If you know someone who’s working from home, you might be wondering what kind of gift to get them this year.
2020 has made gift giving a challenge, to say the least. And now that most people are working from home for the foreseeable future, some gifts may no longer be practical, like gift cards to their favorite coffee shop by the office. But keep in mind that in these weird times, whatever gift or thoughtful gesture you give will be so appreciated by your recipient and bring a much-needed bright spot to their day.
Whether you’re looking for a gift for your friend, loved one, or co-worker, we’ve got you covered. Below are thoughtful and budget-friendly gifts that are tailored for people who work from home. From cozy jackets to soothing teas to office productivity tools, these gifts are so lovely you’ll even want them for yourself.
What makes a thoughtful work-from-home gift?
Working from home is definitely a privilege, but it can come with its own unique set of challenges. Your recipient is likely working in isolation, which means they’re responsible for managing their own schedule, making their own meals, and providing their own comforts. They don’t have a coworker to chat with or remind them about deadlines. And they don’t have access to their favorite office supplies or a steady supply of snacks.
When it comes to finding gifts for remote workers, you’ll want to consider their environment and everyday routine. A thoughtful work from home gift is something that will make their daily lives easier, comforting, and special.
Here are some other things to keep in mind when choosing a thoughtful work from home gift:
- Useful function. Let’s be honest, we’ve all received gifts that we’ve immediately stuffed into a closet or given away. Ideally, you want to give a gift that will stick around. So, when you’re looking for a thoughtful work from home gift, see if you can imagine your recipient actually using it. What is something that they will use and love? If your recipient is someone who loves paper products and writing by hand, they might not be excited to receive the latest gadget, and vice versa.
- Elevated style. Who doesn’t love an upgrade on everyday items? Whether it’s a beautiful paper planner or a comforting blanket, these elevated takes on everyday things will make your recipient feel so special.
Work from home gifts to make their morning actually feel like a morning
Here are some work from home gifts that will help your recipient start their day on the right foot.
Nice bag of coffee. When you’re working from home, good coffee is a must. And in these weird times, we’re less likely to visit our favorite coffee shops and treat ourselves to that first cup of coffee of the day. That’s why a nice bag of coffee beans is not only practical, but extra special. This bag from Portrait Coffee will get your recipient so excited to start the day.
Gratitude journal. For remote workers, you don’t have a morning commute to help you transition into your work day. Instead, you’re likely to check work emails and start working first thing. Help your recipient actually enjoy their morning routine and ease into their workday by gifting them a lovely notebook or a gratitude journal. A gratitude practice in the morning is a soothing and mindful way to start the day.
Work from home gifts to help them manage their days
When you work from home, you’re responsible for your own schedule. On one hand, it’s great to have so much flexibility. On the other hand, too much freedom can translate to wasted time. Here are some work from home gifts that will help your recipient structure and organize their days for success.
2021 goal planner. Numerous studies have shown that writing down to-do lists and plans by hand means that you’re more likely to achieve them. That’s why a paper planner is a work from home must-have.
The Ink+Volt Planner uses proven goal-planning systems to help you stay organized and productive. I’ve been using the Ink+Volt Planner for three years now and it’s been such a lifesaver. The monthly pages allow me to determine my big goals and priorities for the month. While the weekly and daily layouts help me break down my big goals while staying on top of my regular tasks. Plus, the cover is so well-made and stunning that your recipient will love to display it on their desk.
Home office tools. Treat your recipient to an upgrade in their office tools. The Ink+Volt Complete Home Office Suite will help complete your recipient’s home office and make them feel like such a boss. The suite includes our best office tools, including:
- Ink+Volt Goal Planner - set big goals and stay focused on what matters
- Ink+Volt Weekly Deskpad - plan out goals and tasks for the week at-a-glance
- Ink+Volt Daily Task Pad - start your day on the right foot. Checkbox-lover approved!
- Ink+Volt Reflection Pad - check in with yourself and strive for balance
- For Me/For You Notepad - divvy up household responsibilities and tasks
- Le Pen fine-tip felt pens - your favorite pen should always be within reach. Get one of each: black, charcoal, burgundy, and oriental blue.
A luxurious box of tea. When you work from home, you’re less likely to take time out for yourself or go meet up with a coworker for a break. Give your friend the gift of a much-deserved break with this fragrant tea selection from Tea Forte. They’ll love the variety of green, white, and black teas along with the selection of herbal fruit teas. The beautiful artwork on the package makes the gift feel even more special. Your recipient’s afternoon tea time will feel like a luxurious respite from the work day.
Work from home gifts to celebrate the end of the day
When you work remotely, you don’t have a hard cut-off time for stopping work, which can lead to burnout. Plus, remote workers don’t have an evening commute to help them decompress and transition into the evening. Here are some work from home gifts that will help your recipient log-off and welcome the end of the work day.
A soothing candle. You can help your recipient mark the end of the work day with a fragrant candle. The act of lighting a candle can serve as a small ritual to “close the office.” You can get a scent that is evocative of a destination like the P.F. Candle Golden Coast scent. Your recipient may not have a commute to help them decompress, but a transportive scent can help them feel like they’re leaving the work day behind.
A cozy, Mr. Rogers sweater. Another way to mark the end of the work day is to change out of your work clothes and into something comfy. But let’s face it, when you work remotely, you’re most likely wearing loungewear all day. You can treat your recipient to this cozy jacket so that they can change into it, Mr. Rogers style and enjoy the ritual of ending the work day. The fluffy fleece is cozy yet stylish enough to be worn outside the house.
