March 29, 2024

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If you ever work from home, you’ll wish you bought these 39 genius things sooner

When you work from home, there are plenty of things that can get in the way of your productivity. From constant interruptions to an uncomfortable desk, it can feel relentless. And the key to keeping your day and your projects on track is setting yourself up with the right equipment. So to help you out, here’s a list of some genius work-from-home helpers, that make your workday better.

First and foremost, when you’re working from home, organization is crucial. Keep the clutter to a minimum and all your essentials close by with a five-piece desk organizer, and snag a versatile planner that’ll let you know everything you need to get done in a glance.

While you’re knocking out projects one after the other, you should take care to stay comfortable. Consider adding a laptop stand that helps with neck strain, while a wobble cushion prevents slouching.

Everyone sets up shop differently, and what works for you may not work for a coworker, but Amazon has plenty of options to get the ball rolling. Keep scrolling for 39 smart ways to be more comfortable and productive while working from home.

We only recommend products we love and that we think you will, too. We may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was written by our Commerce team.

Table of Contents

1. This under-desk footrest that molds to your feet

This under-desk footrest places your feet in a comfortable and ergonomically correct position to improve your seated posture and alleviate discomfort. The memory foam pillow molds to the shape of your feet for incredible comfort, and a nonslip bottom keeps it in place. The comfy velour cover is both removable and machine washable.

2. This affordable deep tissue massager for sore muscles

A long day at your desk can leave your back and neck feeling a bit stiff. Soothe those sore muscles with this massager that drapes over your shoulders and provides deep shiatsu relief. There are three speeds to choose from and an optional heat function that shuts off after 20 minutes to prevent overheating.

3. The eero mesh wi-fi router that’s 30% off right now

If your Wi-Fi connection isn’t as strong as you’d like it to be (or if there are a lot of areas in your house where it simply doesn’t work), add this editor-approved eero router to your setup. On its own, it can cover a 1,500-square foot radius inside your space — but it can also be connected to your existing internet service and extend the coverage. You can even control it with your phone, which makes it that much easier to use. Not to mention, it currently boasts over 5,200 reviews and a 4.5-star rating.

4. This bamboo book stand that works with tablets & laptops, too

While this bamboo book stand is great for cookbooks and hands-free reading, it’s also great for tablets and small laptops. This book stand raises your reading material (or screen) to eye level, so you’re not hunched over all day. It can be adjusted to five different levels, and the metal clips easily pivot to keep pages down and hold your place.

5. This five-piece set that keeps everything organized

This five-piece desk organizer set keeps your pens and pencils visible and within reach when you need one. Made from durable plastic, this set includes two pencil cups and three stackable organizers. Each organizer has four slots with an angled design that keeps the contents from falling out, and they can be placed horizontally or vertically. These organizers also work well for makeup brushes, crafts, and kitchen utensils. Choose between black and white plastic.

6. The Ring Video Doorbell 3 that’s on sale for 30% off right now

See who’s at the door, get notified when someone buzzes, and even chat with them via your phone or computer with the Ring video doorbell. This model comes with customizable motion settings and privacy controls, and it’s backed by a 4.6-star overall rating after more than 18,000 customers have weighed in. Get it for 30% off for a limited time.

7. This conference speaker that accommodates up to 4 participants

This conference speakerphone easily plugs into most computers, and features four mics to accommodate up to four people in one room. It delivers quality sound, offers auto echo cancellation, and works with all the major communication platforms including Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom, and more.

8. This Amazon Echo Flex that expands Alex throughout your home — & it’s 60% off right now

Expand your Alexa throughout your home with the Echo Flex, which has 36,000 reviews and a 4.4-star rating. It plugs into any open outlet so you can control your smart electronics, manage your day, and ask for instant information — plus it has a built-in USB port for your phone charger or an add-on night light.

9. These neoprene sleeves that hide unsightly cords & keep things tangle-free

Hiding unsightly cords and preventing tangles just got a whole lot easier. These zip-up cable sleeves wrangle your cords so your home looks neat and tidy. Made from durable and flexible neoprene, each cable sleeve can hold up to 10 cords. If you have more, simply combine two sleeves using the zippers.

10. This Amazon Echo Show 5 that’s 50% off right now (seriously)

The Amazon Echo Show is like having a personal assistant, and today it can be yours for less than $50. Its smart display can play your favorite TV show, function as a digital photo frame, play audiobooks, pull up recipes, or even become a spot for hands-free video calls with loved ones. With a 4.6 rating after a whopping 194,000 reviews, it’s a solid gift for just about anyone on your list.

11. This 4th-generation Amazon Echo Dot that’s 40% off right now

The all-new Echo Dot is back with a new design, and is seriously discounted while sales last. With all the same features that made the Echo Dot a best-seller, this smart speaker has Alexa built in, can be used as a hub for your smart home devices, can play music, tell you the weather, and so much more. Get it for less than $30 if you act fast.

12. This Fire TV Stick Lite that comes with a voice remote, both for 40% off

For less than $20 while it’s on sale, get the new 2020 Lite version of the fan-favorite Fire TV Stick. If you don’t need to control your television with the Fire Stick, this affordable little unit has you covered for effortless streaming you can control with your voice. It doesn’t just work for Netflix and Prime video, either. Use it to play music, watch live TV, and more. It has a 4.8-star overall rating after more than 18,000 reviews, so you know it’s a tried and true option.

13. These colorful pens that are great for journaling & planners

Packed with 18 colors, this set of journal and planner pens are great for bullet journaling, taking notes, and jazzing up your planner. What’s more, these fine-tipped pens offer water-based color with minimal bleed through. One Amazon reviewer wrote: “They don’t bleed through, they have a fine tip that produces clean lines, and the colors are [lovely] and bright. Highly recommended.”

14. This Blink Mini smart security camera that’s 29% off right now

Get notifications on your phone when motion is detected with this super easy-to-install Blink smart security camera. It also lets you have a conversation over the camera thanks to the two-way audio feature. For less than $25 while it’s on sale, it’s an easy way to add peace of mind to your home, even if it’s just to check on your pet. With more than 40,000 ratings and 4.5 stars overall, it’s a popular pick. Want a little more? You can also purchase the Blink Mini camera with an Echo Show 5 for $49.99 (originally $124.98), a savings of 60% for the bundle, too.

15. This desk organizer that keeps clutter at bay

A cluttered desk can put a damper on your productivity, so keep things organized with this mesh office desk organizer. This organizer has six compartments to hold everything from pens, notepads, folders, and loose papers. There’s even a drawer to keep loose items contained. Soft rubber grips protect your desk from marring and scratches.

16. This planner that lets you plan, manage your time & stay on task

Plan for the week, stay on task, and increase your productivity with the Clever Fox planner. This planner has plenty of space to plan and dream, and there are no dates, so you can start at any time. A quick start guide gives you step-by-step instructions, and it comes with 150 stickers so you can jazz things up a bit. It comes in seven colors, including metallic rose gold.

17. This monitor stand that also adds storage

Not only does this monitor stand raise your screen to eye level so you’re not hunching over all day, but it’s also decked out with a sliding drawer letter tray to keep loose papers and files neatly out of the way, and the four side compartments are great for holding notepads, pens, phones, and other small items.

18. This reusable magnetic calendar that lays out your whole month

Digital calendars are great, but sometimes it’s nice to see what you’ve got going on at a glance. This magnetic calendar is ideal for a central location, and it works wonders to keep everyone in the loop. Keep track of activities, due dates, appointments, and of course, the ever-popular grocery list, with ease. It comes with four dry erase markers, so it’s ready to use out of the box.

19. This cult-classic essential oil diffuser

This essential oil diffuser is perfect for freshening the air and adding a little moisture to dry rooms. Choose between two misting modes, and the unit has a convenient auto shut-off function that kicks in once the water runs out. It is compact enough to sit on your desktop. With over 36,000 ratings on Amazon this little guy makes it to cult-classic status. One reviewer shared: “I like the colors, I sometimes take a break and kind of meditate to them. The aromas really help me focus and concentrate on the task at hand. I would recommend this diffuser.”

20. This beverage cooler that ices your coffee in under 60 seconds

For delicious iced coffee drinks from the comfort of your own home, try this HyperChiller beverage cooler. Just brew your coffee as usual and pour it into the gadget for cold coffee in just 60 seconds. It works for other types of beverages including tea, wine, and cocktails, too. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.

21. This blotter that protects your desk from spills, scorches & scratches

Protect the surface of your desk from scratches, spills, heat marks, and more with this sleek PU leather desk pad. The nonslip desk pad is double-sided so you can shake things up from day to day, and it’s generously sized for plenty of coverage. What’s more, it’s water-resistant. Choose from six colors.

22. This memory foam seat cushion with 28,000+ reviews

Made with heat-responsive memory foam, this seat cushion helps improve your posture, provides ample support, and retains its shape, even with all-day sitting. The nonslip backing keeps it in place, and the removable cover is machine washable. And the Amazon reviewers? It has thousands of fans including this person who wrote: “I bought this for use on my office chair and I have not been disappointed. I have a desk job and sit about 9 hours a day. The memory foam on this cushion feels fantastic on my rear and I can sit on this all day with no tingling down my leg or numbness.”

23. The Fire 7 tablet that has over 123,000 reviews (& is on sale for 20% off right now)

First of all, Amazon’s Fire 7 has over 123,000 reviews and counting — and there’s a good reason for that. This tablet essentially puts a world of entertainment right at your fingertips because it’s compatible with various apps for movies, music, reading, social media, and more. It holds 16 gigabytes of storage — but if you want more than that, you can buy the Fire HD 8 tablet (which is currently $64.99 instead of $89.99).

24. The Amazon Fire Stick 4K that’s 20% off right now — & it comes with a voice-controlled remote

If you haven’t made the full switch to a smart TV, the Fire Stick 4K is a must-have with over 385,000 ratings and an overall score of 4.5 stars. The Fire Stick makes it easy to stream all your favorite shows from Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and more. This isn’t just your average streaming device, though — it’s also an Alexa-enabled device, so you can use the remote for everything from controlling smart home devices to pulling up your favorite playlist. Get it now for 40% off.

25. This phone & tablet holder that adjusts to just the right angle

This gooseneck tablet and phone holder is ideal for watching TV, following recipes, home workouts, or adding another screen to your office setup. The mount on this holder is adjustable, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, and it rotates a full 360 degrees so you can find the best viewing angle whether you’re at work or play.

26. This giant surge protector that keeps all your devices ready to go

With 12 AC outlets and four fast-charging USB ports, this surge protector keeps all your devices powered up and ready to go at a moment’s notice. It is designed with a fire retardant casing and overload protection against spikes. A 6-foot cord gives you plenty of flexibility, and mounting holes allow you to secure it to walls and baseboards.

27. This memory foam arm pad customers love

This memory foam arm pad quickly upgrades your existing home office chair and relieves pressure points as it cushions your arms and elbows. It fits most chairs, and it’s soft, breathable, and machine washable. With a 4.7-star rating on Amazon after more than 3,000 reviews, it’s a very popular choice. “This thing has a perfect balance of softness, thickness, and firmness. It’s super comfy for resting your forearms, while still providing soft support if you decide to jab your elbow into it and rest your head in your hand,” one fan wrote.

28. This reading light with adjustable brightness

With three color modes and 10 brightness levels, this clip-on light makes a great addition to your office desk setup as well as making reading easier just about anywhere. The flexible gooseneck rotates 360 degrees to help you find the optimal angle, and a built-in memory function remembers the settings from the last usage. This light charges via USB for convenience.

29. This 3-tier cart that rolls wherever you need it

With three generously sized bins, this metal utility cart keeps office supplies (or anything else you want to put in it) neat, tidy, and out of your way. This cart comes with heavy-duty casters so you can roll it to wherever you need, and you can choose between black, white, or turquoise.

30. This chair mat designed for carpet or hardwood floors

If you’ve ever tried to roll your office chair on carpet, you know the laws of physics won’t allow you to do it gracefully — and those with hard floors know about the noise and scratches. This chair mat fixes all that with carpet- and hard floor-specific styles. It is made from thick and durable plastic for long-lasting protection and ramped edges allow for smooth transitions. It comes in two sizes to choose from.

31. This laptop stand that helps with neck strain & getting the perfect Zoom angle

This laptop stand raises your computer to eye level to help with neck and shoulder strain. At the same time, it can also help you get just the right Zoom camera angle. The rubber coating on the arms keep your device safely in place, and rubber feet protect your desk. This is compatible with laptops up to 15.6 inches, and the open design ensures airflow to prevent overheating. One Amazon reviewer wrote: “I love this laptop stand. […] I bought mine to raise my 13” Lenovo Yoga 730. It fits great.”

32. This document clip that makes papers easier to see

This document clip mounts to your monitor so you can easily see them while you’re working. The mount attaches to your computer with strong 3M adhesive, it swings out of the way when not in use. It’s sturdy enough to hold up to 30 sheets of paper.

33. This Wi-Fi extender that expands your range

Have a quiet corner that doesn’t get the best reception? This TP-Link Wi-Fi extender boosts covers up to 800 square feet, and it’s incredibly easy to set up. With thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, the proof is in the pudding. One user wrote: “Oh man, I am over the moon about this product. My bedroom is the basement of the house, so the WiFi just barely reached and has a very weak signal. This extender is a lifesaver. It took maybe [two] minutes to set up, the hardest part was getting it out of the box! It amplifies the signal perfectly, and I find that it actually makes my WiFi faster.”

34. This wobble cushion that helps with posture

This wobble cushion improves your posture and can even strengthen your core, all while you’re sitting at your desk. “I love this seat cushion! I use it at work since I sit behind a desk all day. I go to a chiropractor and since I’ve started sitting on this wobble seat cushion, he tells me my hips are less out of line than they used to be! I recommend this to anyone,” one customer on Amazon raved.

35. These push pins that help you organize almost anything

These push pin hooks offer up a convenient way to hang pretty much anything around your home or office. Insert these push pins into drywall, bulletin boards, or even soft wood to manage unruly cords, hang string lights, or even organize your jewelry.

36. This smart reusable notebook that saves your work to the cloud

This smart reusable notebook by Rocketbook has 42 pages in seven different styles for sketching, planning, and note-taking. But the coolest part is that if you want to save your work, just shoot your notes to the cloud service of your choice, including Google, iCloud, Evernote, Dropbox, and more. When you’re done, wipe it clean and start over on fresh pages.

37. A stand that keeps your headphones out of the way

Keep your headphones out of the way but easily within reach with this headphone headset stand. This holder installs to most flat surfaces with strong 3M adhesive, and the raised tip design keeps them in place. They also work well with cables. Get two in each pack along with bonus cable clips.

38. This wireless mouse that’s super precise

The ergonomic design of this wireless mouse keeps your hand in a neutral position, reduces wrist strain, and improves precision while you work. Forward and back buttons add an extra measure of convenience when you’re browsing online, gaming, or working hard.

39. This wireless headset with excellent sound quality

If your job requires you to be on the phone for the better part of the day, investing in a wireless headset can let you walk around or just move to a more comfortable spot while working easily — and this pair sounds great. A rotatable mic allows you to adjust this headset for right- or left-ear use, and the boom mic reduces ambient noise. This headset supports Siri, has one-touch pairing, and has a 33-foot Bluetooth range.

40. This desk organizer that makes the most of the space under your desk

Make great use of the space under your desk and use this clever organizer to keep papers, folders, and important docs in order. Held in place by a tightening screw, this organizer won’t budge, and the powder-coated finish resists chipping and scratching.

41. These Post-It notes that stay sticky even around water

These Post-It Extreme notes can be used indoors and outdoors, rain or shine. Made with Dura-Hold paper and adhesive these notes are water-resistant, stick to textured surfaces, and still remove cleanly when you’re done. Get 12 pads in each pack with 45 sheets in each pad.

42. This quiet fan that’ll look great on your desk

This elegant desk fan makes a great addition to any office space or nightstand. The dual-blade design delivers impressive cooling power with relatively little noise, and an adjustable pitch lets you direct the airflow. Plus, it has a touch-sensitive base that lets you turn the fan on and cycle through two speeds.

43. This mini paper shredder that’s small but powerful

This compact paper shredder is a handy little helper stands at just 10 inches tall but is plenty powerful, shredding up to four sheets or one credit card per pass. Durable steel cutters shred papers to confetti with ease, and the wastebasket can hold up to 40 shredded sheets before needing to be emptied.

44. An attachment that expands your desk space

This desk shelf clamps on to your desk and expands your existing space for — well anything. It rotates a full 360 degrees, and while it’s intended for a mouse, it’s great for getting phones and other small items out of your way, too.

45. This label maker that helps you organize almost anything

Use this label maker to organize folders, binders, and pretty much anything else around the house. It is compact and lightweight, and it’s equipped with more than 20 ways to format text, 200 symbols, and even a little clip art to keep things fun.

46. This felt letter board that are great for reminders & inspiring messages

This felt letter board is a unique way to set reminders, leave a little inspiration, or pass on a message to family and friends. Each board comes with a set of 300 characters, and users can choose from more than 20 colors including multicolor options. It’s also available in a range of sizes.

47. This remote control holder that can do so much more

This multipurpose organizer caddy works for remote controls, desk supplies, accessories, or makeup brushes. Made with padded vegan leather, there are several color options and patterns to match any decor.

48. A stapler that works without staples

Standard staples need to be replaced and must be removed before shredding papers. This genius stapler keeps your papers together by fastening them instead and works for stacks up to five pages.