19 Gift Ideas for People Who Work From Home
More of us are working from home than ever before thanks to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The WIRED Gear team is comprised mostly of remote workers, and many of us have been working remotely for years. We know firsthand that between distractions, loneliness, and wearing sweatpants six days a week, sometimes remote workers could use a boost. If you're looking to brighten up your favorite telecommuter's life, this guide is full of gift ideas for all sorts of tastes and budgets. (Yes, you can be your own favorite telecommuter.)
We have an entire guide dedicated to the Best Remote Worker Office Gear. Check it out, as well as our many other gift guides, including gifts under $25 and gifts for coffee addicts.
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Updated December 2021: We've refreshed this guide with new picks and the latest pricing.
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- Photograph: Joseph Shin
Muffle Distracting Noise
1More ColorBudsIs your giftee 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 some of our favorite true wireless earbuds. Despite the low price, they have great audio quality and an excellent fit that works for most people. While they don't feature noise cancellation, they have earplug-like noise blocking to drown out distracting ambient sounds—important for anyone working from home with others in the house. You'll find more picks in our Best Noise-Canceling Headphones guide.
- Photograph: Amazon
Steady Internet
Netgear Nighthawk AX4 RouterWorking remotely requires a strong, stable connection. If your giftee is constantly buffering on video calls or complaining about their internet speed, a crappy router could be the issue. A reliable router should fix that right up. In our router buying guide, this model from Netgear is one of our top picks. For larger homes, these mesh routers might be a better fit, and we also have tips on how to improve a Wi-Fi network. Added bonus: Owning a router is much more economical than renting a crappy overpriced one from an ISP.
- Photograph: Razer
Better Videoconferencing
Razer KiyoA pixelated or blurry picture isn't a good look on anyone, and a filter can only do so much. 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's the best webcam for most people. The built-in light and automatic white-balance adjustments ensure a clear picture, and the camera packs down into a travel-friendly package.
- Photograph: ObVus Solutions
A Better Setup
ObVus Solutions Laptop Tower StandDespite our best intentions, remote workers' posture frequently resembles that of an aged goblin. Our laptops follow us from room to room while we hunch over them for hours on end. A laptop stand can help alleviate poor posture and the ailments that accompany it, but they're also good tools for improving existing workspaces on the cheap. This model is the best laptop stand WIRED has tested. It can be raised and lowered to the ideal level, and during the midafternoon slump, it'll convert any surface into a sort of standing desk.
- Photograph: Nimble
A Charging Champion
Nimble ChampEndless Netflix binges can take a toll on even the latest smartphones. A portable charger makes it easy to top up—either on the go or when you're feeling too lazy to go find a wall outlet. This model from Nimble is the best power bank. It's lightweight and compact, but has enough juice to fully charge an iPad. If someone on your shopping list is constantly asking to borrow yours, it just might make the perfect gift.
- Photograph: Cloudvalley
Peace of Mind
CloudValley Webcam Privacy Cover 2-PackHaving 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 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
- Photograph: Amazon
A Crumb Cleaner
Oxo Good Grips Sweep & Swipe Laptop CleanerThis laptop cleaner came highly recommended by WIRED senior editor Michael Calore, so I ordered one. 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 ideal 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 residuemysterious 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 for those seeking a deeper detox.
- Photograph: Fitbit
A Movement Reminder
Fitbit Charge 5Working from home often means spending a lot of time sitting down. The Fitbit Charge 5 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is our favorite fitness tracker. It's affordable, looks great, and works no matter what kind of smartphone your giftee uses. We especially love the bright display and long battery life. There are all sorts of trackable metrics aside from exercise stats, including sleep analytics and stress scans. Note that some of these features require a $10 per month Fitbit Premium subscription.
Our guide on how to work out at home may also be helpful.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Portable Library
Amazon Kindle (2019, 10th Generation)A Kindle can hold thousands of books, and it takes up less space than a single paperback. There are several models in Amazon's lineup, but the 2019 Kindle (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is the best for most people. The E Ink display and proprietary Bookerly font are specifically designed to imitate paper—so while it's technically a screen, it doesn't cause as much eyestrain as reading on a smartphone or laptop would. The built-in backlight allows for reading in the dark, and the battery lasts for weeks at a time. Amazon always has cheap e-books available, but for especially avid readers, a Kindle Unlimited subscription would pair very nicely.
Check out our Kindle buying guide for more information on the different models.
- Photograph: Amazon
A Hot Beverage
Ember Temperature Control Smart MugCoffee is essential, and that's doubly true 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 and love it.
- Photograph: Mistobox
Fresh Beans
Mistobox Coffee SubscriptionA Starbucks gift card is a nice present, but redemption requires leaving the house. We like Mistobox's coffee subscription a lot. Unlike with a gift card, the caffeine will come to you. The service starts at $12, but gift packages start at $40, and there are optional upgrades. Mistobox has a huge variety of coffee available. With a gift subscription, your loved one will be able to personalize their shipment.
Read our Best Coffee Subscriptions guide for more.
- Photograph: Goldbelly
Snack Attack
Goldbelly Snack SubscriptionWho doesn't love a good treat? Goldbelly offers subscriptions 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. Other services like Doordash and Uber Eats offer similar food gifts with nationwide shipping, but we haven't tested them.
Our Best Snack Box Subscriptions guide might help if you can't decide what to order.
★ Honorable Mention: Sugarwish gifts are adorable and super affordable. Recipients can choose from a selection of candy, popcorn, cookies, and snacks. A gift like this can relieve the pressure of picking specific foods. The trade-off is that most of these items are available at any grocery store.
- Photograph: Lodge
Better Lunches
Lodge Enameled Cast Iron Dutch OvenA 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 colors to coordinate with your foodie friend's other kitchen tools. It also has excellent heat retention; I, Louryn, swear by reheating leftovers in a Dutch oven.
- Photograph: Candlecan
A Calming Scent
CandleCan CandlesCandles are an easy way to elevate your space and make it more relaxing. CandleCan's vegetable wax candles look as good as they smell. As someone who doesn't usually like food-scented candles, I can attest that these smell delicious, not artificial or cloying. The Vanilla Egg Candle is my favorite—it smells like pastry custard and cheers me up as soon as I light it. Since the candles are packaged in a tin can, users won't have to deal with awkwardly reusing the container when the wax is all melted. Simply freeze it, pop out the wax, and recycle the can.
WIRED staffers also love DW Home Candles, which are bigger and more traditionally scented. The Warm Tobacco Pipe Candle is a standout.
For more recommendations, check out our guide to the Best Stress-Relieving Gifts.
- Photograph: Erin Condren
A Plan of Action
Erin Condren Coiled Weekly LifePlannerWe'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 paper 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 coordinating stickers and insertable sheets for additional customization.
The customizable, popular Erin Condren LifePlanner is pricier than most, but I love the different layout options, and I find that it holds up better to a year of wear and tear than others I've tried. I've also had great success with simple BlueSky planners (which are much more affordable).
We have several additional recommendations for every budget and style preference in our guide to the Best Paper Planners.
- Photograph: Moon Pod
A Chill-Out Chair
Moon Pod Moon PodSome days, you just want to collapse on the ground and groan like Tina Belcher. The Moon Pod Zero-Gravity Bean Bag Chair is the perfect place to have an existential crisis (or read, or watch TV, or meditate.) Unlike the squashy bean bag chairs of your childhood, this lightweight chair is filled with beads that actually support your body weight. It works for sitting, reclining, and lying down. I have tried and failed to find an uncomfortable position, and in at least two of those tests, I fell asleep. The soft, removable cover is washable and available in five colors, but it does attract pet hair very easily. The company sells a back rest for additional support; I have not tried it.
For additional comforting picks, check our guide to the Best Weighted Blankets. (One of our recommendations, the Gravity Blanket, was invented by the founder of Moon Pod.)
- Photograph: Lula's Garden
A Greener Space
Lula's Garden Succulent GardensPlants instantly brighten up a space, they can reduce stress, and they might even make you more productive. 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.
★ Honorable Mention: Horti offers packs of five to 20 plants that can be catered to the recipient's gardening preferences. Choose from low-light, pet-friendly, or hard-to-kill options, or roll the dice and let the company send a variety. The company's blog is full of helpful information on the care and keeping of plants. This may be a better gift for friends who have some experience with houseplants.
- Photograph: Vuori
The Best Sweatpants Ever
Vuori Performance JoggerVuori Performance Joggers are the absolute best sweatpants. Between my history as a remote worker and my job as a gear reviewer, I'm sort of a sweatpants expert, and these are the pair to which I compare all others. Several WIRED staffers agree. These joggers are incredibly soft, and the fabric is thin and breathable while still remaining warm. They're fitted without being too tight, and that flattering fit is maintained throughout the day. It also means you can wear these in public without appearing too unkempt.
Our guide to the Best Loungewear has additional recommendations.
- Photograph: Newbie Games
A Sabotage Session
Newbie Games Evil Corp: The Board GameBoard games have become increasingly popular since folks started staying home more. There are plenty of family-friendly board games. Evil Corp is not one of them. It's sort of like Monopoly with an emphasis on backstabbing, sabotage, and a good poker face. Up to six players will pose as evil CEOs and compete to build an empire, amass wealth, and save the world. The game is full of dark humor and biting social commentary about wealth, politics, corruption, and the future. (It might make you say “oof” out loud once or twice.) The rules are complex, so it would make an especially good gift for board game enthusiasts with a penchant for satire.
For a simpler adults-only game, you can't go wrong with Cards Against Humanity.
