When working from home first became popular, many of us created de facto home offices using items we had on hand: a free pen from a hotel stay, a stapler from a kid's craft caddy, a few thick novels to prop up our laptops for Zoom calls. Upgrading these essentials can make your work-from-home space more comfortable, productive and enjoyable. The Buy Side from WSJ team found that a few key items improve the work-from-home experience. Consider our staff's picks for upgrading your own setup.
Comfortable ergonomic keyboard
“I like the Moonlander's split-design keyboard for ergonomics. The distance between the two sides keeps my shoulders open and not rounded. It also comes with software that allows you to create custom shortcuts. Want to switch between browser windows? Instead of pressing cmd/ctrl + ~, there's a custom red key on the thumb part of the keyboard. It makes things much easier, especially for designers or people who work with software that has a lot of shortcuts. You can also customize your hardware: change the keycaps, key switches, and tilt angle.” —Chao Li, Head of Product
Elegant glass timer
“All it takes to be more efficient is setting aside just a few minutes here and there throughout your day to finish a small project or just take a break from the screen. As a Creative Director, I use a hand-blown glass timer for 15-minute tasks while I design throughout the day. It's also a talking point when people see me on my desk and ask me questions. I love that Bark Deco timers come in a variety of colors.” — Lina Stone, Creative Director
A sleek laptop stand
“The BookArc Stand is a super simple and elegant way to store your MacBook on your desk. Whether you use an external monitor in 'clamshell' mode (closed and connected to the monitor) or just need a place to store it while it's charging, you can prop your MacBook up on its edge to save space. It also comes with some rubber inserts to help you get the right fit depending on the size of your MacBook.” —Nick Guy, Senior Writer
Chic Stapler
“Before you say it, there are certainly cheaper staplers out there, but for items you see and use every day that are handy to have on your desk or shelf within sight and reach, it makes sense to choose something aesthetically pleasing. The Ellepi stapler is made from powder-coated steel and is sturdy enough to punch through thick presentations with ease. I have it hanging on a little hook on the wall next to my desk, and when it catches my eye, it brings me a bit of joy that a boring, utilitarian stapler never does.” —Rina Stone, Creative Director
Modern pen
“A productivity tip that professional organizer Julie Morgenstern once shared with me is to keep many of the same pens in my pencil case rather than a variety of pens. It saves me a decision each day. It's a small thing, but I feel like I'm doing myself a favor by simplifying my work setup. I initially chose this white Poppin' Gel Pen for its sleek, minimal look, but I also love how it feels in my hand and glides smoothly across the page. I also love the satisfying click that starts my writing.”—Betsy Goldberg, Editorial Director
Dual Function Charging Station
“Wireless chargers are great for your desk, especially when you don't have to constantly get up to plug and unplug your phone. Anker's Magnetic Wireless Charger magnetically secures your iPhone 12 or iPhone 13 to charge with MagSafe technology, so you don't have to worry about alignment. It also has some great features, like an elevated, adjustable charging head and a second wireless charging pad at the bottom for AirPods or other headphones. But what I love most about it is that the charging head is also a portable power bank, with enough capacity to charge your phone from 0 to 100% or close to it.” — Nick Guy, Senior Writer
Easy storage for small items
“The Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll-Up may not seem like a necessity, but if you're like me and you work from home, work from the office, and have to walk in between to find your earphones and take calls, it's a handy organizer. I keep my earphones or wired earphones, a small pen, a portable charger, and some wrapped breath mints or Tylenol in it. I love that it rolls up so I can stash it in a backpack or medium-sized clutch bag for work events. It also comes in six colors, and the monogrammed version makes a lovely, useful gift.” (Find more gift ideas like this in our roundup of the best gifts for your boss.) —Leslie Yazel, Head of Content
Well-crafted iPad cases
“I switched from taking notes on a paper notebook to using the GoodNotes app on my 10.2″ iPad, but found it difficult to balance the pad with the Apple Pencil. Then I found this cute iPad case with a strap from DTTO that lets you 'palm' the iPad when open and hook your non-writing hand under the strap. It makes it easier to write neatly and doubles as a stand. I bought the soft pink version.” —Leslie Yazel, Head of Content
Graphic Tissue Holder
“Seasonal allergies can be a pain, but these bold tissue covers from Dusen Dusen make picking up a tissue at least a little more fun. As a photographer and photo editor, I enjoy the unique play of mismatched, vibrant patterns and colors that complement each other. After years of having a boring tissue box in a prominent place in my studio, it was time to replace it with something more design-oriented. I found this tissue box while shopping at the fun New York store Coming Soon. Peering into my laptop, the face on the box reminds me of the message of staying bold and happy in a mismatched (and unpredictable) world.”—Astrid Stawiarz, Photo Editor
Rejuvenating Hand Sanitizer
“I don't normally buy fancy hand sanitizers, but a friend gave me this Chantecaille sanitizer and now I buy more every time I run out. I keep it next to my laptop and spray it on my hands a few times a day for the smell. It's made with plant-based ingredients and smells clean and fresh, like I just got out of the shower. When I spray it on my hands, it scents the air, like aromatherapy. It contains the standard 70% alcohol for sanitizers, but it's not drying. I also love the spa-like label and thoughtful packaging. The smaller cap is inside the larger cap, so I can throw it in my bag without worrying about it leaking.” —Betsy Goldberg, Editor in Chief
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