Since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit in 2020, working from home has become normal for people of all ages and professions. With so much time being spent in the home office, workers are going to great lengths to make their workspace both comfortable and practical. As the holiday season approaches, now is the best time to shop for the perfect gift for your WFH giftee. Luckily, we’ve rounded up the top home office gifts that they’ll love, for all budgets!
1. Desktop calendar
No matter who you are or what your profession is, there is a good chance you use a calendar in some form. Many calendar options fit nicely on any desk, allowing for complete organization throughout the entire year. The best part of a desk calendar is that you have a wide variety of different themes to choose from, allowing you to shop stress-free, and at a preferable price point. Staples and Amazon are great places to begin your hunt, with a wide variety of options for any family member or friend.
2. Art
No room is ever complete without a bit of art on the wall to liven things up! Now, depending on where you look, art can be anything from a nice, cheap print to a larger investment. For this list, we want to keep things on the more budget-friendly side. With that in mind, places, such as the gift shop at the Art Gallery of Ontario, are great places to look for budget-friendly prints that will add a splash of colour and intrigue to your home office space.
3. Plants
When you’re stuck inside all day, it can be easy to crave the great outdoors. This is why houseplants are an incredible gift! Most houseplants can be purchased at any local florist or Home Depot, with many of them requiring a minimal amount of care. If you’d like to spruce things up from your average houseplant, why not check out a terrarium? Though a bit pricier, this is an excellent way to breathe some life into any home office.
4. Lamp/desk light
Desk lights are a thoughtful gift for anyone who spends a lot of time at their desk after hours. No matter who it is you are shopping for, a better lighting situation will be sure to come in handy. The best part is you don’t always have to break the bank to purchase a nice desk lamp. Places, such as Ikea and Structube have many different price points, as well as aesthetics. From clip-on desk lamps to bankers’ lamps, there is a style suitable for everyone on your list.
5. Cord organizer
Let’s face it, no matter who you are, there’s a good chance you aren’t properly storing the cords underneath your desk. From desktop computers to chargers and printers, it can be easy to get a little tangled up with so many cords. Luckily, cord organizers exist and make a practical and considerate home office gift idea! This sleek option from Canadian brand Branch will help keep your cords hidden and organized, as well as within reach.
6. Desk organizer
Let’s face it; in this day in age, everyone can use more organization! Desk organizers are a fantastic home office gift for that person in your life whose workspace can use a bit of de-cluttering. Desk organizers come in all shapes and sizes, and are generally pretty affordable. If you’re on the hunt, Amazon has a plethora of options that will match just about any home office décor.
7. Daily planner or agenda
Whether you work from home or not, chances are you can benefit from a daily planner. What better time than the end of the year to receive one as a gift? Daily planners or agendas come in many different sizes, styles, and price points. So, whichever one you choose will surely please the person on the receiving end. From cheaper alternatives (think HomeSense or Indigo) to fancy Moleskin planners, an agenda is a gesture most WFH workers will appreciate.
8. Keyboard cleaner
Anybody who owns a computer or laptop knows just how frustrating it can be to clean your keyboard. When you work from home and spend a lot of time behind your screen, your keyboard can easily become prone to crumbs, smudges, and other forms of dirt and grime. This is where a proper cleaner comes in handy! There are many kits available online on sites, such as Amazon, each with different capabilities. From screen cleaners to keyboard dusters, there is a plethora of tools that make great home office gifts.
9. Smart mug and/or mug warmer
We’ve all heard of the classic mug as a present. However, have you ever wondered how you could take that a step up? Well, the smart mug is your answer! Smart mugs are temperature-controlled mugs that allow you to enjoy hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, at the perfect temperature all the time. This one from Ember is a popular option for those looking for a Smart Mug. Though pricey, it is something that will be used multiple times a day, so you’ll be getting your money’s worth! If not a Smart Mug, look for a mug warmer as a more budget-friendly alternative.
10. Headphones
Whether you’re partaking in a meeting, tuning in to your favourite podcast, or listening to background music, the perfect pair of headphones is crucial for any home office. Not only does a solid pair of headphones make the perfect gift, but a high-quality pair can last for years. There are many options and styles, from earbuds to over-ear, each with its pros and cons. Generally, brands such as Bose and Sennheiser are incredible manufacturers of headphones. Though pricey, these headphones are an excellent investment that your gift receiver will be using for years to come.
We hope this list can help you figure out the perfect home office gift for that person in your life who works from home. If you’ll be adding any valuable items to your wish list this year, now would be a great time to start noting all of your valuable inventory items. Happy gifting!
