DIY home security systems have come a long way

Especially when we’re rolling up on the holidays, it makes total sense to start thinking about bumping up your home security. When you’re making travel plans, when your kids are home during school break, when you’re hosting loved ones, making sure you feel like your home is as secure as possible. Of course, no one can guarantee safety. But with DIY home security systems, taking steps to have an extra eye on the people and things you love most is super easy.

Another bonus of DIY home security systems? You can easily customize them. Whether you’re interested in a couple of cameras that you can tap into on your phone, or looking for a full top-to-bottom setup with door sensors, doorbells, and keypads, these systems let you decide what’s best for you. Below are some great options (and some bonus Black Friday deals).

Wyze

Started by 3 former Amazon employees, Wyze launched with the idea that smart home products should be accessible to everyone. Today, their first product, the Wyze Cam OG, is still one of their most popular, but they’ve added a ton of different options. Indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, garage door controllers, and even an app-controlled camera car, plus security monitoring plans. Wyze offers some of the most cost-effective home security products out there. They also offer lifestyle products like keypad locks and sprinkler automation, so your whole home can be Wyze smart. Right now, get up to 50% off your favorite Wyze products.

Wyze Home Security—Shop Here!

SimpliSafe

There’s a really good chance you’ve heard of SimpliSafe. They’ve been around since 2006, and currently work to protect more than 4 million homes in the U.S. and United Kingdom. Their products are designed to blend into your home with clean, minimal lines that disappear into the background. SimpliSafe offers full 24/7 monitoring, standard monitoring, and self-monitoring plans at super reasonable prices, and you can customize your system with everything from key fobs to smart locks and glass-break sensors. And this Black Friday, take 60% off a new system + get a free outdoor camera with Fast Protect monitoring. 

SimpliSafe—Shop Here!

Ring

The original Ring Video Doorbell has been making sure no one misses Taco Night since 2012, but they’ve expanded over the years. Every product they make is designed to work together within your own home, as well as connect you with your neighbors and neighborhood happenings through their app. Video doorbells, alarm systems, car systems, and the option of a live Virtual Security Guard make Ring one of the most customizable systems out there. For Black Friday, save up to 50% on select Ring devices. 

Ring—Shop Here!

Cove

Cove is one of the newer kids on the block, launching in 2018 with the idea that home security systems should be simple and priced fairly. The Cove Hub is at the heart of it all, connecting all your home sensors to Cove’s monitoring systems. It uses an ethernet system so you don’t have to rely completely on wi-fi, and installation is designed to take around 30 minutes. Customize it with glass-break sensors, door sensors, and indoor/outdoor cameras. Right now, take 65% off equipment + get a free outdoor camera.  

Cove—Shop Here!

Google

What can’t Google do, right? They have a ton of offerings from cellular to audio, but they also offer door locks, cameras, and video doorbells that work together. You can keep an eye on your home at all times, get notified of deliveries, and use the Google Nest Hub to keep it all connected. Google also lets you select front door or outdoor monitoring, so you can decide what system works best for your home. Some of Google’s best deals of the year are happening this Black Friday, too. 

Google—Shop Here!

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Anytime you can get a deal on LEGO kits is a parent’s dream come true.

While LEGO stores don’t tend to share their deals in advance, there are a few sneak peeks the brick maker is sharing, in addition to other retailers who are already marking down towns of products. Keep reading to get some early sale picks!


Harry Potter Hagrid's Hut: Buckbeak's Rescue

$42 (Save $18) BUY NOW

Luke Skywalker’s Lightsaber

Gift only with purchase of the new LEGO® Star Wars™ AT-AT™.

BUY NOW

LEGO Classic Bricks and Animals 11011 Building Set

$30 ($29 off) BUY NOW

Santa’s Front Yard

Gift with purchase of $170+

BUY NOW

Deep Space Rocket & Launch Control

$81 ($19 off) BUY NOW

Holiday Tree Gift

In-store only gift with $40+ purchase

BUY NOW

VIP Gift: Fleece Blanket

Cyber Monday gift with purchase of $200 available only 11/29

BUY NOW

LEGO Art Marvel Studios Iron Man Canvas Art Set

$84 (Save $36) BUY NOW

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of LEGO

 

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Are you ready to shop until you drop this Black Friday? From now until Nov. 26 you can apply to become a Shopping Expert with CouponLawn with a budget of $8000. Best of all you can keep everything you buy!

shopping

With everyone saving up for Black Friday this Nov. 27, it is expected that people will shift towards online shopping rather than physical stores due to the pandemic .

CouponLawn wants to give one shopper a special opportunity. Through this new campaign they hope to observe changes in online shopping habits and the effectiveness of coupons during the post-pandemic.

If selected you will be given a $8,000 budget to online shop on CouponLawn’s website for exactly one hour. CouponLawn will monitor your purchases to keep track of your spending. All you have to do is test out CouponLawn’s coupons and share your shopping experience.

If this sounds like your dream job, then head over to CouponLawn and apply today.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: freestocks on Unsplash

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Janie and Jack is getting you ready for the holidays! After last year’s fab collection, the children’s clothing retailer just launched a second holiday collab with stylist, CEO, and mom, Rachel Zoe.

The two-collection collaboration launches with Rachel Zoe x Janie and Jack Exclusive Party Collection. Available starting Nov. 9, the line is packed with glam styles that emulate Zoe’s signature style, including several pieces that match her women’s collection for that perfect mommy and me photo opp.

The Rachel Zoe x Janie and Jack Exclusive Party Collection has pops of gold, faux-fur and jacquard suits, dresses, headbands, metallic leather shirts, grey suits, cream dinner jackets and black tuxedo pants. The 30-piece capsule is available in sizes 6-12 months to 12 years, with prices ranging from $19.50-$169.00.

You can shop the line at at select Janie and Jack stores (NYC, LA, Newport Beach, CA) and online at janieandjack.com. Keep your eyes peeled for the second part of the collaboration, a Resort Collection that launches on Dec. 7.

Finally, Rachel Zoe will help kick off Janie and Jack’s Holiday Program with a styling video that includes tips for families getting ready for holiday photos. The program also has an interactive calendar that will inspire families this holiday season with special at-home activities.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Janie and Jack

 

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Sale season is kicking off with a bang. You may be excited to score Prime Day deals on Amazon but there are a slew of other sales going on this week.  If you can’t wait until Black Friday to start your holiday shopping then you are in luck. 

Online shopping

Fire up your laptop because we have rounded up the best deals you can get today. 

Target: Deal Days help kick off the holidays with deals Oct. 13 and 14 

Walmart: “Big Save” event offers customers amazing Black Friday-like savings on thousands of items from Oct. 11  to Oct. 15

Best Buy: Black Friday prices guaranteed Oct. 13 and 14

Bed Bath & Beyond: Spend $200+ and get $50 back in rewards on a selection of newly marked-down items

Macys: Use code THANKYOU to save an extra 30% on your order.

TJ Maxx: Clearance event going on now

Nordstrom Rack: Up to 75% off home goods until Oct. 18

Gap: Get an additional 50% off on markdowns

Wayfair: Get up to 70% off the entire site and free shipping on orders $35+

Old Navy: Get 50% off sitewide and free shipping

Hanna Andersson: Get 40% off sitewide

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Paul Felberbauer on Unsplash

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Forget about standing in long lines or getting up extra-early to drive an hour to the mall. This year LEGOLAND Florida’s Black Friday deals offer the park’s biggest savings of the year—and you can score deep discounts for seven days.

Save at least 50 percent on vaycay packages and annual passes from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through Monday, Dec. 3, 2019 online at legoland.com.

photo: Edward Linsmier for LEGOLAND Florida Resort 

This year’s deals include 50 percent savings on vacation packages at LEGOLAND Pirate island Hotel, LEGOLAND Hotel or LEGOLAND Beach Retreat. Black Friday packages start at $58 per person per day (plus tax) for stays between Jan. 5 and Jun. 30, 2020 and include a one-night stay plus a two-day theme park and water park combo pass for each member of your family/party. Available stays exclude nights from Apr. 4 through Apr. 11 and May 22 through May 24, 2020. Along with the park tickets, hotel guests who purchase this special package will also get free breakfast with each paid night, free parking and an exclusive LEGOLAND holiday gift set.

If you’d prefer an annual past, you can also score more than 50 percent off the Awesomest Annual Pass. Get the 12-month unlimited admission pass for $99 (regularly priced $209.99) during the seven-day sale. Not only will you get a years’ worth of admission to the theme and water parks, but you’ll also get free admission to all seasonal events during the “Year of the Pirate,” exclusive hotel savings and free standard parking. If you decide to venture away from LEGOLAND Florida, you cal also visit Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquariums, LEGOLAND Discovery Centers, the San Francisco Dungeon, LEGOLAND California and LEGOLAND New York (opening in 2020).

LEGOLAND Florida’s Seven Days of Black Friday Deals starts at midnight on Nov. 27, 2019. Visit the theme park’s website here for more information.

—Erica Loop

 

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Have you ever wanted to play Candy Land the way it was meant to be played––with actual candy? Now you can because Target is currently stocking a milk chocolate edition of the classic game!

Stop by the seasonal section on your next Target run and pick up the special version that’s only $9.99 and comes with real Belgian quality milk chocolate. So how does the game work?

photo: Target

The Candy Land Milk Chocolate Edition is played the same way as the OG version, but instead of boring cards that tell you what space to move to, this version comes with 32 wrapped chocolates! Even better, the winner gets to chow down on a golden trophy when they reach the end––sharing encouraged.

Grab the limited edition game at Target.com or on your next Target run.

––Karly Wood

 

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Ready, set, shop—because HoliDeals are almost here. Target recently announced the biggest Black Friday deals yet, including a two-day preview sale and early access for RedCard holders and more!

So what’s new at the big red bullseye retailer this holiday shopping season? Shoppers can score four times as many deals this year compared to last year’s Black Friday Preview Sale.

Along with more deals, Target will also expand early access to Black Friday sales prices to include RedCard holders and members of the new Target Circle loyalty program.

Rick Gomez, executive vice president, chief marketing and digital officer, Target, said in a press release, “This is the busiest time of year for our guests, and with the shortened season, we want to make it as easy as possible for them to cross everything off their holiday list at Target. That’s why we’re introducing HoliDeals, which will feature savings on thousands of items throughout the season, and it all kicks off this weekend.”

Gomez added, “Our expanded Black Friday Preview Sale is just the beginning of a season full of savings. And with our biggest investment ever in guest service, our teams will be ready to help guests shop and save with ease this holiday season.”

Target’s Black Friday Two-Day Preview Sale runs from Nov. 8-9 and shoppers can score deals in retail stores or online at Target.com. Along with five percent off digital Target gift cards, shoppers can also nab deep discounts on everything from electronics and entertainment to home and beauty picks.

Early access to Black Friday Deals starts on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 6 p.m. CST. If you don’t take advantage of the early access deals, you can still shop Target’s Black Friday Savings from 5 p.m. Nov. 28 through 1 a.m. Nov. 30. Check out Target’s Black Friday preview ad here!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Courtesy of Target

 

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Not sure where to put all of baby’s stuff? Before you spend your money on high-priced furniture, baskets and bins, read on for some clever—and cost-effective—organizational ideas, many of which you can DIY. With all the money you’ll save, you’ll be able to buy even more stuff if you like.

Storage Containers

IKEA

These IKEA hampers fold down flat when not in use, but trust us: You'll find tons of uses for them. Fill them with stuffed animals, dress-up clothes or other toys. The large opening means it's easy for your child to pull items outand put them back in during clean-up time. They're also handy for stocking with clothes that are out of season or that your child hasn't grown into yet. Stack them in your closet to save space. They're sturdy enough to remain upright, and the airy mesh sides mean they don't trap smells or moisture.

Available at ikea.com, $7.99.

Changing Station Organizer

100 Layer Cake-Let

Hang a peg board over the changing table and decorate it with a mix of cool accessories and necessities: baskets filled with butt cream and wipes, baby's monogram, and a favorite toy to distract during diaper changes. It'll all be out of the way but easily in reach. Win-win!

Idea: 100 Layer Cake-Let

Book Baskets

Apartment Therapy

Keep your bookworm's hardcovers and pop-ups looking brand new by stashing them in hanging baskets. Put the special reads (like Grandma's hand-me-downs) in higher baskets out of baby's reach, and keep sturdier board books on lower shelves.

Idea: Apartment Therapy

Clipboard for Accessories

Tinker With This

Keep small items like headbands, bowties or hats in order with this cute DIY clipboard. To make it, get some pallet wood (paint it if you like) and use wood glue to adhere clothespins across it. When your child gets older, use it to organize jewelry, award ribbons or other small items.

Idea: Tinker With This

Burlap-Covered Boxes

My Pink Life

Lots of diapers means plenty of empty diaper boxes. Reduce, reuse and recycle by wrapping the boxes in burlap or your favorite patterned fabric or wrapping paper. Fill the boxes with diapers, onesies, baby toys or anything else that needs a home.

Idea: My Pink Life

Closet Dividers

Blissfully Domestic

If you received clothes in various sizes at your baby shower or stocked up during Black Friday sales, you may find your baby's closet overrun with items in multiple sizes, making it hard to find what actually fits. To keep clothing organized by size, decorate plain wooden door hangers. If your closet bar isn't removable, hang the divider signs on a pretty ribbon.

Idea: Blissfully Domestic

Diaper Decor

Junk in the Trunk Vintage

Diapers are so much a part of your baby's room (and both of your lives!), you might as well make them part of the decor. In this clever hack, a shower caddy doubles as a handy and supercute diaper holder/display. Add a few coats of spray paint to match it to your nursery's color scheme.

Idea: Junk in the Trunk Vintage

Floating Shelves

Handmade Charlotte

A few inexpensive wooden boxes, some paint and hangers to affix them to your nursery wall are all you need for this eye-catching, and endlessly customizable, wall decor. It can hold books, toys, photos and much more. Best of all, you can keep adding to the display if you need more storage space, or rearranging it as your needs change. 

Idea: Juliana de Giacomi via Handmade Charlotte

Mini Chalkboard Clips

amazon.com

Attach these mini chalkboards (they come with attached clothespins) to toy bins, laundry baskets, storage baskets and more! This decorative way to label containers keeps items organized and gives you better oversight into what you have.

Available at amazon.com, $8.99 for a pack of 12.

featured photo: KathrinPie via Pixabay

— Ayren Jackson-Cannady

 

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