FYI, Your Work Space Is Basically Incomplete Without These 32 Things

Jan 30, 2024

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed collects a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.

Comfortable seat cushions, daily planners, and more things that'll change your work set up for the better.

BuzzFeed Staff

Promising review: "This was recommended in an article about handling working from home during this COVID-19 stay-at-home requirement — since workspaces at home aren't as ergonomic as at work when it comes to eight-hour work days. It is SO worth it! It's incredibly sturdy. The laptop is now placed at a perfect angle. I bought a wireless keyboard which I can use with my laptop when the laptop is in the stand — and then at the end of my workday, I just slide my wireless keyboard under the laptop in the space created by the stand, and I regain that bit of space on my table. I love it. Add in the brushed silvery tone, and it has been a great investment for me." —Joe Mama

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in nine colors).

It comes in two pieces — one you can prop in front of your keyboard, and the other in front of your mouse.

Promising reviews: "I've been working from home due to COVID and began experiencing wrist pain. The soft cushion from both items provided the relief I needed. Great products and price!" —Gaga2015

"Having worked from home for almost a year now without any ergonomic cushion, I finally decided to buy this and so glad I did. They come with stickers that you can place to avoid movement but so far they don't seem necessary...The mouse pad cushion feels perfect! I appreciate not having the ball of my palm resting against a hard surface all day long. This also isn't sliding around on the desk. Feels perfect. These cushions have a great memory foam feel but not so much that they are very sensitive to the touch, they mostly keep their shape." —UAstudentn

Get it from Amazon for $11.98+ (available in 17 colors).

ComfiLife is a small business based in San Diego. They're all about pain relief, comfort, and taking care of your body.

Promising reviews: "I've purchased similar items in the past that visually looked like this but were stiff and rigid. This is amazing. Totally eased my back pain from my quarantined-at-home desk job. Highly recommend." —Bellarosa555

"Since I've started working from home (coronavirus quarantine) I really miss my office chair. I saw this reviewed on BuzzFeed and immediately ordered it. Best decision ever. It helps my posture and makes my stiff kitchen chair way more comfortable." —Melissa Schuler

Get it from Amazon for $47.95+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "I started working full time from home due to COVID, like everyone else, and I started to get a lot of headaches, my eyes were dry and heavy, and I was having issues with my sleep. My friend pointed out I was on the computer now all day long when I had barely used computers before. I bought these glasses and have used them for about a week and they are amazing!!! I feel so much better and my body feels much better at the end of the day! I only wish they were a little lighter, and they are a little tight behind my ears." —Meghan McCutcheon

Get it from Amazon for $10.79 (available in 14 colors and multi-packs).

I've never been much of an over-the-ear headphone wearer. They're usually too bulky, too uncomfortable, and a little too heavy for my taste. But these Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones?? OMG. It's confirmed I've been listening to music all wrong, because the bass feature on these headphones is amazing. It doesn't ruin the quality of sound AT ALL, and only enhances it (like, a lot). And it can be adjusted for comfort if a song is too bass-heavy or not enough. I wear them while working at my desk, and find myself dancing to the beat way more (what better way to WFH, right?). The best part is that I can wear them for hours at a time without discomfort. Even when I wear them during workouts, they remain comfortable no matter how much I move around. I recently wore them on a three hour flight as opposed to my usual ear pods, and I was able to cut out the crying babies and listen to my playlists and podcasts in peace. They easily connect to both my phone and laptop, and I only charge them once about every two weeks. Trust me, these are well worth the investment!

BTW, they come with their own matching carrying case!

Promising review: "Truly amazed with how great the experience is when listening to music with these! If you want a head rattle from the sensory bass, they got it! If you want loud volume to block out the noise of everyday life, no problem! Skullcandy nailed it with these and made me have to send back my Beats Studio 3 and Sony XM3's within days of using these bad boys. BUY THEM NOW!!!" —Devin

Get it from Amazon for $137.

Promising reviews: "[This is] worth more than its cost. The mount actually comes with an extra sticky pad so if you choose to remove/move the mount to somewhere else you can do at your own leisure. The quality of material doesn't feel too cheap, and it's quite sturdy. We've bumped into it a couple of times but it hasn't broken or anything... The mount is extremely versatile in its flexibility and possible mounting options. Best I've seen out of other compact options (that aren't gaming headphone stands that take desk space)." —Forest Nguyen

"I have a white desk and a light grey chair and this headphone hanger matches the design perfectly. The quality and simple hinged design is brilliant. The adhesive is very strong provided you clean the surface before applying and let it cure for 24 hours before hanging anything on it." —Henry Ting

Get it from Amazon for $11.99 (available in black and white).

Promising reviews: "Bought this to use for hosting online classes and Zoom sessions so that my video doesn't appear to be too dark. This light has three settings that are all very bright. The battery lasts a good deal of time and can also be used when plugged into USB power. Would recommend." —Shawn Maile

"I love this light. It has four brightness settings and is rechargeable. I only just received it, but wow what a huge difference. And for the price you just can't beat it!" —Samantha Logan

Get it from Amazon for $12.99.

Promising reviews: "I've been searching for something to not only hide the cord mess but protect them from my munch monster of a cat. This box in addition to cable straps and cable wrap has solved my cable management like magic! I highly recommend this product." —Lauryn

"Seriously where has this been all my life??? Highly recommend. Excellent cord management soulmate (I meant to type solution and it autocorrected to soulmate, however I think that’s accurate LOL.) Just get it. Won’t regret." —April Olsen

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available two sizes and in colors black and white).

Because this desk is electric, it allows you to set up to four memory presets for quick height adjusting.

Promising review: "I love my new desk lamp! I really like that it comes with three different brightness levels. The first picture [shown above] is with the lowest brightness and its the level I use the most. Since I have two cats and when I'm asleep they walk around my desk, I love that the lamp is foldable (second picture) so the cats don't end up kicking it down when doing their mischievousness! Also the lamp is very light and the touch button to turn it on/off it makes it really cool! If you're looking for a desk lamp or night table lamp, this is great!!! Very happy with my purchase!! —Roxana Tortorella

Get it from Amazon for $29.99.

Promising reviews: "I always thought that putting something in front of your camera was reserved for government paranoid people, but 1. that is a real worry and 2. this thing comes in handy for everyday life too. I work at an organization that uses a lot of conference lines with external clients and having this manual option to prevent others from seeing my video is such a nice peace of mind. It doesn't block the lens when opened and is super easy to apply. I also love that it is super discreet, and doesn't prevent my laptop from closing properly." —Manders

"Works great on my Macbook Air and even our large desktop mac. Slider is easy to use." —Marianna

Get a two-pack from Amazon for $6.99 (available in four colors).

Promising review: "I'm an art teacher, and working from home during the coronavirus outbreak was going to put a lot of strain on my wood desk (which I keep mostly for show but now am forced to use for work). I ordered this desk pad because mint green is my favorite color, and I wanted something to protect my desk from paint and other art supplies. It arrived today, and it was so cute! It's exactly what I wanted. It's thin enough not to add too much bulk to the desk, the color is so fun, and it wipes off easily. I love that it's reversible, too, so I'll probably use one side for making tutorial videos for my classes and the other for when I'm painting. I was worried that it wouldn't lie flat because it came rolled up, but it lay flat immediately. And it came with a cute little belt in case I need to roll it back up again and store it!" —Jill S

Get it from Amazon for $13.39+ (available in three sizes and in five color combinations).

The USB receiver is what helps this keyboard and mouse duo work wirelessly (no Bluetooth needed). Simply insert in your computer to connect!

Promising reviews: "This is ADORABLE! I love love love everything about this keyboard. It’s satisfying to the touch, and visually appealing. It’s easy to hook up (just some batteries and plug in to your computer)! I love green and it matches well with my room and desk setup." —Seba

"I absolutely love [this keyboard]!... It connects to your Mac/PC laptop with a USB piece and is operated by AA batteries. The keys really do feel like a typewriter and I get all the nostalgia and fun of typing on a mechanic keyboard. 10/10." —Katherine Dinh

Get it from Amazon for $40.99 (available in 11 colors).

This mouse is rechargeable, with one quick charge lasting up to four months even with daily use!

Promising reviews: "This is the best vertical mouse I've tried...I wasn't sure about the shape of this at first, but the more I used it, I realized the genius of the design. You end up supporting your hand with the palm, and the angle is perfect for ergonomic comfort. The sensor is super accurate which means you get things done quicker, and the software is awesome for creating macros to help speed up your workflow. I love the rubber grip; it keeps your palms from getting sweaty and feels nice on your hand." —Nick

"Best vertical mouse ever. I have some ulnar nerve/Raynaud's hand and arm issues so have to be careful about ergonomics for blood flow. I literally cannot work with a normal mouse as a result and have to use a vertical mouse and spend over eight hours per day during the week using the computer/a mouse. This is the best yet. Evoluent's vertical mouse was better than everything out there but this Logitech vertical mouse requires noticeably less strain to move the mouse and the hand is just considerably more comfortable at rest. Sure there are some things I miss about the Evoluent, but those are a much smaller percentage of use than improving the resting hand position and ease of movement (which are about 98% of your use time). Buy it." —muir

Get it from Amazon for $88.49.

Pssst! If you're looking to spend a little less $$ on an ergonomic mouse, Anker has a top-selling option for $25.

Promising review: "For its size it truly does the job. It's so cute and perfectly compact I wish I could have it out to display but I keep it under my desk. It goes perfectly with all my pink too 😊 It's perfect for a small designated area but I really think if given the chance, it could warm a lot more area. I support, must buy" —Barbie Girl

Get it from Amazon for $16.52+ (available in four colors).

Plus, there's a hole at the bottom so you can plug in your phone!

Promising review: "Super helpful! I use this memo holder on my computer at work. It makes data entry easy because I can insert papers into the top clip and start typing. I also use it to prioritize tasks with sticky notes and put business cards at the bottoms for people that I need to follow up with. It makes my task organization a lot easier." —Mateo W.

Get it from Amazon for $19.96.

It comes with a dry-erase marker, too!

Promising review: "OMG where was this 20 years ago?I have ADHD and would always misplace to do lists, or misplace clipboards with reminders on them. They would get lost in the shuffle. Smartphone reminders are more of a hassle than they are worth with some informal lists that you think of spur of the moment (though sometimes they are great). Unlike other boards, I can put this in front of my FACE under the computer screen so I never overlook or forget it like every other system I've ever used in my life. This acts like a much more stylish and effective anchor or central 'office' for my quick VIP reminders. THANK YOU! I just wish ya had invented it 20 years ago!" —D Louis

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in five colors).

FYI, this set of six comes with two different color coasters: one with cool blue tones and the other with pink-ish warmer tones. You'll get three of each and a metal holder to keep them when not in use!

Promising reviews: "Bought these because my old coasters left puddles of water from the condensation on drinks. These really work and absorb everything! Very pleased. And they are so cute and look good on both wood and white marble countertops! Love that there are two slightly different designs in a pack." —Liza P

"Beautiful, absorbent coasters. So many coasters just look pretty but don't absorb the water. These are actual stone with cork on the bottom. The water droplets absorb into the stone right away. Your wooden furniture will be protected. I can confidently use these on my unfinished wooden coffee table. The terrazzo style is cute and matches my boho hygge style pretty well." —Danaaa

Get it from Amazon for $10.99 (available in 12 designs).

If you're worried about your phone fitting, this small biz has you covered! The standard size holder fits all phones with a case under 3.38 inches wide and .67 inches thick (i.e. iPhone 13 Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, etc.) However, you can also request custom dimensions to ensure the perfect fit.

Seek On Solutions is an Etsy shop based in Quincy, Massachusetts. They create a ton of cool 3D-printed tech accessories (included this best seller!).

Promising review: "This is a great 3D printed product, and exactly what I was hoping for...This shop clearly takes note with quality control. The phone holder is made extremely well, with sloped topsides for a wider surface area for the sticky adhesive (just peel and stick) to take hold, without making the actual wall sides of the holder too thick. My iPhone 12 Pro fits easily and this can hold a Pro Max too. The top cutout allows you to slide it out easily with a finger. Texture is not rough and won't scratch up your phone. Pretty much perfect, thanks!" —Michelle

Get it from Seek On Solutions on Etsy for $10.88+ (available in standard and custom sizes, and in six colors).

This essential oil infuser is a great cheaper alternative to the cult-favorite Vitruvi (you know the one you see all over Instagram?) that's priced at $119. If you're new to essential oils and not sure about making the splurge just yet, this diffuser from ViviTest is a great option.

Don't forget essential oils! Here's a top-rated pack of six for only $9.99.

Promising reviews: "I’m amazed by how effective it is! I mean, the sinus issues I’ve been waking up with lately were not an issue this morning. And I’ve had it on today (I bought it for my bedroom) but I can smell the oils on the entire second floor of my house! Crazy how powerful it is for such a small diffuser!" —Amber Lock- The dot com Review Mom

"I bought this diffuser and the Vitruvi diffuser, which is more than double the price and looks very similar. I've used them both in different rooms for a few weeks. I can not tell any difference at all whatsoever...This one looks and works just as well, if not better! I bought the 250 ML version so I'm not filling it as often. (The more expensive one only holds 90ml) I highly recommend this diffuser and plan to buy two more for my home!" —B

Get it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in two sizes and two colors).

Promising review: "I bought this when COVID closed down my chiro, I used it lying down and when reclining... It works well and the heat is an added bonus I didn't think I needed but winter was long and cold, it helped! And I noticed I get up from my desk less often since WFH; this neck massager has made all the difference...The two sides cycle one way then stop to cycle in opposite direction. Like the heat option, you don't realize the benefit of that extra feature until you use it." —Swanny

"This is a must have. I was very impressed with this device. It plugs in, has a long cord, and can be strapped to my desk chair or on a pillow as I’m sitting up in bed. It has a 15-minute timer that automatically shuts off as do not overwork my muscles because this is a very nice deep tissue massager. It has two massagers one on each side, which can be placed directly on the back not to induce stress on the spine. It has a very nice the heating technology, too!." —kat j

Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in three colors).

These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for 4+ hours with each full charge). The earbuds are also sweatproof and waterproof so you can use them during workouts or runs, (even in the shower!), and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone.

Promising review: "I like that these came with several different options for sizing in the ear. I was able to find one that didn't ever seem to make my ear sore. I don't believe I have ever had that before. I haven't used earbuds a really long time because they just never worked out for me. I wore these for several hours when I got them prior to doing any charge or anything and was extremely satisfied with sound quality and comfort. I haven't done much other then working around the house so I can update once I take them to the gym or some other environment. I don't foresee any issues though. Great product." —Nathan J. Hamilton

Get it from Amazon $18.99+ (available in five colors).

Check it out on TikTok here!

Promising reviews: "Buy this chair. I’ve bought so many office chairs over the years. The classic Goldilocks story— this one’s too bulky, this one’s too flimsy, that one has too much hard plastic… yada yada. I think this one might be it. Really comfortable, solid build, attractive but the best feature is the wide seat. I can criss cross my legs easily to relieve the pressure in my hips which is life changing if you’re chained to your desk sitting in meetings all day." —Larissa Harrison

Get it from Amazon for $229.99.

Papier's planners can be personalized, too! You can add in your own name and change the title of your planner from "Daily Planner" to "My Goals," "Productivity Planner," etc.

Get it from Papier for $35 (available in eight colors and in over 150 different designs).

Promising review: "One of those items I didn’t know I needed until I had it. As a busy mom of two little ones, I can’t even remember the last time I got to finish a hot cup of coffee. Until now! This truly kept my coffee warm for literal hours. And I love the wood grain look of it. It’s nice and doesn’t look cheap at all. I’m going to keep it on my desk for when I’m working, and I’ll never go without hot coffee again!" —ADR80

Get it from Amazon for $23.29+ (available in eight colors).

Because this desk is electric, it allows you to set up to four memory presets for quick height adjusting.

Promising reviews: "I’ve been researching standing desks for several months now, trying to find one that is functional (and large enough!), attractive, and not terribly expensive. This is by far the best value of anything I’ve come across! It was easy to assemble, the motor works nice and smoothly, and it looks great in my home office! Very happy with this purchase!" —Adella

"Awesome desk, a total game-changer! When I received it, I was delighted with how nice it was. Assembly was a breeze, and I'd say it took me a half hour to put together. I can easily fit my two large monitors, as well as laptop, keyboard, etc on it. The height range is more than ample. And most importantly I am already feeling the positive effects of standing during part of my workday." —Twild78

Get it from Amazon for $138.87.

Promising review: "Best purchase I have made in years. Only had it two days, but the first words out of my mouth to my wife were, 'I can work for hours like this.' If you work from home and like to work on the couch, recliner, breakfast nook, patio, etc, and you have your computer in your lap, this is an absolute must-have. Not only does it keep your legs and lap cool, but it also keeps your computer cool and able to process much more efficiently." —Trent Thiel

Get it from Amazon for $27.99+ (available in three colors).

Magnetack is a Miami-based small business! As the reviewer below mentions, these should be kept away from kids and pets because of the small magnets.

Promising review: "These are so nice to use. One of my grandkids made me a beautiful drawing, and even framed it for me. I couldn’t just stick pins in it. Much like posters, I’ve always been concerned with the holes put in them to keep them up. These lovelies do the job superbly, and no holes! The magnets are so strong this old person had real fun getting them apart. Caution! Keep them away from your young'uns and your pets!" —Lynda

Get a pack of four from The Magnetack on Etsy for $7.95+ (also available in 8-, 24-, 48-, and 96-packs).

Promising reviews: "I have had tension and migraine headaches for around 20 years. I have tried everything. OTC medication, prescription medication, pain injections, chiropractor etc... This topical oil has given me relief for nearly six weeks now. I have only had two to three headaches in that time, and they were mild. I ordered more already so I have some in my car and at home, and I bought some for two of my friends who suffer from chronic migraines. I would recommend this product to anyone with migraines. It is phenomenal." —Mary D.

"This stuff is my go-to fix when I feel a migraine coming on. I suffer from sinus headaches and migraines usually once or twice a week. This product I put on each temple, under my nose and on my wrists when I feel the pressure starting and it cuts the pain to a minimum. It seems to stop the worst pain before it has a chance to start. Thank you for a great product! I will buy again and again!" —Brenton1985

Read BuzzFeed's write-up of this miracle migraine stick!

Get it from Amazon for $11.99.

Just so you know, this sound proof strip is weather resistant, so while it's keeping out noise, it's keeping out hot air or a cold breeze, too! Yaaas.

Promising reviews: "I ordered a two-pack of this product to replace older foam weatherstripping on my apartment door...I tested for drafts after installation and there were none. What I wasn't expecting was just how sound proofing the product is. This morning I felt my floor shaking without hearing anything. It was the neighbors stomping on the stairs. I normally hear their doors, talking, and footsteps but not anymore! It's wonderful. Love this product. 15/10 my neighbors are on mute forever." —This girl

"I installed this in my front door to help with the hallway noise from horribly noisy neighbors and their children (and to also fix a loose door jam and draft) worked AMAZING! I can barely hear the screaming kid down the hallway now! (It used to sound like she was right outside my door during her tantrums). Highly recommend!" —D. Banks

Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in two sizes and four colors).

Promising reviews: "Bought this for my daughter in college. She loves to do school work on her bed. She says this desk is a 'game-changer.'" —super awsome person

"This has got to be the best laptop lap desk I have ever owned! The wrist-rest is cushiony, and the cushions on the back are super comfortable on my legs: a slight incline, which is perfect. It's sturdy and light. Love the handle, mouse pad with borders so the mouse won't fall off, and the tablet/phone slots. I don't write a lot of reviews, but I am so happy with this product that I had to give it a good review. Would recommend it to anyone." —J. Castro

Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in three colors).

Promising review: "This is perfect for anyone who needs a very portable second screen for meetings, spreadsheets, sanity, etc. Folds out and back easily, and detaches/attaches with ease if needed. Requires zero set up time and is not heavy. Single plug for your computer's USB-C slot is really what makes the difference here as compared to carting around a second monitor. Also just very cool looking and impresses people while traveling :) So glad I got this!" —Andrey Myakishev

Get it from Amazon for $319.99+ (available in single- or triple-screen designs).

Promising review: "I needed some type of easy storage option to keep [my space] decluttered when working. I chose this one because it came with two drawers. One big enough for my tablet and papers, and a small tray section at front for easy to reach smaller things. The other drawer is for pens, highlighters, etc (I keep a stapler in it too). It slides out fully and then DOWN so you have a 'cup' style action. It's easy to get what you need without digging. These drawers were the perfect size and tone, the included mounting tape is SUPER STRONG (and you get twice as much as you need to install them) even with a heavy stapler and chock-full with some heavy things the drawers have stayed attached and slide out smooth with no issues. Great purchase for the value." —Chris

Get it from Amazon for $23.99 (available in two colors).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.