. The battery needs charging every so often. Some come off the wall with a small tool to recharge.
- Wired doorbells connect to existing doorbell wiring, so they never need charging, but installing them takes more work.
For a gift, a battery model is usually simpler.
What to check in the box
Read the listing carefully:
- Is a charging cable included? Some battery doorbells leave out the cable.
- What needs a subscription? Live view is often free, while saved video may not be.
- Does it work with their smart speaker? Some doorbells work best with one brand's devices.
A more practical first gift?
If they don't own basic tools yet, a cordless drill or a tool kit may get more use in the first year. A video doorbell makes a great second gift, or a good one for a tech fan.
Make it easy
If you give one, offer to install it with them. Charge it, download the app together, and mount it by the door. That afternoon of help is part of the gift.
For four new homeowner gifts compared on what they do, apps and what's in the box, see our best Christmas gifts for new homeowners.