Lifestyles have certainly changed these past few years and many people have either switched to working from home entirely or splitting their time between the home office and work. This has opened up an entirely new holiday shopping sector with people searching for finding gifts for people who work from home.
Since we’ve been digital nomads for 15 years, we decided to put together the best work from home gifts that have helped us create a better workspace.
Best Gifts for People Working from Home
Through trial and error, we have found great office gadgets, gear, tech accessories, and decor to create the ultimate work space. If you know someone who works from home, or is a remote worker, these gift ideas should help you get creative when finding the perfect holiday gift. So let’s get shopping! Looking for more gift ideas? Check out these 41 Best Gifts for Travelers
1. Ring Light
In today’s world, we have a lot of online meetings and video calls. The ring light is a great addition to help you feel confident when giving a presentation or performing a job interview. Most computer desktops face a wall, or a corner, or even sit on the kitchen table. Even though laptops are mobile, the light just never seems right. Check it out here.
Once we invested in a good video conference lighting kit, it lit up our faces, softened the shadows, and evened out our skin tone. We can adjust the brightness levels depending on the atmosphere creating professional lighting that will make everyone think you look like a million bucks.
I was a TV makeup artist in a previous life and I’m always aware of how our faces look in interviews. With proper lighting, I now feel confident that we look alert and fresh when taking online meetings or interviews.
2. Lume Cube Light
We also carry a Cube Light when traveling that connects to our Jobi Gorilla Pod. This is the perfect light for iPhone meetings or interviews. Just put your phone in the Gorilla Pod phone holder, attach the lightweight Lume Cube Light to the easy connect plate and you have a mini studio to look your best for meetings or interviews.
You can get a computer mount for it as well with this package.
3. Noise Cancelling Headphones
One of the best gifts to give someone working with a lot of distractions at home are noise canceling headphones or earbuds. I put on mellow jazz or peaceful meditation mix when I’m writing and it blocks out all the noise. Sometimes when I really need to concentrate, I simply put on my headphones for silence. I don’t even listen to music, I just use the noise cancellation function to help me concentrate.
They are so simple and automatically connect to my computer, phone or iPad once I put them on. Plus I have selected the proper earbud for optimal noise removal. Air Pods let you test the seal to make sure you have proper coverage and it warns you when you have been listening to your music too loud. I love them! We both use them when we are doing joint interviews as well. Check them out on Amazon.
I’ve switched from my Beats Solo Wireless Headphones to being a full time Apple Airpods user but these are also a great option for full coverage noise cancellation headphones.
4. Blue Microphone
I have watched so many zoom calls and tv interviews with terrible sound. The Blue Microphone is a small investment that makes the sound of your voice crisp and clear. Its directional mic blocks out ambient noise and it captures the depth of my voice.
When listening to people through their computer speakers the base is missing and voices sound tinny and sometimes downright irritating. I have had to change the channel when listening to guests zoom into news stations and their voices sound like a tin can. If they had the Blue Microphone, they’d sound golden.
Plus, it is great for YouTube Video voiceovers as well. Pick up this Blue Yeti Microphone for recording and streaming on Amazon in the color of your choice. It’s compatible with Mac or PC.
5. Lap Desk
The advantage of working from home is that we can switch things up. I work at my desktop all morning, but I love being able to move to another room for a change of pace. So, I grab my laptop and bring it to the couch with a lap desk.
I ruined my neck in my early days of travel blogging by laying on hotel beds to write, but if I had a desk that put my laptop to the proper height I would have saved myself a lot of pain since I now how it at the correct height. I probably wouldn’t be having the neck and back issues I am having today.
Buy this stylish white marble LapGear Lap Desk with a built-in ledge, phone holder, and mouse pad on Amazon.
6. Adjustable Foot Rest
One thing I find when working at my desk for long periods of time is that I need to move my feet and I want them up to ease pressure on my back. I am constantly fidgeting at my desk, and the way to remedy this is an adjustable footrest. I have seen desk foot hammocks and stools as well, but for me, adjustable is the way to go.
I find that depending on my mood, I want a height adjustment. As a work-from-home person, my wish list for this year is this adjustable memory foam footrest. (hint, hint Dave) Get this affordable adjustable footrest on Amazon today.
7. Charging Hub
Before we really organized our office, I had chargers everywhere. We have so many electronics between headphones, iPhones, mics, and cameras, we have cords everywhere. Creating a dedicated charging station has helped us charge our electronics easily before traveling and keeping everything in one place.
This 6 port USB charging station will keep the person you are shopping for organized and happy.
8. Cord Organizers
If you want to add a stocking stuffer to go with the charging station, add a cord organizer. I love keeping all my cords in order so that they are not making a mess on my desk. Plus with all my hard drives and external accessories, my cords can get really mixed up. Having a good organizer lets me find what I need to plug in easily and they remain sorted keeping my desktop clear to create a less chaotic workspace.
9. CloudValley Webcam Privacy Cover
Our friends Andrew and Rebecca introduced us to the webcam privacy cover. These computer privacy covers are a great choice for an affordable gift for remote workers. You never know who can get access to your computer these days, so when not using your webcam, cover it. It fits easily over our MacBook pro or any other computer camera. The metal cover is easy to slide up and down when you are ready to use your webcam.
10. Fruit Infusion Water Bottles
One of my worst habits when sitting at my desk is that I don’t drink enough water. I fill up my water bottle each morning, sit it beside my desk, and proceed to not drink a thing. Infusing fruit into my water has inspired me to drink more.
I look at raspberry or orange-infused water as sipping a delicious cup of tea. It has helped me stay hydrated and healthy and I find that with a little flavoring I drink more. The fruit infusion water bottle is an easy way to add excitement to your tap water. This is a great work-from-home gift for under $25.
11. Sodastream
Another way I’ve been staying hydrated is by using my soda stream. It seems to be my go-to afternoon refreshment. A little bubble works like caffeine (without the caffeine) waking me up! It’s refreshing, and delicious, and keeps my daily intake of water to the max.
Your friend or loved one who works from home will love this gift! Make sure to give them some flavoring – Lime Cordial is my go-to flavor for my Soda Stream.
12. Decorative Plants
Bring a hint of flair and originality to your office by adding plants. Everyone loves plants and this makes for the perfect gift for someone working from home. My friend Arienne from See You Soon Travel brought Dave and me two beautiful easy to care plants that are almost impossible to kill. They add color and warmth to office spaces making it a more welcoming environment to work in.
13. Smart Notebook
If you don’t want the huge expense of an iPad, a Smart Notebook is a fun option. Instead of having sticky notes all over the office (I’m guilty of this) consider a smart notebook. It works like a dry erase pad or easel, but it’s in a notebook. You can write your notes and wipe them away when you have finished your tasks or doodling. See this eco-friendly notebook here
14. Note Pads
I have a ton of journals. It seems that at every event I attend, I receive a journal, but nothing compares to a regular notepad. If you want a more affordable option for the Apple Pencil and iPad, a fun notepad makes for a great stocking stuffer for remote workers.
I don’t need my daily notes saved in a journal forever, I want them gone once the tasks have been tackled. I need to be able to write my to-do list down, check them off when finished, and move on. I go through about a page a week.
15. Fun Coffee Mug
Looking for something easy to get that certain someone who works from home? A fun coffee mug is an easy stocking stuffer or gift for under $25. Dave recently got us huge matching mugs that say Hubby and Wifey.
I love having a cup of herbal tea in the afternoon in my oversized mug. I love a big handmade tea mug like this one when working at my desk for hours on end.
16. Temperature Control Smart Mug
If you want to invest a little more in a mug, a smart mug is an excellent option for a coffee mug because it keeps hot beverages warm. The Next Mug Temperature Control Smart Mug keeps hot drinks warm for up to 90 minutes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve forgotten about my coffee only to sip on it an hour later. You can take a look here for pricing.
17. Picture Frame and Digital Picture Frames
I simple way to spruce up any work space is with decorative picture frames. Picture frames are a great choice when shopping for gifts for people who work at home.
Think about their style and get them an elegant frame to put their awards, family pictures, or loving pet in a frame so they can glance at their favorite moments in time throughout the day. This Waysse Picture frame will fit any decor.
Another option is a digital picture frame where they will have the option to change photos regularly. See more details here.
18. Scented Candles
Working from home can get a bit stuffy. Many people are banished to the basement or forced into a corner in the kitchen. A scented candle can instantly lighten the mood. It’s all about making a work space inviting and comfortable to work in.
A scented candle can help relax the everyday stresses of work. A lavender-scented candle can help calm my nerves when I am getting stressed out with work. Choose one of these scented soy candles. Browse candle scents here
If your loved one doesn’t have the best air quality, take it up a notch and get them an air purifier so that they can add essential oils. We used this in our condo in downtown Toronto and it made such a pleasant atmosphere. This AeroEve is a good affordable option for an air purifier for home.
19. Essential Oil Diffuser
If you want to up the scented candle a bit, an essential oil infuser will be greatly appreciated as a gift for people who work from their homes. I love adding a touch of eucalyptus or peppermint to my diffuser in the afternoon. It wakes me up and the scent lasts all night so when I go back to the office in the morning, it has the beautiful scent of a spa.
Make sure to pair the diffuser with a few essential oils. Lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and cedarwood are great places to start. This is a great diffuser.
20. Lumbar Support Cushion
Let’s face it, sitting all day is not good for you. But it’s part of the job. While an Ergonomic office chair might be out of the budget (and besides an office chair really is a personal choice) a lumbar support seat cushion is the perfect gift to make sitting at the desk bearable.
Check out this lumbar support cushion. It has perfectly molded memory foam to soothe those aching muscles.
21. Adjustable Standing Desk
If you know a person well, you could get them a standing desk. This has been a game changer for us as we can adjust the desk to suit our mood. And it has helped with back pain when we spend too long editing photos or videos. However, a desk is a personal choice so make sure you know the person well before making a purchase. See more details here.
I do like this desk as it adjusts with a motor making it easy to tailor the height to any position. Sometimes I like raising and lowering my chair, so with this desk, I can change the height to how I feel.
22. Anti Fatigue Mat
If your friend already has an adjustable desk, get them an anti-fatigue mat to stand on. When I decided to get an adjustable desk, my chiropractor told me to make sure to wear shoes with good support. But this anti-fatigue matt by Sky Solutions is an option to use in place for the home or the office. Buy it here.
23. Cubii Underdesk Elliptical
Dave and I have an elliptical trainer at home, but if I didn’t have something to hop on inside the house I think I’d like a Cubii. While a Cubii can’t replace good old-fashioned walking or working out, it can at least get the legs moving when you are putting in a 12-hour day at the office. Plus it has different resistance levels, so you can actually get the muscles working.
Studies have found that people are working longer hours from home and we are all forgetting to move. I look at this as a fun gift to get someone who works from home. I mean, who would ever think of buying themselves a Cubii? See it here.
Isn’t that what the best gifts for? Buying something someone would never consider purchasing for themselves.
24. Google Home – Nest Mini
We’ve had a Google Home for a couple of years now and only recently put one in our office. I have become so used to asking Google questions that I can’t live without her. If I don’t have my noise cancelling headphones on, I have Google play music or simply soothing ocean waves.
I can quickly ask her to date, tell her to set the alarm and alert me of any upcoming meetings. This is an affordable gift that anyone will love. Heck during the holiday season get two, she works great as a kitchen timer, white noise app and meteorologist.
25. Apple Pencil and iPad
I take a lot of useless notes during the day. Whenever I am on a conference call, I feel the need to jot down notes. I end up tossing paper galore. That is until I got an iPad with Apple Pencil. I now doodle and take notes and don’t waste paper or make a mess. It attaches to my iPad and automatically charges.
26. Desk Calendar
I know we all use our Google calendars these days, but it is still nice to have an old-fashioned decorative desk calendar. Think about what the person’s interests are and get them a lovely desk calendar. We love to travel and this 1000 Places to See Before you Die calendar by our friend Patricia Schultz is an amazing choice for the travel lover in your life. Get the 2023 calendar here.
While you are working away at your desk, you can be inspired to work harder to save for that dream destination that is staring at you from your calendar. Buy her book A Thousand Places to See Before You Die as another great gift for travelers.
27. Affirmations Wall Art
One thing that helps motivate me is seeing my favourite motivational quote front and center. When I’m feeling blue, I always go back to the quotes that inspired me. People almost always have empty wall space in their office, so help them spruce it up with some Wall Art.
Positive affirmations surrounding their workspace can help motivate them to work throughout the day to achieve their goals.
28. Pajamas for Work
Okay, we are going there! Yes, we work in our pajamas from home. Even though we have been remote workers for more than 10 years, it wasn’t until we were locked down that I found the joy of pajamas.
When purchasing pajamas for someone working from home, make sure to get classy loungewear or classic flannels. It’s nice to be able to feel comfortable, but I find that it is still important to feel put together. I stocked up on pajamas that I feel comfortable answering the door for a delivery or even getting on a video call to chat with clients. PJs have come a long way baby!
29. Comfy Slippers
Comfy feet make for a comfy workspace. No one wants cold feet while working, so give the gift of comfort this year. Slippers have always been a fan favorite for holiday gifts and when searching for gifts for someone who works from home, this is an easy choice. You can never have enough slippers. Check some options out here.
Even when working from home, we like to change things up a bit. I change up my loungewear and I like to change up my footwear. Sometimes it’s big slouchy reading socks, and others it’s an elegant slipper.
30. Wireless Speakers
I don’t like to wear headphones all day long, but it is always nice to have soft music playing. Or in the afternoons, more upbeat tracks to help with motivation.
While Dave and I use a Sonos system, this can be quite expensive to get someone. But affordable wireless speakers are a great addition to any office allowing soft music to sit on the desktop letting you listen to podcasts or music in style.
31. Desk Lamp
How many people do you know who have the same desk lamp they have been using since high school or college? It wasn’t until this past year that we finally bought modern lamps to suit our style. This is a perfect gift for those who love to travel.
If you are having a hard time finding a gift for someone who works from home, try searching for a lamp with personality. You can go decorative or functional. If you want to go for something more unique, get a light therapy lamp. It’s perfect for the holidays as the days get shorter and we all become a little sunlight-deprived.
This Magnetic Floating Globe with LED light is a fun idea for people working from home who love to travel. But we also love the office lamps that have build in charging pads and USB ports for optimal functionality.
32. Gourmet Tea or Coffee
For that certain someone who has it all, why not get them monthly a gourmet coffee or tea assortment pack? Even if their office is set up to perfection they can never have enough java or specialty teas. Or you can add to making their workday that much better by getting them a tea subscription. Imagine having a new flavor to try each month. They will think of you all year long.
It’s the gift that they’ll remember as you’ll be sending them a delicious treat each month for the next year!
33. Gourmet Coffee Maker
If you really want to splurge, invest in a gourmet coffee maker. We love our De’Longhi espresso machine, and this is a more affordable version with a lower price point than the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus.
Make barista-style coffees and cappuccinos. I enjoy having a decaf in the afternoon for a soothing break without adding the buzz. Check it out it here
34. Custom Luxury Pen
Even though we have all gone the way of electronics, people still love a good pen. An elegant gift idea for anyone is to give them a classy pen. Even if you’re not in the office, it’s so much fun to whip out an expensive pen. I love a good pen that writes like butter.
I still take notes in a notebook and while on assignment I love having a good pen to use while interviewing or jotting down ideas. You can even have something engraved on it. See this beautiful engraved cross pen.
35. Blue Blocking Glasses
Even if you don’t wear glasses, it’s a good idea to wear blue-light blocking glasses when working at the computer. When staring at the screen all day, my eyes feel fatigued and my blue-blocking glasses work like a charm.
This is a unique gift idea for people who work at home. It’s not something a lot of people buy for themselves, but just make sure that you get a pair that suits their style.
36. Adjustable Office Organizer
Let’s face it, we all have a lot of stuff on our desks. A great way to spruce up an office is to give the gift of organization. this small desktop organizer lets you organize your papers, books, pen and pencil holders, or knickknacks in a tasteful display while clearing up the clutter on your desk. This is an easy gift for those who work at home to make it into something of their own.
37. Apple Watch
I resisted this watch for quite some time, but since the series 8 has come out, they are looking far more elegant for my taste. If you do choose to go with the classic, you can choose from different color options for the band to suit your needs.
We bought my parents a couple and they can’t live without them now. In fact, I do think the Apple watch saved my dad’s life. They are always checking their heart rate on their watches and one day Dad noticed fibrillation on his watch and went to the doctor. After a series of tests, they found a heart problem and he had a pacemaker installed. I don’t work for Apple and it isn’t a science, but if dad didn’t have that blip on is watch, you never know what would have happened in the future.
My mom keeps telling me to get one, so Dave, if you are reading this…
Happy Shopping!
And these are our ideas for some of the best gifts for people working at home, on the road or for that entrepreneur and businessperson in your life. What ideas do you have for gifts for people working from home?
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