22 Best Gifts for Remote Workers — Practical ideas to upgrade any home office
Engadget has gathered 22 gift ideas tailored for remote workers — items that boost comfort, productivity and enjoyment during the workday. Whether you’re shopping for a freelancer, hybrid employee or someone who’s fully remote, these picks cover a range of budgets and use cases.
Below are curated categories and representative recommendations to help you choose the right present quickly.
Ergonomics & furniture
- Ergonomic office chair or lumbar support cushion — helps long work sessions feel less tiring.
- Adjustable standing desk or desktop converter — allows sit/stand flexibility for better posture.
- Footrest or monitor riser — small upgrades that improve comfort and screen alignment.
Audio & video
- Noise‑cancelling headphones or quality earbuds — ideal for focus and calls.
- USB microphone or mic upgrade — great for clearer meetings and podcasts.
- 1080p/4K webcam and ring light — better video presence for important calls.
Desk gear & productivity
- Mechanical or ergonomic keyboard and comfortable mouse — tactile, reliable input tools.
- Multi‑port USB‑C hub or dock — consolidate peripherals and charging in one place.
- Portable monitor or tablet as a second screen — expands workspace for multitasking.
- Desk organizers, cable management and a wireless charger — tidy desk, tidy mind.
Power & connectivity
- High‑watt GaN chargers and power strips with USB ports — fast charging for laptops and phones.
- Reliable Wi‑Fi mesh nodes or a Wi‑Fi 6E router — keep video calls stable and fast.
Comfort & wellbeing
- Desk plants, smart lamps with adjustable color temperature, or a small space heater/fan — improve the office environment.
- Subscription gifts: meditation apps, noise‑masking or focus tools, or an education membership like MasterClass.
Gifts for specific remote roles
- For creators: external SSDs, audio interfaces, or a capture card.
- For managers: smart whiteboards, collaborative software subscriptions, or premium webcam setups for seamless meetings.
- For travelers: compact chargers, power banks with multiple ports, and travel‑friendly laptop stands.
How to pick the right gift
- Consider the recipient’s workspace limits (desk size, apartment vs. home office) before buying furniture or large items.
- Match specs: verify laptop wattage for chargers, monitor inputs for portable displays, and platform compatibility for subscriptions.
- Favor quality and warranties for gear that will be used daily — ergonomic and power accessories are worth investing in.
For the full curated lists and direct product recommendations, see the complete guide (opens in a new tab): Engadget: Best gifts for remote workers.
Discussion: Who on your list works from home — a gamer, a remote pro, a parent balancing kids — and which of these categories would help them the most?
