When you're brainstorming Valentine's Day gift ideas for your honey, personal security gadgets probably don't come to mind - but maybe they should. After all, what says "I love you" more than a heartfelt investment in your sweetheart's safety?
This year, forgo the fancy dinner and buy your Valentine one of these ingenious products:
1. Health and fitness tracker
Helping your significant other stay healthy has never been easier with the myriad of fitness wearables that have hit the market in the past 2 years. While there are plenty of models available, not all fitness trackers are created equal. Make sure you do your research - there are specialized trackers perfect for swimmers and runners, or more basic models that effectively monitor heart rate, steps taken, and even sleeping patterns.
Some models even allow you to combine your fitness tracker with apps, like If This Then That (IFTTT), to help your significant other stay safe. A simple press of a button can open the garage door, turn on porch lights, or remotely activate a security system.
2. Back country emergency locator
For those who are dating or married to a backcountry enthusiast, an emergency locator can not only be a romantic gift that shows you care, but can also give you peace of mind when your loved one is on a long hike or backpacking trip. Personal Locator Beacons and Satellite Messengers, priced anywhere from $150-$400, allow you to track your adventurer's travels in near real-time and alert the authorities if something goes wrong.
3. Emergency whistle
Whistles are one of the simplest, most affordable personal safety devices available, and make a great gift for both adults and children. They easily slip onto a keychain, or can be carried in a pocket for emergency situations like a fire, assault, or abduction. Most are available in a variety of colors and are even made in glow-in-the-dark options that make it easy to find. To find the best whistle for your Valentine, consider what emergencies are most likely to occur based on their age and lifestyle.
4. Biometric encrypted USB drive
Identity theft is on the rise, and securing your darlings' digital data (and private pictures, emails, and financial documents) has never been so important. Innovative Biometric USB Drives use fingerprint recognition technology to protect unauthorized users from accessing your Valentine's data should they accidentally lose their USB Drive. These ultra-smart flash drives leverage military-grade encryption techniques that meet the most strict data storage requirements, and come in 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB options.
5. Home security camera
Security cameras have never been as affordable and easy to install, so consider gifting your heartthrob with a cordless video surveillance camera this V-day. Security cameras can help boost home security and deter intruders, and most can even be integrated with a smart home hub to provide convenient control from a phone or tablet.
6. Smart doorbell
Video doorbells link to your loved one's cellphone and let them see, hear, and talk to anyone who comes calling. Most models allow users to take a picture of their visitor and watch live or recorded video of their front door at any time. So whether your honey is at home or away, a smart doorbell offers real peace of mind.
7. Home breathalyzer
Great for college students and responsible drivers, a home breathalyzer pairs with his or her iOS or Android device to gauge your loved one's blood alcohol content (BAC). If they've had too much to drink, the device estimates how long it will be until they are likely to be sober. Popular models feature a slim, compact design that makes them easy to carry in a purse, stash in a pocket, or attach to a keyring, so your sweetheart never has to wonder whether it's safe to get behind the wheel.
8. Location tracking wearable
If your child is your special someone this Valentine's Day, consider investing in a children's tracking bracelet or watch. These devices use location technology to allow you to monitor your son or daughter remotely using a cell phone application. Many also feature an emergency button that lets kids signal for help if they are in trouble, or a calling feature that lets them dial pre-approved phone numbers if they are lost or abducted.
Choose a model that is appropriate for the size and age of your child, and consider whether you would like to buy a product with a monthly GPS fee or one with a shorter range that relies on Bluetooth.
This Valentine's Day, ditch the cards and candy. Instead, invest in your darling's safety with one of these security gifts that keep on giving.
