Whether you’re participating in this year’s office Secret Santa pool or simply want some gift ideas for a loved one who’s a remote worker, this list will help you find the right gift for any budget. Below are my recommendations for anyone who needs to be productive no matter where they are.
Ampere Unravel (Apple Watch Edition)
If you’re anything like me, you’re fully invested in the Apple ecosystem – iPhone, Watch, and AirPods are all a must in my day-to-day but so is the need to keep everything charged. On a whim, I bought the Ampere Unravel and it was easily the best impulse buy I’ve made in a long time. The foldable wireless charging mat can be collapsed/folded to easily stow away and can even be configured like a triangle to work as a charging stand for your phone. Neat! [$60 via Ampere]
BESTINNKITS Smart Coffee Warmer
Last year, I bought a family member an Ember Smart Coffee Mug, and while it does the job it is a rather pricy gift. If you’re looking for all-day warmth in your cup of coffee, consider the BESTINNKITS Smart Coffee Warmer. This USB-powered heating pad works with most flat-bottomed, ceramic mugs (no fancy, OEM mug required – looking at you Ember) and doesn’t require turning it off or on. Best of all, at under $30 it’s perfect for this year’s grab bag. [$28 via Amazon]
Metapen iPad Pencil A14
Let me be the first to admit that sometimes, the Apple Tax is real, and I just can’t justify spending that much on a peripheral. The Apple Pencil is one such item – it works with my iPad, it does all that it says it does, but I wouldn’t use it nearly enough to justify dropping $130 on one. That’s where the Metapen iPad Pencil comes in. For a third of the price, you get most of the functionality of Apple’s Pencil without trying to justify the price tag. Sure, you miss out on pressure sensitivity but if you’re only using the stylus for jotting down notes and the occasional doodle, then this one is well worth it. [$24 via Amazon]
Logitech Wave Keys
One of the most important things to consider when working remotely is ensuring that you keep ergonomics top of mind. The Logitech Wave Keys is a wireless, ergonomic keyboard with a “natural” wave layout and included cushion palm rest that’s designed to keep you productive and carpel tunnel at bay. Pair it with the Logitech Lift mouse to maximize your comfort. [$75 via Amazon]
SanDisk 1.5TB MicroSD Card
Before I get accused of having an Apple bias (I do), it would be wont to leave out all you Android people out there. One of the things that I like about Android/Chromebook devices is that many of them allow for memory expansion with ubiquitous MicroSD cards. That’s why I can’t recommend the SanDisk 1.5TB MicroSD Card enough! SanDisk consistent is the best option available (quality/price per GB) and their cards are thoroughly tested to ensure they work with most devices – can’t say the same for some off-brand cards out there. [$140 via WesternDigital]
Logitech Logi Dock
Cords are my pet peeve. Sure, you probably can’t tell from my desk (it’s always a cluttered mess) but it’s true. Sometimes, a good docking solution is what’s called for and the Logi Dock provides it in spades. Full disclosure, I have not yet reviewed this item but a solution that includes a speaker, additional USB ports, connections for a display, certified for all major teleconferencing solutions, and power for all connected devices – add it to my wish list. [$249 via Logitech]