Gift Guide: The Best Home Office Gadgets For Remote Workers

When the pandemic hit New Zealand, most businesses have adapted the work-from-home set-up. Now, although the country has won the fight against the virus, 52% of the workforce is still working from home. Compare this with the pre-COVID numbers of 28%, and it’s apparent that remote work set-up is here to stay.

Unlike working in the office where you’re provided with state-of-the-art equipment like a high-tech computer and ergonomic chair, the remote work set-up trades these things for working at the comforts of your own home. But, it doesn’t have to be a pain!

You can still get these top-of-the-line tools and equipment, especially if it’s helpful for your job. Since it’s the holiday season, don’t forget to get one for those who might need it too! Here are some of the best home office gadgets you can snag this Christmas.

4K ultrawide monitor

Avoid squinting your eyes all the time! Time to switch to an ultrawide monitor. Working with a large screen prevents eye strain and fatigue. It’s also a bonus if you get one with a 4K resolution! This is especially useful if you’re in the creative field, as its colours are accurate and the contrast are amazing.

Some of the best 4K ultrawide monitors you can get for you and your loved ones are:

• Philips Momentum 436M6VBPAB
• Philips Brilliance 328P
• BenQ SW321C PhotoVue
• Asus Designo Curve MX38VC
• Acer Predator XB321HK

Cable organiser

One of the worst nightmares of every person working from home is all the cables and wires! Without an IT guy to fix it for you, it can be a cause for trouble.

Although some tools like mouse and keyboard can work via Bluetooth, some tools like the CPU, monitor, and LAN only work when connected via cable. To avoid getting tangled, make sure to buy you and your loved ones a cable organiser that fits different cable sizes.

When shopping for cable organisers, don’t forget to shop for cables too! A good cable works wonders as it enables faster and more efficient data transfer between devices. 

Make sure to shop for the following cables and organisers:

• USB-C cables
• Ports and charges
• Cable clips and holders
• Cable spiral wrap
• HDMI and VGA cables

Office chair

Is back pain killing you every time you sit on your desk? It may be because of a bad office chair! As you have to sit in front of your computer for eight hours a day, it can take a toll on your posture. Not only it will affect your lumbar and neck, but also your shoulders and even head! Switch to an ergonomic chair that’s carefully designed for long hours of sitting.

The best ones you can buy for you and your loved ones are:

• Humanscale Freedom
• IKEA Markus
• Herman Miller Celle
• Herman Miller Mirra 2
• Branch Ergonomic Chair

Back support cushions

In line with an ergonomic good office chair, you might need to get ergonomic back support cushions as well. This can prevent you from constant slouching and developing text neck. Plus, this can prevent you from developing sore buttocks and varicose veins, as it encourages blood flow even when sitting.

Getting the perfect back support cushion may vary greatly depending on the person. What works for you may not work for your friend. However, there are now plenty of back support made from high-grade cushions, for better comfort.

Check out some of the most popular back support cushions available on the market:

• Orthopedic seat with lumbar support
• Posture corrector chair
• Memory foam seat cushion
• Lean on back support
• Mesh backrest

Standing desk

No matter how good the chair is, it's not really advisable to be sitting around for most of the day. So, stand up for a while to stretch your muscles. The best part is, you can stretch your back and work at the same time with a standing desk! Some people go extra by placing a treadmill, and making their daily steps count, all while working! There are also plenty of adjustable standing desk options, so you can tailor it exactly to your height! 

Gift this for you, or someone you know! Here are some of the best standing desks in New Zealand.

• Stir Kinetic Desk M1
• Uplift E7 Electric Standing Desk Converter
• Branch Standing Desk
• Fully Jarvis Bamboo
• ApexDesk Elite

Webcam

In the era of Zoom calls and online meetings, it’s important to have a good quality webcam. This encourages better interaction as your colleagues can see you better. This can also make you feel more focused with little to no lagging on your end. Best of all, this prevents the nuisances between calls, which enables quicker and more efficient communication.

Look at some of the best webcams you can give you and your loved ones this holiday.

• Logitech StreamCam
• Logitech Brio Webcam
• Razer Kiyo
• Mevo
• Microsoft LifeCam Studio

Microphone

Aside from webcam, another most important equipment for online meetings is an excellent microphone. This ensures that whatever your message is delivered with clarity and accuracy. An excellent microphone also filters out unnecessary noise and only focuses on your voice, without distorting it and making it sound like a robot.

A great microphone is especially useful for content creators and creative people. People who produce voice over content and podcasts can especially benefit from a noise-cancelling ergonomic microphone. 

Some of the best microphones for you and your friends are:

• Blue Yeti
• Rode NT-USB Mini
• Shure MV5
• Razer Seiren Elite
• Samson Satellite

Headphones/Earphones

What's a great webcam or microphone if you can’t hear your colleagues on the other side of the line? A great pair of headphones or earphones is a must to cancel all noises in the background. The great thing is, there are plenty of great options you can buy — from wired headphones to truly wireless earphones.

Check some of the most popular picks for headphones and earphones in New Zealand.

• Sony WF-1000XM3
• Sennheiser HD 450BT
• JBL Tune 750BTNC
• Sony WH-1000XM4
• Jabra Elite 45h
• 1More Triple Driver
• Grado SR60e

Equipment cleaner

Home office gadgets can build up dust over time. Dust, dirt, and other tiny particles can accumulate in devices like cooling fans, cable ports, and the space between the keyboards. And as we encourage regular hand sanitation, it's also important to clean the surfaces where your hands are always at. 

There are plenty of cleaning set kits you can purchase in the market. However, make sure the following is included in your kit. Otherwise, buy them separately.

• Screen wipes
• Microfibre cloth
• Anti-static brushes
• Special solution
• Swab kits

Broadband

While it’s not necessarily an office tool, one of the most important equipment is reliable broadband. This enables you to work seamlessly and increase productivity — just like you would in the normal office setting. It’s crucial to connect to an unlimited, fast, and reliable broadband plan in remote work set-up.

Compare the best broadband plans for you using our comparison tool, right here at glimp!