By Samantha Schoech and Dorie Chevlen
Chances are good that you know (and maybe are) someone who works from home—someone who craves comfort, an aesthetically pleasing workspace, and the ability to work in peace. This year, give a practical gift that any remote employee can enjoy throughout the day, from simple tech upgrades to little luxuries that put the “home” in “home office.”
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTCozy feet
![A pair of Merippa Reversible House Shoes.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/11/workfromhomegifts-2048px-8395.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
These modern, mostly cotton Japanese house shoes are machine washable and perfect for shoe-free households (or anyone who wants warm feet).
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There’s simply no reason to put on outdoor shoes when you work from home. Merippa Reversible House Shoes, though, are a different story, comfortably occupying the niche between hole-prone socks and overly structured slippers. These cleverly reversible soft-body wonders are meant only for the house, and they can tolerate being thrown in the wash when their bottoms get dingy. We’re wild about the range of colors and prints, as well as the way they roll into compact balls for Marie Kondo–style packing.
Crumb cleaner
![Close-up of an Earth & Nest Computer Laptop Brush on top of laptop's keyboard.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/11/workfromhomegifts-2048px-laptopbrush.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
This two-brush combination of coarser horse fibers and softer goat bristles keeps keyboards crumb- and dust-free.
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Chances are, your favorite at-home worker eats a lunch or two at their desk each week. As a result, an occasional breadcrumb or bit of cheese might end up nestled in their keyboard. The handy and good-looking Redecker Computer Laptop Brush is two brushes in one: a stiff horsehair brush for working stubborn gunk from between laptop keys, and a softer goat-hair brush for gently vanquishing dust. It’s all set into a folding beechwood handle.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTMinimalist planner
![A seven-day Poketo Stick To It Weekly sheet stuck on a wall.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/11/workfromhomegifts-2048px-calendar.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
Take weekly schedules off devices with this pad of seven-day sticky notes. They easily stick on and peel off any smooth surface.
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For a person whose online calendar is chockablock with plans and deadlines, the simple seven-day Poketo Stick To It Weekly Pad planner offers a helpful, analog way to keep track of the tasks at hand. Staff writer Samantha Schoech uses it to track weekly work deadlines separate from the extreme chaos of the familial Google Calendar, while supervising editor Hannah Morrill sticks one to the fridge to keep her family looped in during particularly busy weeks.
The best pencils
![Our upgrade pick for the best pencil for writing and schoolwork, the Palomino Blackwing 602.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2021/09/pencils-2048px-6564.jpg?auto=webp&width=1024)
This smooth-as-silk pencil has a replaceable eraser, an incense-cedar barrel, and a smooth, dark core. It costs over twice as much as most writing pencils, but it’s worth the investment.
It might seem silly to wax rhapsodic over a simple pencil—but only until you try a Blackwing. With a cedar barrel and a smooth creamy graphite, the admittedly expensive Palomino Blackwing 602 pencils have earned legions of fans among writers and artists, as well as a place in our guide to the best pencils. With accessories such as replaceable erasers, tip protectors, and special sharpeners, each Blackwing pencil can last for an exceedingly long time. The downside: All other pencils will forever pale in comparison.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAn unfussy frame
![Clear Muji magnetic photo frames in different sizes.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2022/12/wfhgifts-2048px-mujiframe.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
Clear acrylic slabs are magnetized to display photos simply. They come in multiple sizes and stand up on their own.
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For a small desk space that could use a tasteful personal touch, the minimalist Muji Magnetic Photo Frame is ideal. Tiny and surprisingly strong magnets hold together two pieces of heavy, crystal-clear acrylic, creating a freestanding and easy-to-update display. this Muji frame has a pleasingly small footprint, and it’s a great showcase for photos, notes, or keepsakes. The frame comes in four sizes; the medium version readily accommodates a 3-by-5-inch photo.
A smart mug
![The Ember Mug 2 filled with tea.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2022/12/wfhgifts-2048px-0S1A5646.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
The heat source is built into the base of this somewhat pricey mug, so it stays warm even when you’re on the move. And in true tech-era fashion, you can control the temperature via an app.
Sure, your favorite remote employee probably has a microwave nearby, but for a workday beverage that never grows cold, Wirecutter’s top-pick mug warmer, the Ember Mug 2, makes a luxurious gift. Unlike other warmers we tested, the Ember model has its battery-powered heat source built into the base, so your gift recipient can easily take their mug from desk to couch to bed. Even better, using a smartphone app, they can adjust the temperature for the perfect sip, from a toasty 145 °F dark roast to a gentler 120 °F cup of green tea.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA day drink
This bittersweet floral drink is perfect for when you’re in the mood for something delicate yet revitalizing. It sips like an intensely flavored rose tea or a more-floral Lillet Rosé, without the burn.
Though work-from-home etiquette is undoubtedly a little looser than that of the office—we see you, soft-pants nation—drinking on the job remains a hard no. For a libation every bit as nuanced as a cocktail, sans any judgment-altering booze, consider giving your workmate a bottle of bittersweet Rasāsvāda Rose Bergamot, one of our favorite nonalcoholic drinks. The rose aroma leads the first sips, but the earthy bergamot and herbaceous lemongrass cut through for a complicated and satisfying finish. We like it poured over ice mixed with equal parts sparkling water—it’s also a great follow-up gift for a seltzer-loving, soda-making pal.
A sweet stapler
Assembled by a small team of craftspeople outside Milan, this sleek, steel stapler features an artful design that resists jamming and sturdily fastens hefty packets.
With its clean lines and lacquered finish, the sleek steel Ellepi Klizia 97 Stapler performs double duty as a powerful office tool and a handsome desk accessory. Assembled by a small team of Italian craftspeople, this stapler features an artful design that hasn’t changed since its creation in 1977. Supervising editor Hannah Morrill and editor Jon Chase both use the gray version; Hannah’s is new, whereas Jon inherited his from his grandfather, who purchased it nearly half a century ago. Both report a satisfying, jam-free staple every time, even on packets up to 10 pages deep. One small asterisk: The stapler exclusively uses the brand’s patented, tiny staples, so throw in a few boxes of those—they’re only about $1.50 for a pack of 1,000.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA taskmaster timer
![A Zone Denmark Timer placed on top of a kitchen counter next to a loaf of bread.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/11/workfromhomegifts-2048px-denmarktimer.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
This simple matte analog timer has cool Danish modern lines and can be set for up to an hour at time. It comes in four different colors.
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May be out of stock
This cute little bird turns as the timer counts down. It comes in several color combinations and can be set for as long as 60 minutes at a time, but be sure to follow the directions, or it won’t ring.
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If your favorite remote worker is efficiency oriented, they may already practice the Pomodoro Technique, in which you work for 25 minutes and then take a five-minute break. If you’ve heard your colleague bemoan their struggles with productivity, however, they might appreciate staying on task with the help of a dedicated kitchen timer, just as Pomodoro inventor Francesco Cirillo envisioned. The minimalist on your list will appreciate the sleek, monochrome design of the Zone Denmark Timer, while the cute little Nuoswek Bird Timer might suit a more whimsical workhorse. Both have an unobtrusive ticking sound and a non-startling alarm, ideal for keen focus.
A sharp headset
![The Jabra Evolve 75, a noise-cancelling plus quality microphone combo headset we love for gifting to remote workers.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2020/10/gifts-remoteworker-2048px-7367.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
With a battery that lasts for days, great microphone quality, and large, comfortably padded earcups, this wireless headset has all the features we look for.
A great wireless headset can make endless video meetings and phone calls a little more bearable. The Jabra Evolve2 65 has the best-sounding microphone among the headsets we’ve tested. Its memory-foam ear cushions create a soft seal around the ears that passively blocks background noise and makes the headset pleasant to wear for hours-long stints. Note that the Evolve2 65 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation, which can help block out low-frequency sounds such as the drone of an air conditioner or the whir of a paper shredder. (For that, consider the Jabra Evolve 75 SE instead.) If your gift recipient doesn’t already have a pair of noise-cancelling headphones or a standalone mic, this headset can help them sound better in meetings, hear other parties more clearly on calls, and block out some distracting sounds.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA high-quality webcam
![Our pick for best webcam on a budget, the Anker PowerConf C200 2K, shown in front of a light blue background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/09/webcams-2048px-02070.jpg?auto=webp&width=1024)
A great webcam that doesn’t cost a lot, this model is small and solidly built, and it delivers respectable footage without any fuss.
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If your gift recipient owns—or plans to buy—a top-of-the-line laptop, they can expect the built-in camera to be more than good enough for everyday Zoom calls. But if they need to be as clear and professional-looking as possible (maybe they appear on TV or have hit the big time on Instagram), the best way to accomplish that is with an excellent webcam, which can provide infinitely better clarity and color quality than a built-in model can. The Anker PowerConf C200 2K, our budget pick, is easy to set up and provides 2K resolution, which translates into crystal-clear video.
Mood-boosting plant friends
These small yet vigorous houseplants arrive in pleasing themed bundles, offering a simple and affordable way to expand someone’s plant family.
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A houseplant can instantly transform a workspace. And having one nearby can potentially boost productivity by 15%, according to a UK study. Any of the themed Rooted Assorted Bundles—pet friendly, desert, ferns, jungle, and more—can add a little life to a stale work area, offering three or four healthy plants with the same care needs. For recommendations, take Rooted’s simple plant quiz with your giftee in mind. The plants arrive in plastic pots, so you might consider adding some terra cotta pots to your gift.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA beautiful mug
![Hasami Porcelain Mugs can be gifted singly, as shown on the right, or as a stackable set, as shown on the left.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2020/10/gifts-remoteworker-2048px-hasami.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
This stoneware cup hides its microwave- and dishwasher-safe functionality behind cool, modern good looks.
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Made by hand in Japan and designed to last a lifetime, Hasami Porcelain Mugs are a favorite among our staff. Wirecutter’s Eleanor Ford said this mug is “mostly just a lovely work companion with a perfectly simple character.” Each one is a unique work of art that your gift recipient can appreciate daily. The Hasami mugs are stackable and microwave safe, and you can match them with a plate, which might act as a coaster or a lid to keep beverages warm.
A permanent scratch pad
![The Quartet Glass Desktop Dry-Erase Easel.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/11/workfromhomegifts-2048px-4693.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
This letter-size, glass dry-erase board resists staining and eliminates desktop paper clutter.
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During the course of the workday, many remote workers need to jot down notes that they’ll refer to only once—things like conference-call numbers and takeout orders. Instead of wasting paper and having sticky notes all over their desk, your gift recipient could have a lovely dry-erase clipboard to house all of that info and keep their desk neat. We’ve found using the Quartet Glass Desktop Dry-Erase Easel to be almost zen-like, as it allows us to purge random notes and have a clean slate at the start of each day.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA work-anywhere lap desk
![The LapGear Designer Lap Desk resting across a person's lap, with a laptop computer, phone, and post-it notes on top.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2020/10/gifts-remoteworker-2048px-3458.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
Available in a variety of prints, this lap desk is the total package, offering style, comfort, stability, and build quality. Plus, it includes extra storage options.
Even if your giftee has a desk at home, occasionally they may want to move to the couch, the porch, the deck, or even the bed. A great lap desk makes that possible, and the LapGear Designer Lap Desk is the best one for most people: It’s the total package in terms of style, comfort, stability, and build quality. It’s like giving your remote-worker friend the gift of unlimited portability.
A white noise machine
![The LectroFan EVO white noise machine.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2022/10/wfhgifts-2048px-1841-.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
This soothing white noise machine masked a wider variety of noises than the other machines we tested in its price range. Its electronically generated noise options are available in a range of frequencies, including white, pink, brown, and fan sounds.
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When you are home all day, you start to notice all the sounds outside your window, from the hammering of neighborhood home repairs to the rumble of cars and buses passing by. Help your work-from-home friend block out that noise with the LectroFan EVO, our favorite white noise machine. It isn’t just for sleep: On a desk, it takes up little space yet is powerful enough to mask even screeching cat noises. Many people even find that white noise helps them relax and focus better.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTSumptuous snacks
![The Zingerman's gift box, with its contents displayed inside. The box has fun cartoons about the company on it.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/02/giftbaskets-2048px-4004.jpg?auto=webp&width=1024)
This ample gift box provides both sweet and salty sustenance, such as a nut-free chocolate brownie, potato chips, and more.
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Even if your gift recipient works 5 feet from their fridge, creating meals and maintaining energy throughout the day can be a challenge. One of our favorite gift baskets, Zingerman’s The Weekender, is ideal for the person who needs something to nosh on but has no snacks in the pantry (a common remote-work crisis). Zingerman’s signature gift box contains a mix of savory snacks and sweet treats: a loaf of artisan bread, a nut-free chocolate brownie, a walnut-studded brownie, peanut brittle, beef sticks, potato chips, and a sour-cream coffee cake.
A classic desk lamp
![The IKEA Forså, our pick for best desk lamp that is affordable, simple-to-use and stylish.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2022/04/desk-lamp-2048px-4870.jpg?auto=webp&width=1024)
This uncomplicated desk lamp uses LED bulbs instead of built-in LEDs, and it’s the most flexible model for positioning light just where you want it.
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The iconic IKEA Forså desk lamp is one of the most adjustable models (and the most affordable model) we recommend in our guide to desk lamps. It has three lamp-arm hinges, a tall spring-loaded arm that rotates 180 degrees, and a head that rotates 360 degrees, so you can aim the light anywhere. The base is heavy and sturdy, and a simple on/off switch resides on the cord. It comes in shiny nickel, beige, and a muted turquoise, and it has a utilitarian ’60s vibe that makes it way more stylish than its price indicates.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA place for everything
Hide clutter with this bamboo file organization set. It has multiple file slots to fit a whole ream of paper, plus a drawer for items such as notepads, earbuds, or staplers.
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Most people who work from home could benefit from a compact system to keep their projects in order. The MobileVision File Folder Organizer With Bamboo Drawer will help keep a desk tidy. You also have several variations to choose from to create a DIY organization system, including pen holders and stacked drawers. (This set blends in perfectly with our bamboo standing-desk picks, too.)
Simple wireless charger
![Belkin’s Boost Charge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad with MagSafe Special Edition charging an iPhone while standing](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2022/03/qicharger-2048px-8462.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
You get the fastest wireless charging with this portable charger, along with easy magnetic alignment. However, it’s best suited for iPhone 12 or later models.
Some tech accessories seem extraneous or unnecessary—until you actually try them. This unassuming wireless charger is one such item; it can save any lucky owner from the surprise of standing up from their desk at day’s end only to find their phone totally dead. The Belkin Boost Charge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad with MagSafe was the fastest Qi charger we tested, and its small but mighty built-in kickstand props up the phone in portrait orientation while charging. The only downside of this elegant model is that it doesn’t come with the required 20 W USB-C wall adapter; simply include one in your gift if you suspect that your giftee doesn’t have a spare.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTAn elegant pen
![The classic cartridge Caran d’Ache 849 Brut Rosé pen, against an aqua background.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/11/workfromhomegifts-2048px-1040.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
This classic cartridge pen from 1969 offers a comfortable hexagonal grip, has a smooth writing tip, and is beautiful to behold.
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Little luxuries can go a long way toward lifting someone’s mood and making them feel special—even when they use those items every day in the same room (or corner of a room) while working from home. Consider the humble pen. The Caran d’Ache 849 Brut Rosé ballpoint pen has a rose-gold finish (made from 1 to 2 microns of real gold) and is a pleasure to write with. As one of our staffers eloquently stated: “It’s like butter skimming over a hot pan.”
An infinitely customizable planner
![A brown suede Traveler’s Company Traveler’s Notebook standing up on its end, next to a pen.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2020/10/gifts-remoteworker-2048px-00515.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
With this versatile planner, you get a cross between a simple calendar and a beautiful journal. Your gift recipient will love that they can fill the pages with a wide range of inserts for any type of planning.
The Traveler’s Notebook is the most versatile paper planner/notebook/calendar under the sun, and it’s one of the most impressive options we found in our research. Various inserts and accessories are available for this handmade leather folio, so your gift recipient can customize it to suit how they work. It’s slim enough to fit on cramped desks, too. It functions equally well as a spot for to-do lists, a travel journal, or a planner.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA special notebook
![The Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebook open next to a pen.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2020/11/notebooks-2048px-2008.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
Though this notebook is simple and minimalistic on the outside, its contents make it special. Its page numbers, index pages, two ribbon bookmarks, and sticker labels will make your gift recipient feel extra organized.
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For many people, a notebook is an everyday item. But a notebook can also be a special possession—something to savor writing in. The Leuchtturm1917 Hardcover Notebook Classic (A5) is just that, thanks to its cream-colored, high-quality paper (which accepts all sorts of ink) and its sturdy cover, which will protect the writing within for years. Details that you don’t often see in other notebooks—such as printed page numbers, two ribbon markers, and archival stickers—make it easier to stay organized.
A personalized desk calendar
![The Artifact Uprising Brass Easel & Calendar.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/11/workfromhomegifts-2048px-easelcalendar.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
The thick cardstock pages of this elegant desk calendar feature one photo each and rest on a minimalist brass easel.
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The elegant Artifact Uprising Brass Easel & Calendar elevates the sometimes cheesy personalized photo gift. Each 5-by-7 page features one borderless photo printed with a simple display of the month. The thick cardstock pages rest on a solid gold or black brass easel frame. Artifact Uprising gives you fewer options than some other photo sites, but in this case that’s a good thing: The resulting calendar is beautiful, simple, and easy to assemble.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTFlattering flannel PJs
![A person stretched on a couch wearing a tshirt and the L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Sleep Pants.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/11/workfromhomegifts-2048px-1524.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
Cozy up in this classic flannel PJ set, which is available in plenty of sizes. It’s warm but not heavy or stiff. Plus, the material gets softer with wear over time.
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Lightweight and warm, these soft flannel pants are perfect for a comfy night’s sleep or a day at the desk. They’re also available in four different inseam lengths.
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If your gift recipient aspires to live in their PJs, fluffy flannel pajamas will keep them warm and cozy all day long. L.L.Bean’s Women’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas and Men’s Scotch Plaid Flannel Sleep Pants are the softest, best-constructed flannels we’ve tested. They come in classic plaid prints and a wide range of sizes for whoever is on your list. Best of all, they’re especially durable: Even after regularly using them for a year, our testers reported only minor pilling. So your gift recipient will enjoy looking as polished and kempt as one can while wearing pajamas in the daytime.
Comfy support for their feet
![A black office chair next to a ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest, one of our picks for best gifts for people who work from home.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2020/10/gifts-remoteworker-2048px-0818.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
This memory-foam foot rest makes working at home more comfortable and ergonomic, thanks to its velvety-soft cover and support.
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If you’re seeking an unexpected and thoughtful gift that shows you understand how uncomfortable it is to work for hours at a desk, consider a comfortable footrest. This will help your work-from-home friend sit in a more ergonomically correct position if their desk is too high: Most desks are 29 to 30 inches high, which is a good fit for those who are about 5-foot-10 or taller but not ideal for shorter folks. The ErgoFoam Adjustable Foot Rest has a plushy surface that feels good to sink your feet into all day long.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTDaytime disco ball
![The Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker in a sunny window, showing cheerful multicolored gears and a large hanging prism.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2021/10/workfromhomegifts-2048px-rainbowmaker.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
Suction-cup this simple little machine to a sunny window, and the mini solar panel spins the crystal, sending twinkling rainbows throughout the room.
Whether your friend works in a tiny apartment or a palatial suburban manse, their space can always use just a touch more color and magic. Enter the charming Kikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow Maker. Once your friend affixes this mechanized prism to their window (via a surprisingly reliable suction cup), the sun warms the solar battery, and the dangling crystal rotates and refracts rays, transforming a ho-hum Tuesday meeting into a low-key light show. Take note: Cats find the dancing rainbows wildly entertaining. But if either your gift recipient or Tiger gets too distracted, your giftee can easily slide the device off the window. To see for yourself what this rainbow maker brings to a space, check out this video.
A sturdy standing mat
![A person in sneakers standing on the supportive Ergodriven Topo standing desk mat, placed next to a houseplant.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2021/10/standingdeskmat-2048px-5260-2.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
Standing is less tedious and achy, thanks to this mat’s varied terrain. It’s also easy to move when you’re switching between standing and sitting.
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If your gift recipient works at a standing desk, an anti-fatigue mat like the Ergodriven Topo can support their back and legs against an unforgiving floor, and its varied terrain will keep their tootsies moving (which experts agree is crucial for health). An elevated edge, a divot, and a raised ball in the mat’s center all encourage satisfying foot stretches and curls. After seven years of testing standing mats, we’ve kept the Topo as our top pick because it’s supremely comfortable, durable, and easy to slide into position.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTA simple gooseneck kettle
This stainless steel electric kettle boils water and nothing more, but it does so reliably. It’s nicely priced, too, and it takes up little space.
The sleek, 34-ounce Bodum Bistro Gooseneck Electric Water Kettle does just one thing: It boils water, with the touch of a single lever. Compared with our favorite gooseneck kettle from our testing, it lacks bells and whistles such as adjustable temperature settings and a keep-warm function, but it also costs much less. It’s a great one-and-done option for a remote worker who needs a quick cup of tea or bowl of ramen, and it’s compact and pleasing enough to sit in plain sight at their workspace.
A cotton throw
![Person draped in a grey Boll & Branch Cable Knit Throw, one of our best gifts for remote workers, while petting a black dog.](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2021/10/throw-blankets-2048px-7233.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&width=570)
Your gift recipient will stay warm in this breathable, organic cotton throw that’s appropriate for all seasons. The cable knit hugs the body, and it’s soft and smooth.
Buying Options
May be out of stock
Even when you can control the thermostat, sometimes a space just gets chilly (or you’re sharing it with someone who has different temperature preferences). A throw blanket draped on the back of an office chair can be even more practical than a sweater. Your gift recipient can cloak their shoulders on winter days or enjoy a lap blanket if the AC is set too low. One of our favorites is Boll & Branch’s Cable Knit Throw, which is knit from a thick but breathable organic cotton and comes in tranquil shades such as gray, navy, and light blue.
We love finding gifts that are unusual, thoughtful, and well vetted. See even more gift ideas we recommend.
This article was edited by Hannah Morrill and Jennifer Hunter.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTMeet your guides
![](https://cdn.thewirecutter.com/wp-content/media/2023/04/Samantha-Shoech.jpg?auto=webp&quality=60&crop=1:1&width=150)
Samantha Schoech
Except for the time she gave a boyfriend her mother’s old toaster for Christmas, staff writer Samantha Schoech has a reputation as an excellent gift giver. She lives in San Francisco with two teens, two cats, a geriatric betta fish, and a bookseller husband. Her first book of short stories, My Mother’s Boyfriends, is coming out in 2024.
Dorie Chevlen is a staff writer from Youngstown, Ohio, now living in Los Angeles. She has worked as a copy editor, fact checker, and sandwich maker, but this is probably her favorite gig. Beyond her Wirecutter work, Dorie writes screenplays and contributes frequently to other sections of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The LA Review of Books, and Slate, among others. She has been called—both flatteringly and not—“a lot.”
Mentioned above
- Whether you’re filling in Scantron bubbles or doing the Sunday crossword, the Palomino Golden Bear #2 Pencil (Blue) should be your writing implement of choice.The Best Pencils for Writing and Schoolwork
- If you rarely get to enjoy your coffee or tea before it gets cold, we can relate. Here are a few great ways to make sure every sip is a warm one.The 3 Mug Warmers We Love for Keeping Our Coffee (and Tea) Hot
- We’ve tasted more than 80 nonalcoholic drinks and picked 14 favorites—from aperitifs to botanical sodas.The Best Nonalcoholic Drinks
- We’ve tested 26 soda makers over the years, and the Drinkmate OmniFizz is the best at carbonating water, juice, and wine—making it the best soda maker out there.The Best Soda Maker
- Whether you prefer the freedom of Bluetooth or the reliability of a wired headset, we have picks to suit all budgets and fit preferences.The Best Wireless and Wired Headsets
- Whether you prefer over-ear or in-ear noise-cancelling headphones, we have recommendations to help bring peace to your next trip.The Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Further reading
Wirecutter Picks to Help Boost Productivity When Working From Home
Streamline your home-office setup, get your desk organized, and find new ways to focus (noise-cancelling headphones for the win) with these picks.
4 Ways Wirecutter Staffers Spark Joy While Working From Home
These are the tried-and-true strategies of our experienced work-from-home team to make working from home suck less.
How to Work From Home With Kids
Working from home with kids isn’t easy. But these 5 strategies can make it more manageable.
Our Favorite Clothes to Wear While Working From Home
Wirecutter staffers share their favorite lounge pants, sweatshirts, and slippers to wear while working from home.
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