The best gifts for friends and family who work from home
Photo by Microsoft 365 on Unsplash
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 27.8 million people are primarily working from home, representing 17.9% of the workforce. Working from home can be convenient, but many people are still figuring out the WFH environment, and probably don’t have – or may not have even considered – what could make this arrangement more comfortable or productive. However, we scouted some of the best WFH gift ideas for your favorite person working from home, either entirely or part-time.
All of these products have been hand-selected by Team 6sqft. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these affiliate links. All prices reflect those at the time of publishing.
The must-haves
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Sitting on a dining room chair is not a good solution for people who need to work comfortably all day. However, this premium leather chair, which has dynamic variable lumbar support, automatically adjusts to the body as it moves, and also has a backrest that can be manually adjusted. In addition, the SciFloat Infinite Recline keeps your body in motion to improve circulation. The high-resiliency molded foam is covered by soft leather for a plush and supportive experience. The seat depth and tilt can also be adjusted, and the 4-dimensional armrests allow you to change their height, depth, angle, and width. The headrest is optional, and the leather chair is available in brown, black, and cognac. X-Chair X4 Leather Executive Chair, $1,349 at Amazon |
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Who says desk lamps have to be boring? This desk lamp is functional but also stylish. It’s made of a powder-coated steel body with your choice of a solid walnut or white oak arm, and the on/off switch is conveniently hidden on the underside of the lamp’s arm. The lamp puts out 450 lumens of light and has a 2700K LED color temperature. The generous 78-inch cord allows the LED light to be used anywhere. Type A Task Table Lamp, $295/Sale $236 at Blu Dot |
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This durable, tempered glass top can be placed on top of a desk to add a bit of flair, and also protect the desk from scratches. In addition, you can write notes on it with a dry-erase marker – and then wipe it clean. The 36” x 24” clear glass has rubber feet to keep the glass from moving around, and it can support up to 100 pounds, so you can put monitors, keyboards, laptops, and other items on it. The clear glass desk is 36” x 24” in dimension. Glass Desktop Overlay $60 at Quartet |
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People who primarily work on an iPad or any USB-C tablet can get the most out of it with this tablet stand. That’s because the stand does much more than just hold the tablet – although the sturdy aluminum stand, which is adjustable and has a non-slip silicone design, does that quite well. It includes an HDMI port, a USB-C power delivery input port, two USB-A data ports, a 3.5mm audio port, and microSD/SD 3.0 card slots. And when not in use, the stand can fold flat for storage or transport. Anker 551 8-in-1 Tablet Stand, $99 at Amazon |
For blocking neighborhood noise
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These noise-canceling Bluetooth headphones can block out the noise and make it easier to concentrate. They’re hi-res audio certified, making them ideal for listening to music while working, or for taking phone calls. The noise canceling feature is adaptive, so it can adjust depending on the environment. The headphones have 25 hours of playback with noise canceling on, and 50 hours if only using Bluetooth. They can also work with Alexa and Google Assistant. JBL Tour One Headphones, $179 at Amazon |
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Another noise-blocking option, these headphones use Bluetooth 5.1 and feature built-in aptX HD codex for amazing sound. Battery life is 43 hours with noise canceling turned on. When the headphones are removed from your head, they automatically pause the audio and then resume when you put the headphones back on again. The multipoint connection allows you to connect two Bluetooth-enabled devices at the same time. The headphones are also voice-assistant enabled. Phiaton 900 Legacy Headphones, $199 at Amazon |
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For those who prefer wired headphones, this unique-looking pair has satin-finished walnut wood ear cups (and each earcup is precision-carved, hand-finished, and polished). The ear pads are made with medium-density memory foam for sound isolation. Also, the self-adjusting PU leather and spring steel headband also make the headphones comfortable to wear. Accessories include two Kevlar OFC cables (one with microphone and remote) as well as two adapters. Meze 99 Classics Headphones, $309 at Amazon |
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Some people prefer headphones with a boom arm, and this wireless headset has a 37-hour battery life. It’s designed to block out noise, and enhance sound in the headset. The boom arm can be slid away from the mouth to activate the mute function. The headset also has a busy light to let others at home know when a call is in progress so they (hopefully) won’t interrupt. Connectively is through USB-A or USB-C to two devices at the same time. Jabra Evolve2 Headphones, $274/Sale $159 at Amazon |
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When earbuds are the preferred type of earphone, these true wireless stereo earbuds use Bluetooth 5.2 and have Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound technology for outstanding sound. They use hybrid ANC, which can be enabled or disabled, and also adjusted. Battery life is 5.5 hours with noise canceling is on, and 6 hours when it’s off. The sleek design and high-quality aluminum earbuds also have convenient controls (phone calls, playback, etc.) on each earbud. Using the app, you can locate missing earbuds, customize settings, and save presets. Oddict Twig Pro Earbuds, $149/Sale $99 at Amazon |
For setting the right work environment
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Clean air is important, and this air purifier, which uses an H13 True HEPA filter, can clean the air in a 452-square-foot room in 30 minutes, removing smoke, kitchen odor, and particulate matter. The lightweight device (which weighs 3 pounds) has four fan speeds and also an RGB night light. It can be controlled via the app and is also enabled for voice control. Govee Smart Air Purifier, $89 at Amazon |
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Music can make workers more productive, whether listening to upbeat music during structural tasks, or jazz or classical music when being creative. This wireless turntable provides a warm, balanced sound with no tone loss since the music is not compressed. It uses Bluetooth 4.2 and has two speeds (33 and 45). The record player has an auto start/stop belt drive and built-in pre-amp. The USB port and cable also provide the ability to convert records to a digital format. The matching bookshelf speakers, made of the same natural bamboo and eco-friendly materials, produce high-quality bass, and the speakers are also rechargeable. House of Marley Stir It Up Wireless Turntable, $249/Sale $229 at Amazon |
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Heating and cooling bills jumped considerably when people first started working from home. This chunky knit weighted blanket is soothing and calming, but also lightweight enough to be worn while working at a desk (or occasionally on the sofa) and can provide enough warmth to avoid cranking up the heat. The blanket is made of 100% pure cotton with an even weight distribution and provides all-season breathability. It’s available in blueberry, gray, and light gray. California Design Den Weighted Blanket, $159 at Amazon |
For powering up
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This multiport adapter has ports for all of the desktop essentials: USB-C PD charging, HDMI, VGA, Ethernet, USB-C, USB-A, and micro SD. It can connect a laptop to an external monitor, and also support other peripherals, like mice, keyboards, tablets, and a hard drive. Detachable cables are also included. Satechi USB-C Multimedia Adapter, $99 at Amazon |
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During a power outage, the portable power station can charge phones, laptops, tablets, and other devices, and even has multi-mode LED flashlights located on both sides – which is important when working on a deadline. The power station has USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as a DC output port, and AC outlets. It’s completely safe and has voltage control, overcurrent protection, and temperature control, and it can be recharged using a solar panel, wall outlet, or even a car socket. Renogy Phoenix 200 Solar Generator, $199/Sale $123 at Amazon |
For recharging and relaxing
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One disadvantage of sitting at home all day is a lack of exercise since there’s no running to catch the train or jogging up and down the steps instead of waiting on the elevator. Even the bathroom is much closer than it would be at work. However, this rather simple-looking device (which only weighs 11.6 pounds) actually utilizes resistance bands to provide a vigorous workout. It actually attaches to a door frame or wall (wood studs) and uses resistance band technology to provide cardio training and strength training – and doesn’t require any power or electricity. There’s also an app that provides access to 300+ exercises. TUT Gym, $997 at Amazon |
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Working at home provides an opportunity to eat healthier, but no one wants to spend a lot of time laboring in the kitchen. This appliance has 13 one-touch preset buttons: broil, grill, bake, air fry, roast, steam, dehydrate, rice, yogurt, sear/sauté, slow cook, yogurt, and keep warm. The multicooker has diamond-infused ceramic nonstick and a generous 6.5-quart pot, as well as a nonstick air frying basket and grill and grilling plates. It also has both an air fry/grill lid and a multi-cook lid. GreenPan Bistro 13 in 1 Air Fryer, $199 at Amazon |
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To keep from running back and forth to the kitchen, this stainless-steel water bottle keeps cold beverages cold for 24 hours, and it keeps hot beverages hot for 12 hours. The 17-ounce double-walled insulated water bottle also has a leak-proof lid and a built-in handle. It’s available in deep blue, urchin black, and white sand. AquaTru Stainless Steel Water Bottle, $29 at AquaTru |
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This coffee cup warmer can be used to keep coffee hot – as well as tea and other beverages. The heating plate temperature can be customized as preferred, and the temperature is shown on the digital display. It uses pressure sensor technology to only warm up when it senses a cup that weighs at least 10.4 ounces has been placed on it, and then the switch must be turned on, which eliminates activating it by accident. There’s also an auto-shutoff. Cosori Coffee Mug Warmer, $29/Sale $25 at Amazon |
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One quick and easy way to jumpstart the day is with some delicious waffles, and this Belgian waffle maker makes the process almost foolproof: add some water to the waffle mix (which could also be a store-bought, ready-mix brand), add water, and pour onto the waffle maker iron. The shade and level of crunchiness can both be adjusted, the LCD display is easy to read, and the ceramic nonstick plates are easy to clean. In addition to Belgian waffles, there are settings for classic, chocolate, buttermilk, and custom waffles. GreenPan Belgian Waffle Maker, $129 at Amazon |
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A good night’s sleep is essential to being productive and focused during the day. This duvet bundle is made of 100% European linen and includes a duvet cover, two shams, a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. The duvet has corner ties and a button closure at the bottom, and the shams have an envelope closure. The set has been pre-washed, so it won’t shrink. Color choices are plentiful – some of which include indigo blue, terracotta, washed olive, soft blush, and light blue. European Linen Duvet Bundle, $211 at Quince |
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Another essential for a good night’s sleep is the right pillow. But since the right pillow loft varies from person to person, this pillow is customizable, so foam can be added or removed to provide a firm, medium, or soft pillow. Also, the pillow has an antimicrobial treatment that guards against bacteria, mold, and odors. The pillow is also cool to the touch which is great for hot sleepers. Molecule Infinity Pro Pillow, $79 at Amazon |
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After spending all day sitting at a desk, this compact massage gun can help relieve tense and sore muscles. It’s powerful, with an output force of 15.4 pounds, but the frictionless brushless technology makes it whisper quiet. And at only 1.2 pounds, it’s also lightweight. The massage gun has three speeds and a single charge via the USB-C port lasts up to five hours. Made of aerospace-grade aluminum with a comfortable grip, the massage gun includes a ball head, flat head, and bullet head. Atom Mini Massage Gun, $199 at Hydragun $199 |
For when you have to leave the house
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When leaving the house for meetings, workers can step out in style with one of these stunning watches. This model is a 1962 racing chronograph – and when you flip it over, the 3D case-back is embossed with a Maserati Tipo 60 Birdcage automobile. The dial has a 60-minute chronograph and a 24-hour indicator, with K1 mineral glass, double domed with anti-reflective treatment. The case has twisted lugs and a tachymeter, and the watch includes two easy-release French leather straps, and also a watch roll made of canvas and genuine leather with three watch slots. Dan Henry 1962 Racing Chronograph Watch, $270 |
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For charging on the go at the airport, coffeehouse, or wherever, this power bank can recharge a smartphone eight times, a tablet three times, and a laptop two times. It has USB-A and USB-C ports and can recharge via a solar panel or USB-C charger, as well as an integrated 100W AC inverter. The durable aluminum device is rugged and heavy-duty, yet small enough to put in a backpack or tote bag. Goal Zero Sherpa Portable Power Bank, $299 at Amazon |
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This stylish laptop sleep is large enough to fit a 14-inch MacBook Pro. It’s made of vegan leather with foam-padded pockets and has waterproof fabric and lining. The magnetic opening (on the side) is both secure and fast-opening. In addition to the laptop sleeve, there are additional smaller pockets to hold a smartphone, pen, chargers, etc. The laptop sleeve is available in black and in navy. Envoy 14-inch Laptop Sleeve, $95 at Mujjo |
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The best way to keep a smartphone safe is with a case that has drop protection. This one is also scratch resistant and has anti-yellowing technology. The 10-foot drop protection is a result of shock-absorbing materials with soft cushion corners. This particular case is designed for the Google Pixel 7 Pro, but there are also cases for the iPhones and Samsung phones. Casemate Google Pixel 7 Pro Case, $39 at Amazon |
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People who work from home spend a lot of time cooped up in their homes, working in a digital environment. However, this instant camera provides a fun break from that routine and lets them explore new surroundings and take photos the old-fashioned way. The camera has a viewfinder, shutter, and selfie-mirror, and the retro design also makes it a great desk accessory. The bundle comes with 20 exposures. Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera Bundle, $114 at Amazon |
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