36 sanity-saving gifts for people who work from home
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In the past nine months, it's likely that someone you know may have had a day or two (or a hundred) where they’ve worked from home. And that has brought a whole different set of work-life balance challenges. While they may no longer have to deal with Susan from accounting microwaving her smelly lunch in the community kitchen, in a work from home setting they’re more likely to have issues with desk space, privacy, time management, feeling disconnected from colleagues or even unflattering lighting for Zoom calls (yes, this is a thing).
In solidarity with others working remotely, here are gifts to send them to instill a sense of togetherness, even when we’re apart.
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Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to find the perfect present for everyone on your list!
Best home office gifts
1. Personalized Wood Desk Nameplate
Personalized Wood Desk Nameplate
Personalized Wood Desk Nameplate $32.99 at Etsy
Help others make their workspace official with this custom inscribed desk nameplate. Made of solid walnut wood, it can be laser engraved with your name, title or even an inspirational phrase to keep you going.
2. Belkin Boost Charge™ 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE™ 3-in-1 Wireless Charger for iPhone + Apple Watch + AirPods
Belkin BOOST↑CHARGE™ 3-in-1 Wireless Charger for iPhone + Apple Watch + AirPods $139.95 at Apple
Ideal for those with lots of devices, this multitasker charges an iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all at the same time. It charges devices quickly and it has a one-year warranty.
3. Google Nest Wi-Fi Router
Google Nest WiFi Router
If your home office is located in an area where the Wi-Fi is seriously lacking, this router will bring your desktop or laptop up to speed. Along with blanketing your entire interior with fast, reliable Wi-Fi up to 2,200 square feet, it also keeps your network secure with Protected Access and automatic security updates.
4. ValueRays USB Optical Heated Computer Mouse
ValueRays USB Optical Heated Computer Mouse
ValueRays USB Optical Heated Computer Mouse $24.95 at Amazon
Whether you're looking to soothe arthritic joints or keep your hands warm throughout the workweek, this mouse generates heat up to 120°F while you use it.
5. Quartet Glass Dry-Erase Computer Pad
Quartet Glass Dry-Erase Desktop Computer Pad
Quartet Glass Dry-Erase Desktop Computer Pad $20.99 at Amazon
Quartet Glass Dry-Erase Desktop Computer Pad $20.99 at Staples
Quartet Glass Dry-Erase Desktop Computer Pad $22.99 at Target
Time to toss out all of those Post-it notes! Maximize your work area with this dry-erase slab designed to sit pretty in between your keyboard and desktop monitor.
6. The Sill Haworthia Plant
The Sill Haworthia
The Sill Haworthia $25.00 at The Sill
Add warmth to their workspace with a low-maintenance indoor potted succulent. It doesn’t take up a ton of space, it can power through when they forget to water it and it’s pet safe.
7. Theralite Aura Bright Light Therapy Lamp
Theralite Aura Bright Light Therapy Lamp
Theralite Aura Bright Light Therapy Lamp $62.75 at Amazon
Help others combat seasonal affective disorder — or a case of the Mondays — with this UV-free therapy lamp. This adjustable model has four different brightness settings and boosts mood, increases energy and improves sleep.
8. Computer Mouse Wiggler
Computer Mouse Wiggler
Computer Mouse Wiggler $32.00 at Etsy
This priceless device keeps their computer from timing out when they get up to go to the bathroom or when they just want to appear like they’re working really hard. Powered by any USB source, it will jiggle their mouse every four minutes (or at whatever interval they set) so their computer remains awake.
9. Door Hanger Dry-Erase Whiteboard
Door Hanger Dry-Erase Whiteboard
Door Hanger Dry-Erase Whiteboard $19.99 at Etsy
This probably won’t stop a toddler from barging in mid-conference call, but it’s a definite upgrade on a run of the mill “do not disturb” sign. It’ll let people know exactly why they’re unavailable and when they’ll be free, and it will (hopefully) prevent any awkward mishaps.
10. Russel and Hazel Acrylic Desk Organizer
Russel and Hazel Acrylic Desk Organizer
Russel and Hazel Acrylic Desk Organizer $32.00 at Anthropologie
Russel and Hazel Acrylic Desk Organizer $38.00 at One Kings Lane
This sleek, clear design will keep users organized and blend seamlessly into any home office.
11. Oxo Laptop & Screen Cleaner
Oxo Laptop & Screen Cleaner
Oxo Laptop & Screen Cleaner $9.99 at Amazon
Oxo Laptop & Screen Cleaner $9.99 at The Container Store
Oxo Laptop & Screen Cleaner $9.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
This handy little tool is a must-have for when electronics get gritty. Its soft brush cleans hard-to-reach spaces on keyboards and its microfiber pad gets rid of smudges on laptop, smartphone and tablet screens.
12. Qiaya Light Ring
Qiaya Light Ring
Qiaya Light Ring $19.99 at Amazon
Help them show off their best selves on video calls with this clip-on light. It has three feature-enhancing brightness settings to get rid of shadows that can make them appear sleep-deprived. Plus, it’s rechargeable and comes with a USB cord.
13. Rifle Paper Company Weekly Desk Pad
Rifle Paper Company Weekly Desk Pad
Rifle Paper Company Weekly Desk Pad $12.00 at Rifle Paper Co.
Rifle Paper Company Weekly Desk Pad $12.95 at Paper Source
Give them a sweet desk planner that’ll make big projects and key meetings a priority.
14. AboveTEK Laptop Desk
AboveTEK Laptop Desk
AboveTEK Laptop Desk $49.99 at Amazon
Whether their workspace involves a table, couch or bed, this lightweight, adjustable model will raise their laptop to whatever height is most comfortable. Bonus: It can be stored completely flat when not in use.
15. You're Muted Zoom Prop Signs
You’re Muted Zoom Prop Signs
You’re Muted Zoom Prop Signs $5.00 at Etsy
Because we all know someone who always forgets to unmute when speaking on conference calls.
16. Brother DS640 Compact Mobile Scanner
Brother DS640 Compact Mobile Scanner
Brother DS640 Compact Mobile Scanner $89.98 at Amazon
This USB-powered model has a small footprint but big value. It scans both color and black and white documents and does the job quickly. To note: It’s best for small scanning jobs.
17. Apple Pencil
Apple Pencil — 2nd Generation
Apple Pencil — 2nd Generation $129.00 at Apple
Apple Pencil — 2nd Generation $124.98 at Amazon
Apple Pencil — 2nd Generation $129.00 at Best Buy
For those who mark up lots of documents, take tons of notes or work in a creative field, this will be a welcome addition to their work toolbox.
18. Google Nest Hub
Google Nest Hub
It functions as a clock and music player, and it can control lights, cameras and TVs in their home. Perhaps the most valuable WFH tool? Its digital picture frame, which will rotate their photos and give them mental breaks from stressful work noise.
19. IMAK Ergobeads Mouse Cushion
IMAK Ergobeads Mouse Cushion
IMAK Ergobeads Mouse Cushion $19.29 at Staples
Think of it as a cushiony wrist pillow that will keep their hand in a healthy ergonomic position. Reviewers love that it’s got a non-skid base and is washable.
Related: From iPads to smart gardens, we found them all.
Best practical work gifts
1. Wick & Paper Work From Home Candle
Wick & Paper Work From Home Candle
Wick & Paper Work From Home Candle $28.00 at Etsy
These candles are soy-based, hand poured in the US and available in four scents — Focused (peppermint and eucalyptus), Perky (rosemary sage), Relaxed (sea salt and orchid) and Calm (white sage and lavender).
2. Homech Cool Mist Humidifier
Homech Cool Mist Humidifier
Homech Cool Mist Humidifier $55.99 at Amazon
Perfect for small- to medium-sized spaces, this six-liter model combats dry skin and improves nasal congestion. It's also built with a patented water silencing dripping system, ensuring a comfortable (and quiet) work environment.
3. Keurig K-Mini Jonathan Adler Limited Edition Coffee Maker
Keurig® K-Mini® Jonathan Adler Limited Edition Coffee Maker
Keurig® K-Mini® Jonathan Adler Limited Edition Coffee Maker $69.99 at Target
Keurig's new single-serve coffee maker gets the job done when you're in a time crunch and need a jolt of joe. With a sleek design, it also works as a chic piece of decor for your work space.
4. Jabra Elite 85h Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Jabra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Jabra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $249.99 at Best Buy
Jabra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones $249.99 at Staples
Block out any and all disruptions and background noises inside your home with these over-the-ear wireless headphones that offer up to 36 hours of use on a single charge. Made by the award-winning Danish brand Jabra, the Bluetooth-enabled headphones also includes a built-in microphone for excellent call quality and a stereo design to deliver crisp tones.
5. Brita Filtering Water Bottle
Brita Filtering Water Bottle
Even if they can’t congregate around a water cooler, they shouldn’t be deprived of fresh tasting water. This 26-ounce, BPA-free bottle comes in five colors and is environmentally friendly: It can replace more than 1500 single-use plastic water bottles per year.
6. Ember 2 Mug
Ember 2 Mug
If you know someone who likes to nurse their coffee, this sleek smart mug is for them. It allows users to set an optimal temperature and it keeps coffee warm for an hour and a half. No microwaving necessary.
7. Nekteck Electric Massage Pillow
Nekteck Electric Massage Pillow
Nekteck Electric Massage Pillow $55.99 at Amazon
This massager combats long hours hunched in front of a screen by easing muscle soreness in the upper back, shoulders and neck. It’s got a heating function, eight kneading nodes and three strengths so they can customize pressure.
8. Nina Ottosson Tornado Dog Puzzle
Nina Ottosson Tornado Dog Puzzle
Those who have a WFH canine housemate know pets can be seriously distracting. This doggie diverter has four layers of rotating discs and compartments for hiding treats — so pets stay occupied and you can knock things off your to-do list.
9. Atlas Coffee Club Subscription
Atlas Coffee Club Subscription
Atlas Coffee Club Subscription $9.00 at Atlas Coffee Club
Each box includes a single origin coffee from around the world and comes with a postcard so the recipient can feel like they’re taking a trip even when working from home. The service allows them to select roast preference, grind type and how often they’d like to receive it.
10. Therapedic Back/Lap Blanket
Therapedic® Back/Lap Mat Blanket
Therapedic® Back/Lap Mat Blanket $49.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
Imagine a next-level warm hug that also decreases stress. Available in 4- or 6-pound versions, it will help keep users warm and calm, even when on a contentious call with a high-maintenance client.
11. Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest Pillow
Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest Pillow
Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest Pillow $35.95 at Amazon
Its memory foam core, washable cover and non-slip base all work together to promote good posture and maintain healthy circulation. Plus, no one will know it’s stashed under their desk during Zoom calls.
12. Urthbox Monthly Snack Subscription
Urthbox Monthly Snack Subscription
Urthbox Monthly Snack Subscription $14.99 at UrthBox
Urthbox Monthly Snack Subscription $17.99 at Amazon
When working at home, all those refrigerator drive-bys can lead to excessive snacking on empty calories. But this company will send them organic, all natural, non-GMO snacks to stock their pantry for a healthy afternoon pick-me-up.
13. Happy Feet Electric Feet Warmer
Happy Feet Electric Feet Warmer
Happy Feet Electric Feet Warmer $55.95 at Amazon
When their commute involves thirty steps from the kitchen to their desk, why should they bother putting on shoes? That’s where this little number comes in: It heats up in just 15 minutes and keeps feet warm for up to five hours.
14. Zara Paperbag Joggers
Zara Paperbag Joggers
Zara Paperbag Joggers $39.90 at Zara
Think of these as dressy leisurewear. The color and fabric dress them up, but the relaxed waistband keeps WFH wearers comfy.
15. YETI Rambler Colster Drink Insulator
YETI Rambler Colster Drink Insulator
YETI Rambler Colster Drink Insulator $24.99 at YETI
YETI Rambler Colster Drink Insulator $24.98 at REI
It’ll keep seltzers and soda cool without leaving water rings on their work documents. Plus, it comes in 14 happy colors.
16. H&M Puff Sleeve Top
H&M Puff Sleeve Top
H&M Puff Sleeve Top $24.99 at H&M
This top’s trendy silhouette, solid color and work-appropriate neckline make it perfect for at-home video calls.
17. Poppin 18-Month Pocket Book Planner
Poppin 18-Month Pocket Book Planner
Poppin 18-Month Pocket Book Planner $16.00 at Barnes and Noble
For those that are organizationally-challenged — or just prefer old school planners to digital ones — they’ll love that this offers monthly and weekly views, a front pocket and convenient color-coded tabs.
Still looking for the perfect gift? Be sure to check out Shop TODAY’s 2020 Gift Guide to shop for everyone on your list, including:
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