22 Gift Ideas for People Who Work From Home

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  Photograph: Joseph Shin

  Block Out Distracting Noise

  1More ColorBuds

  If your remote worker friend is still using the same pair of wired earbuds they had when you first met 10 years ago, maybe it's time for an upgrade. The 1More ColorBuds (8/10, WIRED Recommends) are our favorite true wireless earbuds. For the money, you get an excellent fit that works for most people and great audio quality. And while they don't feature noise-canceling tech, they have earplug-like noise blocking to drown out distracting ambient sounds—important for anyone working from home with others in the house.

  If they prefer using headphones, check out the Plantronics BackBeat Pro 2 ($166). They're among the few headphones with noise-canceling tech at this price, and while they won't silence everything, they'll do the trick. More importantly, they sound great. You'll find more picks in our Best Noise-Canceling Headphones guide.

• Photograph: Anker 

  A Handy Phone Dock

  Anker PowerWave Wireless Charging Stand

  A wireless charger won't juice up a smartphone as fast as plugging in, but it's a convenient way to ensure the battery lasts all day long. This one from Anker is especially good for a desk, as your giftee can check notifications without needing to physically pick up their device. It'll charge through most phone cases just fine, and it works with iPhones and Android phones (just make sure their phone supports wireless charging!).

  Unfortunately, a wall adapter isn't included, so if your friend or family member doesn't have a spare, you can include one with your gift. We also like Anker's portable power banks.

  $19 at Amazon

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• Photograph: Amazon

  Steady Internet

  Netgear Nighthawk Smart Wi-Fi Router

  A strong, stable connection is non-negotiable when it comes to working from home. If your giftee is constantly buffering on video calls or complaining about their internet speed, a crappy router could be the issue. This Netgear Nighthawk router will fix that right up. It's a few years old now but still performs well. Pair it with a link to these tips on how to improve a Wi-Fi network for a gift that will keep on giving. Routers have been increasingly hard to find this year—this article has some additional recommendations if the Nighthawk is out of stock.

• Photograph: Amazon

  Quality Videoconferencing

  Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam

  A pixelated or blurry picture isn't a good look on anyone. Even high-end laptops often don't have built-in webcams with 1080p resolution. Keep things clear and professional by upgrading to an external model like this one. It has a Full HD resolution, dual microphones, a wide viewing angle, and a built-in privacy shutter. I own the C920 and love it. This version is even better.

  Webcams are another product category hit hard by the pandemic. If the C920S is out of stock, check out our Best Webcams guide for additional picks. This Aukey one seems to always be available.

• Photograph: Cloudvalley

  Peace of Mind

  CloudValley Webcam Privacy Cover 2-Pack

  In this new era of endless Zoom calls, laptop and tablet webcams have become vital necessities. But having a camera aimed at your face and torso all day every day can be unnerving. Your giftee may not even realize they're on camera, which can have serious consequences. It never hurts to cover up that cam when it's not in use. These webcam covers are as thin as they come. They're not going to work well on a smartphone, but I’ve used them on my laptops and iPad for two years without hassle.

  (Note: If you or your recipient own a new MacBook or extremely thin laptop with no gap between the screen and keyboard, be careful. These work on a 2018 MacBook Pro, but we have not tested them on the latest models. One buyer reported cracked glass. Apple also doesn't officially recommend them.) —Jeffrey Van Camp

  $7 at Amazon
• Photograph: Amazon

  Crumb Cleaner

  Oxo Good Grips Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner

  This laptop cleaner came highly recommended by WIRED senior editor Michael Calore, so I ordered one back in April. I can say without a doubt that it's one of the best cheap gadgets I've ever purchased. One end has a tiny retractable broom, which has the right angle and texture to clean out a gunky keyboard. (I'm guilty of eating crunchy snacks over my laptop.) The opposite end has a soft microfiber pad that removes fingerprints, smudges, and Hot Cheeto residue mysterious streaks on screens. It's small enough to keep on a desk or store in a laptop bag.

  Our guide on how to clean electronics might be of some assistance if you're seeking a deeper detox.

  $10 at Amazon
• Photograph: Fitbit 

  A Movement Reminder

  Fitbit Charge 4

  Working from home makes it easy to shirk fitness habits, and once someone falls off the exercise wagon, it's hard to get back on. The Fitbit Charge 4 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favorite fitness tracker. It works no matter what kind of smartphone your giftee uses, and while it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch, it'll track basic fitness metrics perfectly fine. Fitbit's app is easy to use, and the tracker packs features like built-in GPS, sleep tracking, and a heart rate monitor. The optional Premium subscription piles on more features for $80 per year.

  Check out our Best Fitness Trackers guide for more picks.

• Photograph: Cubii

  Work in Motion

  Cubii Pro Under-Desk Elliptical

  Sitting at a computer for hours on end isn't healthy. Nothing beats some good old-fashioned exercise, and this under-desk elliptical burns calories as well as excuses. It's silent, so your loved one can pedal without disturbing housemates. If the price tag on the Pro is too steep, this $249 version with fewer bells and whistles might be a better fit. We also have a guide on how to work out from home if you're looking for more inspiration.

  $349 at Amazon
• Photograph: Cubefit 

  Shake It Off

  Cubefit Terramat

  Standing (or moving!) while working is better for your overall health, but an unforgiving floor can make it an uncomfortable experience. An anti-fatigue mat like this one can help. There are ramps, nodes, and built-in ridges, which make it easy to stretch and stimulate feet and legs. They also provide a way for fidget-prone people to shake off restless energy.

  We haven't tested it, but AmazonBasics makes a similar anti-fatigue mat that's cheaper.

  $110 at Amazon
• Photograph: Amazon

  Hydrate Often

  Hydro Flask Wide-Mouth 32-ounce Vacuum Water Bottle

  Disposable water bottles are bad for the planet and your wallet, but staying hydrated is important. This wide-mouth reusable water bottle comes in tons of different colors, and its insulation keeps drinks hot for six hours or cold for up to a full day. The built-in handle makes it easy to tote from room to room too.

  Toss in a sticker pack so they can personalize the water bottle even further. Check out our Best Reusable Water Bottles guide for more recommendations.

• Photograph: Amazon

  A Warm Cup of Joe

  Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug

  Coffee is essential, and that goes double for telecommuters. This battery-powered, temperature-controlling mug ensures that every sip sits at your giftee's ideal temperature. The included charging coaster keeps the mug operating all day long. We reviewed an earlier model here on the Gear team and love it.

• Photograph: Mistobox

  Fresh Beans

  Mistobox Coffee Subscription

  A Starbucks gift card is a great gift, but it still forces your recipient to leave their home. We like Mistobox's coffee subscription a lot, and unlike a gift card, the caffeine comes to you. The service starts at $12, but gift options start at $40, and there are optional upgrades to choose from. Mistobox has a huge variety of coffee available, and if you choose to give it as a gift, your loved one will be able to personalize the beans.

  Read our Best Coffee Subscriptions guide for more.

  $12 at Mistobox
• Photograph: Goldbelly 

  Snack Attack

  Goldbelly Snack Subscription

  Who doesn't love a good treat? Goldbelly offers subscriptions to regularly send snacks from "iconic" eateries around the US. There are options for all sorts of tastes, including sandwiches, cookies, and bacon. (Yes, literally just bacon.) You can also opt for à la carte snacks and send anything from Maine lobster rolls to Magnolia bakery cupcakes. Goldbelly has Covid restrictions in place to ensure safety as well.

  Our Best Snack Box Subscriptions guide might help if you can't decide what to order.

  Buy at Goldbelly
• Photograph: Lodge

  Make Lunch During Zooms

  Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

  A good Dutch oven is essential for every kitchen. These versatile, multipurpose vessels are great for everything from baking bread to frying chicken wings. Lodge makes reliable gear that's priced far below similar products from other brands, and this oven comes in several different colors to coordinate with your foodie friend's other kitchen tools. As a bonus, it'll keep food nice and warm in case their Zoom meetings tend to run long.

  $115 $70 at Amazon
• Photograph: Candlecan

  A Calming Scent

  CandleCan Candles

  Candles are a great way to elevate your space and make it more relaxing. CandleCan's offerings are supremely adorable and made from vegetable wax. As someone who doesn't usually like food-scented candles, I can attest that these smell delicious, and not in a fake or cloying way. The Vanilla Egg Candle is my favorite; it smells like pastry custard and cheers me up as soon as I light it. Additionally, since the candles are packaged in a tin can, they won't have to deal with awkwardly reusing the container when it's done. Just clean and recycle it.

  WIRED staffers also love DW Home Candles, which are bigger and more traditional. The Warm Tobacco Pipe Candle is a standout.

  $30 at CandleCan

• Photograph: McSquares

  For Planners

  McSquares Reusable Whiteboard Stickers

  It's hard to plan anything these days, and staying organized can be difficult when working from home. These reusable whiteboard stickers might help. They start at $20 and are available in several different sizes and formats. WIRED senior writer Adrienne So likes them for meal planning, but they are also useful for work reminders, to-do lists, and remembering important dates.

  We've also tested and recommend this big, blank whiteboard sticker. You can cut it into any shape you want, and it'll stick to most walls and surfaces. It earned a spot in our Home Office Buying Guide.

• Photograph: The Happy Planner

  For Organizers

  The Happy Planner 2021 Planner

  We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Staying organized and productive is hard. Physically writing down goals, to-do lists, and reminders can help. I and many other people swear by cute planners. Like a favorite coffee cup or a great playlist, a good-looking planner can turn the act of adulting into less of a chore. There are a wide variety of aesthetically pleasing planners to choose from, with matching stickers and additional sheets for additional customization.

  Not everyone is going to be into the hyper-feminine styling of these products, and that's OK. I've also had great success with simple BlueSky planners (which are much more affordable).

  $28 at The Happy Planner
• Photograph: Luna

  A Weighted Blanket

  This is our favorite budget weighted blanket. It strikes the best balance between function and price, especially since weighted blankets tend to be pricey. They can help soothe anxiety—like being swaddled, but for grown-ups. You might not be able to give your giftee a gigantic bear hug right now, but this blanket, in a way, could do it for you. The Luna blanket is available in several different sizes and colors, and the crisp, cool cotton will keep them snug while remaining breathable. Read our guide to the best weighted blankets for additional picks.

• Photograph: Lula's Garden

  A Greener Space

  Lula's Garden Succulent Gardens

  Plants are the best. They instantly brighten up a space, can reduce stress, and they might even make you more productive. We're working on a guide for the best indoor plant stores and gardening tools, but so far, we really like the offerings from Lula's Garden. The company sells pre-potted succulents in tasteful, gift-worthy planters. Succulents are some of the most forgiving, low-maintenance, and beginner-friendly houseplants; they don't require frequent watering, they don't need a lot of light, and they're generally tolerant of neglect. Stock fluctuates often, but most of the plants from Lula's Garden are affordable.

  $27 at Lula's Garden

• Photograph: FlexiSpot 

  A Standing Desk

  Flexispot EG1-48

  If your loved one is still working off the couch, consider getting them a standing desk. This one from Flexispot is one of the cheaper models available. It doesn't take up too much space, and the built-in motor allows them to stand up whenever they need to stretch their legs (just press the up or down button). We haven't used this specific model, but we've tested a similar version from Flexispot and like it—enough to include it in our Home Office Gear guide.

• Photograph: Stykka

  A Cardboard Desk

  Stykka #StayTheF***Home Cardboard Desk

  We're still in the process of testing this aptly named desk, but so far we like it. Danish furniture company Stykka launched the cardboard desk in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Desks are expensive, not to mention hard to find in stock right now, but a kitchen table or an uncomfortable TV tray aren't great long-term solutions. This desk is largely a means to an end—it's cheap, sturdy, and it can be broken down and recycled once your giftee finally gets to go back to the office.

  $57 at Stykka
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  Photograph: Staples 

  A Great Chair

  Staples Hyken Chair

  The Hyken is WIRED reviews editor Jeffrey Van Camp's tried-and-true suggestion for a great desk chair. He sat on some 50 chairs at multiple stores when shopping for his home office (in the Before Times), and the Hyken came out on top. It's affordable, has optional neck support, reclines, and the breathable mesh fabric is sturdy. It isn't the pinnacle of luxury, comfort, or style, but it's a perfectly good option for most people. Remote workers should not be working from couches or dining chairs, as they offer poor lumbar support and don't incentivize proper posture. A good chair is essential when working from home. (Bonus: They'll be able to spin in their seat between emails.)

  $150 at Staples