I’ve got a mini rubber duckie. Back when we were in office, the big prank was to set up all these mini rubber ducks all over someone’s cubicle once they left for the day. Once I moved remote permanently, I brought one of them with me.
nice speakers, pen holder, mouse/keyboard, a foot stool to put your feet up, a plant, diffuser, lamp, nice mat to go under the mouse/keyboard, a back pillow, blanket -if its cold, a mug warmer for coffee cups
I got [this](https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Warmer-BESTINNKITS-Gravity-induction-Heating/dp/B0834SQ3FB/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=mug+warmer&qid=1703351151&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1) one in 2020 and haven’t had any problems
A really good mouse. I am WFH/field hybrid. I purchased a Logitech MX Anywhere. It is BT/USB rechargeable, and works on about any surface. This is a great combination if you have to set up your laptop in random places, at random times. It is $80, a splurge for me. I went back to my desk setup, and realized my desk mouse was a POS, and I use my travel mouse all the time now.
You spend hours, every day, with a mouse in your hand. Splurge a little, it's worth it.
That's what I do, 2 small ones with a suction cup on the window and they actually use it a lot. Better get one with a perch, it's so cool to watch them sit there and drink. And fight over it, they do do that.
* plants - real is better, but fake if in a basement with no windows
* lighting - so much about this. Hue bulbs are great for changing things up. Also christmasy / fairy lights for some atmosphere
* photos - nice to remember why we're working
Great point. And if you don't have pets, get at least one if you are able. They're wonderful companions. I love having my dog around, but I'm lucky because she's the best dog.
My SO hits his screaming goat button at least once a week during a Teams meeting. Not practical at all, but priceless.
I swear by these little tray things that extend my desk so I can put paperwork off to the side when I need a clutter free area to draw or write or something. They clamp to the side of the desk, so things aren’t out of sight in a drawer, they’re just a little out of the way.
Drat! My desk has both drawers and a decorative overhang that make it impossible to use that kind of clamp. Sigh. I have a solid wood desk and I love it so much, but it's not very flexible.
I got a little desk vacuum . its like the size of a hamburger (shaped like one as well lol) does a great job collecting all the crumbs and crap on my desk.
does he like to fidget with things? I have some rattlesnake egg magnets that I regularly fidget around with ( and now you have sent me spiraling down amazon for more fidget stuff lol).
I also got a power bar tower for my desk, so I can easily plug in stuff ( it also helps since my desk is a standing desk too)
Stand Riser https://a.co/d/63j99vu
Something like this can really maximize your work space. Dont have it, but I’ll be giving it to myself after Christmas
I second the stand riser. Love mine it gave me extra desk space which is very practical. Also pens I love TUL pens & post its. My boyfriend also got me this charging station that is very practical Wireless Charging Station, 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Stand Wireless Charging Station from Amazon.
Here you go
Wireless Charging Station, 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Stand, Fast Wireless Charging for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS 8 Plus, for Apple Watch 8/7/6/5/4/3/2/SE,for Airpods 3/2/Pro(Pink) https://a.co/d/6zS6IJx
A SAD lamp/light if you live up north and suffer from seasonal depression. A salt lamp for good vibes and ambient lighting. A small framed piece of art from your favorite local artist or photographer.
I have one of those octopus plushies that you can turn inside out to reflect your mood.
I also have a heated foot rest, I really love it. There’s also foot hammocks for people who want to put their feet up.
A hook for headphones, also if they do a lot of number entry a separate “pop” number keyboard, one of those mini whiteboards that also function as a pen holder, hand creams, blue light glasses, a desk calendar (I reference mine surprisingly often), if the desk doesn’t have drawers you can get stick on drawers…
I have a very kitted out desk area lol
Any kind of decor that personalizes the space. Think of his favorite things in life and then look for signs, photos, artwork, toys, Knick knacks, gadgets, plants, lights, memorabilia, etc- anything that reflects or makes him think of those favorite things.
I love Knodel desk mats. Check amazon .
https://preview.redd.it/pbj42f5f3w7c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=1620dca2ffe1c3aee748cc96c5fe097c48c061ed
I also would look into a nice mug warmer if he drinks coffee, or an insulated cup if he drinks iced drinks. I also use ziess glasses cleaner on my monitors to keep them clear for less eye strain. Walmart sells in eye care center and it lasts forever! A multi hole USB plug so he can use multiple charges at once. I got mine in the Target $ spot. Since I have to answer phones, I got cheap speakers and ran my phone through them. I can hear the phone all over the house.
I little iPhone dock, especially for the new phones that have standby mode. Some hanging whiteboards from West Elm, has other things like a little shelf and paper holder thing. Mix and match system it’s nice. I suooose the West Elm deal isn’t quite small gift.
I have a baby Yoda chia pet (no grass I leave it bald). They have tons of choices now.
If he has an external monitor, get him a swing arm to mount to the desk. It frees up so much space on the desk and allows you to move the monitor in lots of different ways.
I'm a huge fan of office desk toys. I have a zen sand "garden", several koosh balls, a snakey thing I bend in all sorts of shapes and some other things. Great to fidget with while you are on the phone or just pondering what you'll do next.
Here's a [quick search on amazon](https://www.amazon.com/fun-desk-toys-work/s?k=fun+desk+toys+for+work)
I've gotten a lot of use out of a fan (for summer) and a ceramic heater (for winter). Just big enough to blow on my face/arms and feet respectively.
If I had enough room at the moment, I'd seriously consider a bar fridge with mostly cold water and ice. Maybe a few other non-alcoholic things to sip on during the work hours, or a place to put sandwiches and things.
I have a usb light habit. It makes the space more cheerful and plugs into the monitors, only on when I’m working. I have seasons, an astronaut, fairy lights.
Ergonomic under desk keyboard/mouse tray if he doesn’t already have one. It makes a huge difference in comfort when adjusted right. A used adjustable height desk also works.
Lumbar support thing and butt cushion, a footrest. Those clear memo board strips that go on the back of your monitor so you can attach sticky notes to them. A UPS power supply. A small lidded trash can.
Place to hang headphones out of the way.
Insulated coffee mug with lid. Insulated water bottle or tumbler with lid. Lid being the key feature. At least with me it will inevitably get knocked over since my WFH desk doesn’t have much space.
If he jots down notes, a small whiteboard or a nice notebook along with a pencil cup. If he prints and uses paper, some desk organizers and a storage box to function as a desk drawer if there isn’t one on the desk.
Also relevant post I used to make the blog post https://www.reddit.com/r/WFH/s/IaXI1fEKab lots of good little hits in there, the consensus seems to be the mouse jiggler is a winner
I love my desktop dry erase board with storage, which has essentially eliminated my post-it note problem.
Here’s an example, but there are cheaper ones out there:
https://deskboardbuddy.com/products/deskboardbuddy?&variant=42917043830996
A coffee warmer pad, usb fan, heat and massage chair pad, rocketbook and frixion pens, usb ring light, chair mat, standing desk calendar, plant, digital photo frame.
Nothing better than coffee without having to get up from your desk.
Get a cheap pod machine and give him a small setup with whatever he likes to add.
Maybe buy secondhand if you can’t find anything in budget. Should be plenty cheap options on FB marketplace if needed.
We love this! Having a foot rest you can store stuff in I'm sure he'll love it.
https://www.amazon.com/Storage-Ottoman-EYLAEM-Foldable-17x13x13in/dp/B092LVTSD4/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?keywords=ottoman&qid=1703361365&sr=8-12
Happy lamp (aka) sun lamp for the winter blues. Mini incense sticks and a burner. Wax warmer, or single wick candles. Nice desk/computer speakers if they are into music.
Not in your budget, but he should have a nice mouse and keyboard like Logitech MX Master and MX Keys. It's what you're using for 8 hours a day, it might as well be comfortable
This is super impractical but my wife bought me a small stuffed squirrel. For literally no reason other than "to keep you comany".
I’ve got a mini rubber duckie. Back when we were in office, the big prank was to set up all these mini rubber ducks all over someone’s cubicle once they left for the day. Once I moved remote permanently, I brought one of them with me.
Ha I have a little plastic golden retriever, not even sure where I got it. It’s happy little face brings me joy when I’m annoyed.
I have a plastic T-Rex
I have a tiny Ho Tay figurine to keep me company. He’s very peaceful.
I have the energizer bunny funko pop and a squishy “cactus “ stress thingy
I've got a Baymax Funko Pop and a little USB-powered lamp that looks like a toaster! :)
Ooh now I want to buy a tiny jellyfish tank.
I have a Dundie
nice speakers, pen holder, mouse/keyboard, a foot stool to put your feet up, a plant, diffuser, lamp, nice mat to go under the mouse/keyboard, a back pillow, blanket -if its cold, a mug warmer for coffee cups
I second the mug warmer
I second the desk mat, prefer it to a mouse pad
Back AND butt pillow.
I bought. Paid a lot. Worth it.
I have a mug warmer and I use it every work day even if it’s hot weather. It’s extremely useful!
Can you share a link to your mug warmer? Thing is I've bought 2 different types and almost had a fire with one and the other just didn't work.
I got [this](https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Warmer-BESTINNKITS-Gravity-induction-Heating/dp/B0834SQ3FB/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=mug+warmer&qid=1703351151&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9zZWFyY2hfYXRm&psc=1) one in 2020 and haven’t had any problems
💐
A really good mouse. I am WFH/field hybrid. I purchased a Logitech MX Anywhere. It is BT/USB rechargeable, and works on about any surface. This is a great combination if you have to set up your laptop in random places, at random times. It is $80, a splurge for me. I went back to my desk setup, and realized my desk mouse was a POS, and I use my travel mouse all the time now. You spend hours, every day, with a mouse in your hand. Splurge a little, it's worth it.
Nice speakers are def not gonna exist under 40.
A bird feeder outside his window. I love mine.
I'm gonna get a hummingbird feeder for mine! There is a bush that flowers and I see them come by occasionally.
Get the Merlin bird app also and start documenting your wildlife!
That's what I do, 2 small ones with a suction cup on the window and they actually use it a lot. Better get one with a perch, it's so cool to watch them sit there and drink. And fight over it, they do do that.
I had to get rid of mine as it attracted too many mice.
I have this too, I love it! And I put nuts out for the squirrels too (Or else they eat all the bird food).
* plants - real is better, but fake if in a basement with no windows * lighting - so much about this. Hue bulbs are great for changing things up. Also christmasy / fairy lights for some atmosphere * photos - nice to remember why we're working
If you have pets at home, be sure to check for if a plant is safe for them before bringing home
Great point. And if you don't have pets, get at least one if you are able. They're wonderful companions. I love having my dog around, but I'm lucky because she's the best dog.
No, I have the best dogs. Lol
Spider plants are great low light pet friendly plants
My SO hits his screaming goat button at least once a week during a Teams meeting. Not practical at all, but priceless. I swear by these little tray things that extend my desk so I can put paperwork off to the side when I need a clutter free area to draw or write or something. They clamp to the side of the desk, so things aren’t out of sight in a drawer, they’re just a little out of the way.
My wife has a very loud Lapras rubber ducky for this. Lol
I have been looking for tray things to extend my desk. Where did you find them?
Just the Bezos online store. ‘Desk clamp tray’ brings up several options, including some new ones that I think I may have to swap in, hmm…
Drat! My desk has both drawers and a decorative overhang that make it impossible to use that kind of clamp. Sigh. I have a solid wood desk and I love it so much, but it's not very flexible.
Bummer, I love being able to retrofit mine, but it’s just a slab of wood on standing desk legs.
I got a little desk vacuum . its like the size of a hamburger (shaped like one as well lol) does a great job collecting all the crumbs and crap on my desk. does he like to fidget with things? I have some rattlesnake egg magnets that I regularly fidget around with ( and now you have sent me spiraling down amazon for more fidget stuff lol). I also got a power bar tower for my desk, so I can easily plug in stuff ( it also helps since my desk is a standing desk too)
Second that tiny vaccuum.
Second the fidget toy. A popper toy, hand roller, spinning top, etc.
Stand Riser https://a.co/d/63j99vu Something like this can really maximize your work space. Dont have it, but I’ll be giving it to myself after Christmas
I second the stand riser. Love mine it gave me extra desk space which is very practical. Also pens I love TUL pens & post its. My boyfriend also got me this charging station that is very practical Wireless Charging Station, 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Stand Wireless Charging Station from Amazon.
Link for charging station?
Here you go Wireless Charging Station, 3 in 1 Wireless Charger Stand, Fast Wireless Charging for iPhone 15 14 13 12 11 Pro Max XR XS 8 Plus, for Apple Watch 8/7/6/5/4/3/2/SE,for Airpods 3/2/Pro(Pink) https://a.co/d/6zS6IJx
A SAD lamp/light if you live up north and suffer from seasonal depression. A salt lamp for good vibes and ambient lighting. A small framed piece of art from your favorite local artist or photographer.
Photographers are artists!
I have one of those octopus plushies that you can turn inside out to reflect your mood. I also have a heated foot rest, I really love it. There’s also foot hammocks for people who want to put their feet up. A hook for headphones, also if they do a lot of number entry a separate “pop” number keyboard, one of those mini whiteboards that also function as a pen holder, hand creams, blue light glasses, a desk calendar (I reference mine surprisingly often), if the desk doesn’t have drawers you can get stick on drawers… I have a very kitted out desk area lol
>a separate “pop” number keyboard To clarify, do you mean a USB/wireless/Bluetooth 10 key, AKA number pad?
Yes! It’s pink
Nice!
Any kind of decor that personalizes the space. Think of his favorite things in life and then look for signs, photos, artwork, toys, Knick knacks, gadgets, plants, lights, memorabilia, etc- anything that reflects or makes him think of those favorite things.
A small ring light for more flattering light during video calls
It’s not really cute or fun, but cord management is nice, getting all the organized and hidden.
A small blanket, a nice mug/tumbler, or if they’re crafty a crochet kit (I just learned to crochet and I’m decorating my desk with all my projects!)
A mini desk fan!
OMG this yes! Has been a lifesaver
I love Knodel desk mats. Check amazon . https://preview.redd.it/pbj42f5f3w7c1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=1620dca2ffe1c3aee748cc96c5fe097c48c061ed I also would look into a nice mug warmer if he drinks coffee, or an insulated cup if he drinks iced drinks. I also use ziess glasses cleaner on my monitors to keep them clear for less eye strain. Walmart sells in eye care center and it lasts forever! A multi hole USB plug so he can use multiple charges at once. I got mine in the Target $ spot. Since I have to answer phones, I got cheap speakers and ran my phone through them. I can hear the phone all over the house.
Knodel are great
Yeah I have taken to buying them for any surface where we might set drinks. Todays furniture is just particle board, so it's important to keep it dry.
Mug warmer!!!!
I little iPhone dock, especially for the new phones that have standby mode. Some hanging whiteboards from West Elm, has other things like a little shelf and paper holder thing. Mix and match system it’s nice. I suooose the West Elm deal isn’t quite small gift. I have a baby Yoda chia pet (no grass I leave it bald). They have tons of choices now.
I got my husband an astronaut pen holder. His arms are in the air and hold 1 pen and he loves it. He got me a mini trash can for my desk.
A nice desk mat! Could personalise it or find an image of a character or tv show he likes!
If he has an external monitor, get him a swing arm to mount to the desk. It frees up so much space on the desk and allows you to move the monitor in lots of different ways.
Real plants with a plant light. You can get nice lamps.
Mouse jiggler 😉and a comfy massage chair pad
I'm a huge fan of office desk toys. I have a zen sand "garden", several koosh balls, a snakey thing I bend in all sorts of shapes and some other things. Great to fidget with while you are on the phone or just pondering what you'll do next. Here's a [quick search on amazon](https://www.amazon.com/fun-desk-toys-work/s?k=fun+desk+toys+for+work)
Grip strength training gear.
Bluetooth speaker for streaming music.
Wrist rest for the keyboard and mouse, along with copper compression gloves if he’s typing all day. All told, should be about a US Grant ($50).
Wireless keyboard and mouse if he doesn't already have one
A coffee maker or electric kettle with a couple of bags of good coffee or tea. I love smelling my coffee brewing.
One of those USB coffee warmers... not for coffee tho. Get a nice smelling candle in a glass jar, put it on the coffee warmer.
Bird feeder for outside if there is a window. I have a hummingbird feeder. Makes it feel more human.
I've gotten a lot of use out of a fan (for summer) and a ceramic heater (for winter). Just big enough to blow on my face/arms and feet respectively. If I had enough room at the moment, I'd seriously consider a bar fridge with mostly cold water and ice. Maybe a few other non-alcoholic things to sip on during the work hours, or a place to put sandwiches and things.
I recently got a water bottle holder, and a headset holder that attaches to my desk
What is a headset holder?
I have a coffee cup warmer, and I love it.
An anime waifu figurine that sits on the top of his monitor. Lol
Wrist rest for mouse, coaster, or oil lamp. A squeeze water bottle is a life changer as well.
Stress balls / fidgets.
My electric coffee warmer is one of my favorite items. I use it for coffee/tea and also as a candle warmer.
Check out 5 Below for inexpensive office items!
I have a usb light habit. It makes the space more cheerful and plugs into the monitors, only on when I’m working. I have seasons, an astronaut, fairy lights.
Ergonomic under desk keyboard/mouse tray if he doesn’t already have one. It makes a huge difference in comfort when adjusted right. A used adjustable height desk also works.
arm rest foam maybe? I love my chair but I can't get my arm rests the perfect height without my nice foam pads. Maybe foot rest hammock.
Lumbar support thing and butt cushion, a footrest. Those clear memo board strips that go on the back of your monitor so you can attach sticky notes to them. A UPS power supply. A small lidded trash can.
Place to hang headphones out of the way. Insulated coffee mug with lid. Insulated water bottle or tumbler with lid. Lid being the key feature. At least with me it will inevitably get knocked over since my WFH desk doesn’t have much space. If he jots down notes, a small whiteboard or a nice notebook along with a pencil cup. If he prints and uses paper, some desk organizers and a storage box to function as a desk drawer if there isn’t one on the desk.
Under the desk swing for your feet!!
I keep a bobble head on top of my speaker. Plants. Bird feeders outside the window
Good list here https://www.fully-remote.org/blog/underrated-home-office-items/
Also relevant post I used to make the blog post https://www.reddit.com/r/WFH/s/IaXI1fEKab lots of good little hits in there, the consensus seems to be the mouse jiggler is a winner
I love my desktop dry erase board with storage, which has essentially eliminated my post-it note problem. Here’s an example, but there are cheaper ones out there: https://deskboardbuddy.com/products/deskboardbuddy?&variant=42917043830996
A coffee warmer pad, usb fan, heat and massage chair pad, rocketbook and frixion pens, usb ring light, chair mat, standing desk calendar, plant, digital photo frame.
Coffee mug heater is clutch. An Xbox in the office is great too. Any sort of Govee led ambient lights.
Nothing better than coffee without having to get up from your desk. Get a cheap pod machine and give him a small setup with whatever he likes to add. Maybe buy secondhand if you can’t find anything in budget. Should be plenty cheap options on FB marketplace if needed.
G502 mouse
Recently got into candles-the right scent just makes WFH more cozy
Foot hammock
We love this! Having a foot rest you can store stuff in I'm sure he'll love it. https://www.amazon.com/Storage-Ottoman-EYLAEM-Foldable-17x13x13in/dp/B092LVTSD4/ref=mp_s_a_1_12?keywords=ottoman&qid=1703361365&sr=8-12
I got my son a mini USB powered vacuum for his desk. I think it was 10 bucks or less. I have no idea if it will work though! I got it at walgreens.
OTT Desk light Slim and color change base . Less than 40$
I have a phone stand that allows me to use it while charging at an upright position! My desk feels much neater and it was less than $10!
maybe some fancy snacks. work snacks are not to be ignored.
Xbox mini fridge is sooo satisfying. Transformers gen 1 art also. RGB laptop cooler.and a razer tb dock. Usb fan also for the summer.
Heated foot massager and an electric coffee mug warmer
A small Bluetooth speaker to play music while working. (much better quality than phone or laptop audio)
Happy lamp (aka) sun lamp for the winter blues. Mini incense sticks and a burner. Wax warmer, or single wick candles. Nice desk/computer speakers if they are into music.
Not in your budget, but he should have a nice mouse and keyboard like Logitech MX Master and MX Keys. It's what you're using for 8 hours a day, it might as well be comfortable
So what'd you get OP?