8 productivity-boosting gift ideas for Christmas

Less than a year ago, work-from-home was just a vague, distant idea for most working folks.

In the blink on an eye, it’s become pretty much the norm for many, thanks to a virus-that-shall-not-be-named. So what’s a productivity-loving work-from-homer with an enduring get-shit-done spirit to do?

As far as we’re concerned, there’s only one answer to this question, and it’s to be over-prepared AF because hey, you never know when you’ll need to feed the kids, call the plumber, put out a project-management fire, clean up vomit the cat left on your brand-new carpet and show up for a Zoom call all at the same time, right?

So in honour of your favourite WFH-ers, we thought we’d come up with the best gifts that’ll help them make their at-home work-life juggling a whole lot easier while getting down to business.

You’re welcome and enjoy!

1. Very, very strong coffee.

First things first, waking up in the morning for work: Very important — so important that the stronger the coffee, the better. And no one makes ’em cuppa Joes more intense than Biohazard, which claims to make the world’s strongest coffee.

2. Oxygen-giving plants.

If you’re spending all day at home, you’ll want plenty of fresh air around, and by fresh air we mean a regular supply of oxygen. We may be over-estimating a tiny wee bit (OK, a lot), but a healthy number of potted plants might just help your giftee think more clearly. Perhaps a couple of pots of Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata) — which we hear also does a smashing job of clearing the air — might just do the trick. Bonus: The pretty green stuff’s known to help soothe stress and anxiety when the going gets tough.

3. A pro-level web camera.

Forget the crappy, grainy, built-in cameras that come with most computers. You want your bestie to look like a rock star at their next meeting and the Logitech C920S HD Pro Webcam with HD autofocus, light correction and custom camera settings can most definitely help them do that.

4. Coping strategies (and a couple of laughs).

Got a colleague who’s struggling with WFH life or just needs some humour in their daily work routine? Send a copy of Sarah Cooper’s 100 Tricks To Appear Smart In Meetings: How To Get By Without Even Trying their way and watch that frown turn upside down. Did we mention that humour relieves stress, which in turn, helps boost productivity? There you go. Mission accomplished.

5. A daily planner.

Keep your bestie keeping up with their schedule and to-dos using a good old fashioned paper diary-slash-planner like Moleskin’s 12-Month Daily Planner. It’s great to go digital, but honestly, nothing beats being able to see your entire week written down on paper without having to go online. Bonus: No accidentally deleting important meetings!

6. A laptop riser.

Bad posture can really do a number of your body, and when you’re staring at the computer that’s waaayyy below eye level for comfort nine hours or more a day, neck pain can quickly get in the way of your bestie’s comfort (and not to mention their physical and mental health). An easy fix: A laptop riser like the SAMDI Wooden Laptop Stand that gets both level for more comfort and even more work done.

7. White noise.

Know someone who’s easily distracted by passing traffic, their noisy neighbours or just about anything that moves? Make their day (and productivity) better with a white noise machine like Sound Of Sleep’s LectroFan Classic. As its name suggests, this soothing baby doubles as a mighty handy sleep inducer for night-time too.

8. Noise-cancelling headphones.

If your giftee prefers to work without noise of any kind, you might want to get something that helps them invite more blissful silence into their work day, listen to their favourite beats and have call conversations with more ease and comfort. Our recommendation: The hands-free, adaptive, high-resolution audio Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones.

Looking for some great ideas on getting your home looking holiday-ready? Have a copy of our FREE Timeless Living: How To Design A Classy IKEA-Inspired Home ebook sent to your inbox!