25 Gift Ideas for People Who Work From Home
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Fiddler's SolaceSpeks Supers 33-mm Magnet BallsRead more
A Cushy FootrestSecretlab Premium Footrest Read more
Let There Be LightBenQ LaptopBar and ScreenBarRead more
Off the WallPost-It Flex Write SurfaceRead more
If someone in your life needs a home office upgrade (that includes yourself!), you've come to the right place. WIRED's Gear team has been working remotely since well before the Covid-19 pandemic—we've been testing headsets, standing desks, office chairs, and peripherals in our own lives for years. Whether you're tired of your loved one working at the kitchen table, or you just want to treat them, we've got several work-from-home gear gift ideas that can make remote work even sweeter. Check out our Ultimate Work From Home Gear guide for more recommendations.
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Updated December 2023: We've overhauled this guide with new picks.
- Photograph: Speks
Fiddler's Solace
Speks Supers 33-mm Magnet BallsWho doesn't love a desk knickknack? And who doesn't love magnets? Put them together and out comes a fun little thing to fiddle with during Zoom meetings. These magnetic balls are a little large, but I like rolling them around in my palm. They make a somewhat noisy grating sound when the balls rub together (sorry), so if your giftee works within your vicinity, think carefully before you get them this accessory.
- Photograph: Secretlab
A Cushy Footrest
Secretlab Premium FootrestYou're supposed to keep your feet flat when you sit at a desk for your body's sake, but … go on, stretch those legs. No one's home to tattle on you (or your giftee). Better yet, put 'em up on Secretlab's memory foam footrest. The fabric is velvety soft, yet firm enough that your feet don't sink into it and it doesn't slide around too easily when you rest your feet on it. It does a great job repelling pet hair and doesn't take much effort to clean.
- Photograph: BenQ
Let There Be Light
BenQ LaptopBar and ScreenBarBenQ's ScreenBar has been a must-have in my workstation for the past year, and lo and behold, there's now a LaptopBar. It's a lamp that hangs over a monitor (ScreenBar) or a laptop's display (LaptopBar), and it does a bang-up job of illuminating the keyboard and workspace. The former uses a counterweight to stay balanced, but the new LaptopBar stays affixed via a permanent adhesive-backed magnet that sticks to the outer part of a laptop. The lamp itself is removable (and comes with a carrying case). Your giftee can keep it powered via the USB-C cable or run it via the battery, which lasts roughly two hours at full brightness. Dim it to last longer, and it can be set to a warm or cool color temperature.
It's great for anyone who frequently works in the dark. Sure, it makes all those crumbs on the keyboard much more visible, but maybe it'll incentivize them to clean up.
- Photograph: Post-It
Off the Wall
Post-It Flex Write SurfaceI have been using Post-It's Flex Write Surface whiteboard for nearly three years to jot down all the things on my work to-do list. The physical act of writing things makes me remember them better than using digital note apps, but I can also handily glance at the list to remind myself of the never-ending amount of stuff I have to review.
The Flex Write Surface comes in the form of a giant tube of flexible whiteboard. Unroll and cut it into any shape and size, then peel the back and stick it to a wall—don't worry, the adhesive has never peeled off, and it doesn't ruin my wall paint when I remove the whiteboard. It comes with a cloth and water bottle for easy cleaning, so you'll just need to supply your loved one with dry-erase markers.
- Photograph: Giantex
Sit As You Please
Giantex Cross-Legged Office ChairIf your giftee has trouble sitting with their feet planted on the ground, I've had a surprisingly good experience with the Giantex Cross-Legged Chair. It's a wide seat that lets you put a leg up, or pretty much sit however you want. The faux fur seat isn't super soft, but I found it perfectly adequate in comfiness for long stretches. You can raise and lower the seat, which goes a long way in making sure it works with any desk setup, but it's a shame there are no wheels on this chair. Be careful not to scuff up the floors.
- Photograph: Amazon
The Ultimate Keyboard
Keychron Q1 ProKeychron makes my favorite mechanical keyboards. They're hefty, the switches are clickety-clackety satisfying, and this one offers up wireless connectivity via Bluetooth for up to three devices (or you can keep it plugged in). I have been using this keyboard nonstop for most of 2023, and the PBT key caps do not have any signs of wear, and my typing experience is as good as on day one. I love the volume knob at the top right of the keyboard; it's programmable, so you can use it to change brush size in certain apps, zoom in or out, and a whole lot more with the QMK or VIA software.
- Photograph: Mistobox
Fresh Beans
Mistobox Coffee SubscriptionA Starbucks gift card is a nice present, but redeeming one requires leaving the house. We like Mistobox's coffee subscription a lot. Unlike with a gift card, the caffeine will come to you. The service starts at $13, but gift packages start at $40, and there are optional upgrades. Mistobox has a huge variety of coffee available. With a gift subscription, your loved one will be able to personalize their shipment. Read our Best Coffee Subscriptions guide for more choices.
- Photograph: MSI
A Second Screen
MSI Pro MP161 (15.6 Inch)If you frequently are in awe of the kind of work they do off of a tiny, cramped laptop screen, a portable monitor will do wonders. This MSI model has the best balance in features and price. The 15.6-inch screen is large and decently sharp at 1080p, and it can connect via HDMI or USB-C. There's a kickstand on the back that keeps it upright on stable surfaces, plus built-in speakers, though the ones in a laptop are undoubtedly better. It'll work with Windows or Macs, and it's lightweight enough to tote to the coffee shop whenever they have to get out of the house.
- Photograph: Belkin
High-Quality Video Calls
Belkin iPhone Mount With MagSafe for MacBooksHas your intended recipient complained about how crappy they look on video calls? (It's the shitty webcam, I swear!) If they have a recent iPhone and MacBook, they can use Apple's Continuity Camera feature, which turns iPhones into a high-quality wireless webcam. You can read more about how it works here, but they'll need a place to position the iPhone to get the most out of it. That's where Belkin's MagSafe mount comes in. It magnetically sticks to the back of MagSafe iPhones and works as a phone grip and kickstand. But pop out a loop and it can rest on top of MacBooks for perfect iPhone-as-webcam positioning. Nifty!
- Photograph: Gantri
Task Light
Gantri Analog Task LightThe days are short now, so lighting up the workspace is crucial, and what better to do it than an attractive task light? Gantri lights are gorgeous, 3D-printed, and made from plant-based plastics. They put out a wonderfully warm glow, and you can adjust the brightness via a slider. I love the pop of color this task light offers—you can twist the cube up and down to position the light. If this one's not their aesthetic, there are tons of other lamp designs you can choose from.
- Photograph: Satechi
Hang It Up
Satechi 2-in-1 Headphone Stand With MagSafe Wireless ChargerI hate having stuff strewn across my desk, which is why a headphone stand of some kind is a must-have. But those things also take up space. Kill two birds with one stone with this two-in-one headphone stand. The aluminum arm holds up headphones, and there's a port at the back to recharge those cans when they're low on power. The base doubles as a MagSafe wireless charger, meaning MagSafe iPhones (iPhone 12 and up) will align and charge perfectly.
It can technically charge Android phones, but your mileage might vary, as the placement might not be perfect. If you know you're Android phone is finicky about charging, I recommend looking at Oakywood's headphone stand and wireless charger, which offers similar functionality sans MagSafe.
- Photograph: LG
A Superior Vertical Monitor
LG DualUp 28-Inch Monitor With Ergo Stand (28MQ780-B)Two monitors are better than one, especially when one of the screens is propped up vertically. However, rotating a standard computer monitor 90 degrees means a skinny display where certain websites and apps can look far too narrow. (Emails in Gmail might get cropped.) Enter the LG DualUp. This monitor's 16:18 aspect ratio gives you the benefits of a portrait-oriented display without the skinny width. There's a whole lot more room to work with. The IPS LCD itself has a tack-sharp 2K resolution, and with 98 percent of the DCI-P3 gamut, colors look pretty accurate. Best of all, it comes with an arm mount, so you can affix it to your desk without taking up valuable real estate. I have also tested a similarly nice model from Innocn, but it costs more and doesn't come with a mount.
- Photograph: Harber London
A Leather Desk Mat
Harber London Leather Desk MatI've had the large version of this full-grain leather mat (with the felt padding) on my desk for a year, and it has added an air of luxury. It's quite nice to rest the palms on, and I like that there's a hole for the keyboard's cord to route through. You can let your giftee ditch their crusty old mouse pad, as this mat is smooth enough to pull double duty. It's developing a nice patina, and any dirt or grime is easy to clean with a damp microfiber cloth—something your giftee will appreciate, since it's almost inevitable they'll end up eating at their desk. Harber London has different sizes and colors to choose from.
- Photograph: Plufl
Work Break
Plufl Human Dog BedA human dog bed. Need I say more? I don't think I need to explain why someone might fall in love with this gift (9/10, WIRED Recommends). When they're tired from staring at a screen all day, they can sink into this cushy memory foam bed. The cover is washable (handy if their pet keeps thinking this is their bed). Just make sure they have the space for it, as the Plufl is pretty large.
- Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
Smooth Scrolling
Logitech MX Master 3SIt's difficult to remember life before the MX Master 3S came into it. This comfy mouse connects to your PC via Bluetooth or Logitech's USB-A receiver, and it's super responsive. There are two thumb buttons, but I love it for its scroll wheels. Yes, wheels plural; there's a thumb scroll wheel that's great for horizontally scrolling through spreadsheets, and one push of the primary index-finger scroll wheel sends it wheeling through long vertical pages with zero effort. It glides like a machete through a melon, but there's a button that enables more precise scrolling if needed. I usually only need to recharge it once every three weeks, if not less.
- Photograph: Branch
A Stylish Seat
Branch Verve ChairOne of the best upgrades one can make to a home office is a new chair. We spend most of our waking hours sitting at our desks, so it's important to find a seat that's comfy and supportive. I've tested dozens of chairs and have a curated selection in my Best Office Chairs guide, but if I was buying one as a gift I'd go with the stylish Branch Verve, especially in the coral color. It keeps the back upright, is quite adjustable, and is comfortable. The mesh backrest does a good job of dispersing heat. I'm only miffed by the armrests, which only adjust up and down. Branch says it'll have a headrest upgrade on the way very soon.
- Photograph: Flexispot
Work Anywhere
Flexispot Adjustable Table With WheelsIf your favorite remote worker is the type that can't sit in one place to do some work, then they might enjoy this rollable table from Flexispot. They can roll it to the bed and slide the base under the frame to type away with the comfort of a mattress, roll it to the couch for working with The Office playing in the background, or use it as a standing desk to get the blood flowing. This table smoothly goes up and down via a lever and can get as high as 41 inches.
- Photograph: Sony
Drown Out the World
Sony WH-1000XM5Have they complained about the jackhammer that's been chipping away at the sidewalk for the past few weeks? Or the upstairs neighbor who won't stop rolling bowling balls down the hallway? It sounds like they need a pair of noise-canceling wireless headphones. Sony's WH-1000XM5 (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are one of our favorites, not only because they sound great, look nice, and are comfy, but also because they have exceptional noise-cancellation tech. They'll be able to create a whisper-quiet environment with no effort. Read our Best Noise-Canceling Headphones guide for more recommendations.
- Photograph: Insta360
A Camera That Follows
Insta360 LinkThis is a pricey webcam, but the motorized base enables the Insta360 Link (8/10, WIRED Recommends) to pan, tilt, and zoom, with machine-learning capabilities to recognize your face and keep it in the frame. It's handy for anyone routinely making presentations for work. The resulting video quality is sharp, with nice colors and accurate white balance. It performs well in dark conditions and can connect via USB-C or the USB-A adapter in the box.
- Photograph: HyperX
Audio Boost
HyperX Quadcast SA higher-quality mic is one of those upgrades their coworkers will appreciate, but this particular high-quality mic also makes them look like a cool Twitch streamer or podcaster. The HyperX Quadcast S (8/10, WIRED Recommends) delivers excellent audio quality, connects via USB-C, and has the gamer aesthetic with fancy LEDs. They can just tap the top of the mic to mute it.
- Photograph: Amazon
Pump It Up
Audioengine A1 Home Music SystemDedicated speakers can make a world of difference if your giftee is stuck with those tinny speakers built into monitors or the ones in their laptop. I like the Audioengine A1 because these speakers can get loud and have a nice, wide soundstage that feels dynamic and well balanced. Audioengine speakers are longtime staff favorites at WIRED because they simply sound fantastic for the price. These can be paired via the 3.5-mm headphone jack or Bluetooth.
- Photograph: Secretlab
Oh, Magneato
Secretlab Magnus ProMagnets are awesome. That's why I love Secretlab's Magnus metal desk. Paired with the brand's various magnetic accessories, it keeps your cables clipped to the desk without using any annoying adhesives. There's even a magnetic headphone hanger that I throw my cans onto at the end of the day. The desk also has a trench at the back for hiding all the ugly wires, making cable organization simple and easy.
This is the Magnus Pro, the standing desk version of the original. The motors help the desktop move up and down, and it does so smoothly. I haven't noticed any wobbling either. Your giftee can set presets to their preferred sitting and standing heights and cut power to the standing mechanism when it's not in use. It's a spacious standing desk that's perfect for any neat freak.
- Photograph: Satechi
Revive the Dead
Satechi 165-Watt USB-C 4-Port ChargerBuying a charger for that special someone might be a bit odd, but a gadget like this is one of those things a lot of people can appreciate. There are four USB-C ports and a cradle that you can set it on—the charger has a wire that connects to an outlet, as it's a bit too bulky to plug straight into the wall. At 165 watts, it's got all the power anyone will need. Really. With four devices plugged in, it'll split power at 60/45/30/30 watts, meaning that nearly any device will fast-charge automatically.
- Photograph: Oakywood
Laptop Dock
Oakywood Dual Laptop DockIs their laptop always in the most random places around the house? Give them a place to stow it without taking up much surface space. This Oakywood wood dock looks handsome and has space to store two laptops vertically. There's felt lining on the inside of the grooves to keep the machine scuff-free, and the hefty design ensures the dock doesn't slide around too easily.
- Photograph: reMarkable
Digital Paper
reMarkable 2The reMarkable 2 is an E Ink tablet I've been using over the past year to jot down notes, and I love how it feels so close to paper and pen. The included stylus is lightweight and can magnetically stick to the edges of the slate, and I'd argue it's worth picking up the Type Folio, which adds a keyboard to the tablet. It's an excellent way to type without getting zillions of pings from Slack. It's expensive, and the focus of this machine is quite small, but it's something your giftee will fall in love with the more they use it.
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