Work From Home Gift Guide: 8 Perfect Presents

TechCrunch's 2021 Holiday Gift Guide: An Introduction

Looking for the perfect gift? TechCrunch’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide is here to assist you. We have compiled a wide array of gift suggestions to suit various interests.

This year’s gift guides are being released progressively, so be sure to revisit this page frequently between now and December’s end for fresh ideas.

From Travel to Remote Work: A Shift in Focus

Previously, I was responsible for curating TechCrunch’s gift guide for travelers. This was an enjoyable task, and the gadgets were consistently well-received by readers.

However, unforeseen global events in the previous year significantly restricted travel for many. Consequently, we transitioned to a gift guide centered around remote work, anticipating a return to travel by 2021.

Unexpected Changes

Despite initial expectations, a full return to pre-pandemic routines has not materialized.

The Future of Work is Here

For a large segment of the workforce, remote work is now established as the standard operating procedure, presenting both advantages and challenges.

The pandemic is likely to fundamentally alter how many organizations approach work arrangements. Given that remote work is not a temporary trend, enhancing the home office environment for those working remotely is a thoughtful gesture.

Investing in comfort and productivity for the remote worker in your life is a practical and appreciated gift.

Please note: This article includes affiliate links. TechCrunch may receive a commission on purchases made through these links.

Apple iMac 2021

Last year’s gift guide featured an iMac powered by an Intel processor. Consequently, including the M1 iMac, released earlier this year, is a logical step.

Before delving into its strengths, it’s important to acknowledge certain limitations. Firstly, the current model is offered in a more compact 24-inch size.

Secondly, an expansion of available ports would be beneficial. A built-in SD card reader, such as the one offered by Satechi, is particularly desired.

Finally, complete compatibility across all applications with the new M1 chip is still evolving.

Key Features and Benefits

Despite these considerations, the new iMacs deliver substantial performance in a remarkably compact and aesthetically pleasing design.

For individuals seeking a significant upgrade to their work-from-home setup, this computer represents an excellent investment.

It’s a fantastic addition to any home office environment, offering both power and style.

Price: Starting at $1,259 on Amazon.

Twelve South Curve Laptop Stand

For individuals who prefer laptops over all-in-one desktops, a quality laptop stand can significantly enhance their workspace. Numerous choices are available, ranging in price. The selection process often centers on desired visual appeal.

Design and Quality

Twelve South consistently delivers well-crafted products, making their laptop stands a reliable starting point for consideration. The Curve model is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind.

Pricing Information

Price: This laptop stand is currently available for $60 on Amazon. It represents a balance between quality construction and affordability.

A thoughtfully chosen laptop stand promotes better posture and can contribute to a more comfortable work experience. It’s a practical gift for anyone spending extended periods using a laptop.

The simplicity of the product means that aesthetic preferences often drive the purchasing decision. Twelve South’s reputation for quality ensures a dependable and visually pleasing option.

HUANUO Adjustable Laptop Stand for Desk

When considering ergonomic solutions, the HUANUO adjustable laptop stand presents a practical option. It functions effectively as a compact standing desk converter.

A complete standing desk can be a significant investment, and shipping costs for such a large item can be substantial. This stand offers a more accessible alternative.

Key Features

• It is designed to be placed on an existing desk.
• The stand increases the height by up to 16.5 inches.
• It accommodates laptops with screen sizes of 15 inches or less.

Prolonged sitting can be detrimental to health. This stand provides a simple method to incorporate standing breaks into the workday.

The negative health effects of excessive sitting are increasingly recognized. Regular changes in posture are now considered essential.

Price: $38 on Amazon

Sony WH-1000XM4

For those who follow my updates on Twitter, the last eighteen months have presented challenges when working remotely. A personal difficulty stemming from five simultaneous construction projects nearby may be specific to New York City, but unwanted ambient sounds are a common struggle, especially for urban dwellers.

High-quality noise-canceling headphones can be invaluable, potentially preserving one’s well-being – or at least, mental clarity. They truly can make a significant difference.

While numerous excellent earbuds are available at reasonable costs, over-ear headphones are superior for substantial sound isolation. The inherent sound-dampening quality of the earcups, combined with active noise cancellation technology, creates a powerful effect.

This is particularly true for prolonged use; over-ear headphones offer greater comfort and extended battery life. The majority of models provide power for well over a full day, even with frequent teleconferencing.

Several compelling options exist. Bose recently unveiled its new QuietComfort series, for instance. However, despite being available for some time, the Sony WH-1000XM4 remains the leading choice.

They continue to excel in sound quality, noise cancellation effectiveness, and overall comfort. If you’ve observed my virtual interviews with TechCrunch, you’ve likely noticed me wearing the XM4s.

Price: $348 on Amazon

Larq Pitcher

A shift in my beverage preferences has led to a newfound appreciation for water. Previously, I highlighted the benefits of the Aarke Carbonater. Now, I'm sharing my experience with the Larq Pitcher, a product originating from a successful Kickstarter campaign by the creators of the well-known UV water bottles.

The Larq Pitcher utilizes a UV-C light technology for enhanced water purification, in addition to a standard carbon-based filtration system. Having used this pitcher for several weeks, I've found it to be quite effective. While New York City boasts good quality tap water – as any bagel connoisseur will attest – the extra layer of purification provides welcome reassurance.

The design of this pitcher is particularly noteworthy, mirroring the aesthetic appeal of the Larq bottle. I hadn't previously considered the visual aspect of water pitchers, given their typical placement within a refrigerator. However, this is a visually pleasing appliance.

Furthermore, the inclusion of a connected app to monitor filter status is a convenient feature, though not necessarily essential.

Key Features & Cost

Price: $148 directly from Larq.

Hyken Mesh Task Chair

Prior to recent global events, the importance of a quality home office chair was often overlooked. However, in the current climate, a supportive chair is proving to be essential for many.

This chair has significantly improved both my productivity and posture, making it a worthwhile investment.

Key Features

Manufactured by Staples, the Hyken Mesh Task Chair presents a stylish appearance and demonstrates robust construction. Some self-assembly is required upon delivery.

The chair provides substantial support and comfort, incorporating features like an adjustable headrest. It delivers excellent value for its price point.

Comparable chairs offering similar levels of support and comfort can often cost three to four times as much.

Pricing and Availability

• Price: $200
• Retailer: Amazon

This makes the Hyken Mesh Task Chair a particularly attractive option for those seeking a high-quality chair without exceeding their budget.

Investing in ergonomic furniture, such as this chair, is a practical step towards maintaining well-being during extended periods of remote work.

Elgato Facecam

Integrated webcams are frequently of substandard quality. Manufacturers often overlook webcam performance, despite significant advancements in smartphone camera technology.

This situation has seen some improvement recently, particularly during the pandemic. However, users with older computers are likely to experience limitations.

With the increase in remote work, many professionals now spend considerable time in video conferences. Consequently, optimizing one’s on-screen appearance has become increasingly important.

For most individuals, investing in a dedicated webcam like the Elgato Facecam offers a practical solution, avoiding the complexity of a DSLR setup.

The Facecam provides a user-friendly experience with its plug-and-play functionality and extensive customization options through the Camera Hub application.

This device is capable of capturing video at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second. While this level of performance may exceed the requirements of some users, it ensures a high-quality visual experience for frequent video calls.

Price: $200 from Amazon

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB: A Cardioid Dynamic Microphone Review

Frequently, inquiries are received regarding the microphone utilized for podcasting. Since transitioning to a virtual setup, all recordings have been completed using the Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB Cardioid Dynamic microphone. It also serves as my primary microphone for online meetings.

Key Features and Design

This microphone delivers excellent sound quality and features a unidirectional polar pattern. Its design resembles a traditional broadcast microphone. The rear panel incorporates both a standard XLR output and a USB-C connection, facilitating simple connectivity to computers.

Ease of Use and Setup

The ATR2100-USB is remarkably straightforward to use, offering a truly plug-and-play experience with minimal configuration required. It's the simplicity that often proves most beneficial for users.

However, it’s important to note that incorrect settings can sometimes cause issues. A common oversight is simply forgetting to power the microphone on.

Pricing and Availability

Price: $99, available through Amazon.

This microphone represents a valuable investment for anyone seeking high-quality audio in a convenient package.