If there is one thing the pandemic has taught us, it’s that many of us can work from home, at least for a while.
When the pandemic lockdowns began, many of us (me included) set up on a dining room table or even a folding table and just got to work, but setting up a permanent spot for a workstation will make your home/work life a lot easier.
These gift ideas can make the work-at-home people on your list more comfortable, whether they’re setting up a home office or just need to tweak their workstation.
Ausdom HDR 2K Live Streaming Webcam
What is it? This is a webcam that has a very clear picture with a resolution of 2,592 x 1,944 pixels. It’s plug and play, meaning you plug it in and your Windows or Mac computer will recognize it and make it available for you to use in any app that uses a video camera.
I’ve been testing a lot of webcams since the pandemic started, and this is one of the best. I reviewed it earlier this year.
It sits out of the way on top of your monitor and it has a small sliding cover for the lens if you’d like to be 100% sure nobody can see you. It has two noise-canceling microphones so your voice is clear, even in a semi-noisy office situation.
Who is it for? Anyone who makes a lot of video calls and isn’t satisfied with the camera built into his or her computer.
What does it cost? $79.99.
Where can I get it? Amazon.com
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Vari Electric Standing Desk
What is it? This is a desk that has electric motors to raise and lower the desk surface height so you can sit or stand while you work.
There is a convenient control panel with buttons, and you can adjust it to any height you like. There are four memory presets you can set to change to the perfect height every time.
Vari makes this desk with different size desk surfaces, ranging from 48 inches by 24 inches up to 72 inches by 30 inches.
The height varies from 25 inches to 50.5 inches.
Who is it for? If you are setting up a home workstation, this is the perfect desk.
What does it cost? It starts at $499.99
Where can I get it? Vari.com
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Cherry Stream Desktop Recharge
What is it? This is a wireless keyboard and mouse combination from Cherry, the maker of some very famous mechanical keyboard switches.
This combo features a full-size wireless keyboard with a number keypad and plenty of dedicated function keys you can customize.
You can set keys to open frequently used apps or folders or even make macros of frequently used text strings like your address.
The mouse has its own set of control buttons you can customize.
Both keyboard and mouse use a small wireless dongle. Just plug it into your computer, and they will just work.
Who is it for? This is a great combo, so anyone using a computer will like this one.
What does it cost? $79.59
Where can I get it? Amazon.com
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OWC Mercury Pro U.2 Dual
What is it? This is a desktop storage solution that connects directly to your Mac or Windows PC via Thunderbolt port.
It comes in any number of storage configurations up to 64 terabytes. You can also buy it empty and add your own drives.
The U.2 has two drive slots, but you can also buy an adapter to put up to four MVMe solid-state drives in each slot. This is a seriously fast external storage drive that you can expand as you need.
It has two thunderbolt ports on the back. One goes to your computer and you can connect other Thunderbolt peripherals to the other port.
Who is it for? This is for anyone who works with large files that require fast transfer speed.
What does it cost? It starts at $549 for the 2TB model and $299 for the empty chassis.
Where can I get it? eshop.macsales.com
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HON Ignition 2.0 Mesh Back Task Chair
What is it? If you spend all day at your desk, you’re going to want a comfortable chair.
It’s easy to find a great chair for $1,000, but you can find the HON Ignition 2.0 for under $400.
The Ignition 2.0 has a mesh back to keep you cool and adjustable lumbar support and arms.
It can lock in just the right position for you, and the pneumatic height adjustment is solid.
This one has a 300-pound weight capacity.
Who is it for? Anyone who spends a few hours per day at their desk.
What does it cost? List price is $492.37, but you can probably find it for less.
Where can I get it? Amazon.com, store.hon.com
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Anker PowerPort Cube with USB
What is it? This is a cube-shaped power strip with three AC outlets and three USB ports for powering and charging all your gadgets.
Instead of reaching down to the floor to plug things in, this one is designed to bring the plugs up onto your desktop for easy access.
The USB ports have a combined output of 18 watts and are handy for keeping your phone or other small gadgets charged.
It has a 5-foot-long power cable and is available in black or white. It has overload protection and a lifetime $25,000 warranty against surges for any connected equipment.
Who is it for? Anyone who had gadgets to plug in or charge up.
What does it cost? $19.99
Where can I buy it? Amazon.com