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    48 Useful Things Under $50 To Help Make Working From Home Better In 2022

    A Photoshop shortcut keyboard cover, laptop cooling pad, a foam footrest, and more practical items to make your WFH life the best it has ever been.

    1. A pair of blue-light-blocking glasses to help you reduce eye strain from spending hour after hours staring at not only your computer while you work, but also your phone and even TV screen after you clock out.

    2. A USB-powered cooling pad for anyone whose laptop starts to sounds like a plane is taking off after working for, oh, approximately five minutes. This gadget has three fans in it to keep your computer calm, cool, and collected, so you can get your work done without much of a hassle.

    3. A wall charger with six outlets *and* two USB fast-charging ports to keep all your devices and accessories at 100% and so they won't die in the middle of that team meeting.

    Reviewer pic of the six chargers and two USB chargers with things plugged in to all of them in the lit outlet

    4. An "After Coffee" notepad with three separate sections to help you take a second in the morning (maybe while you're enjoying your first cup) to split up your to-do list into your top priorities, what can be done later, and what can be done tomorrow. This will help you focus on what needs to get done without getting overwhelmed.

    The note page with a top gold section that says "After Coffee Top Priority", a middle white section that says later, and a bottom pink section that says tomorrow

    5. A charging dock with three slots to keep both your work and personal electronics organized and charging because they're all in the same place now.

    A wood charging station with three different-sized slots to fit electronics, including a phone, iPad, and laptop

    6. A printer stand you can put under your desk and have more room on your desk for activities (i.e., your work).

    A two-tier shelf with a printer on the top shelf and a stack of paper on the bottom shelf under a desk

    7. A rotating timer you can set for a specific amount of time to help with your productivity and also to remind yourself that you need to take a break every once in a while.

    A gif of a BuzzFeeder tipping the white timer
    A BuzzFeeder's photo of the white timer
    Yi Yang / BuzzFeed

    You can set the timer for 5-, 10-, 15-, 20-, and 30-minute blocks by rotating it to the time you want. Then it will start the countdown. There are also four volume options in case you don't want to disrupt any other people in your home. 

    Promising review: "I love this timer to keep me on task while working from home! For the price, I was honestly impressed with the quality. My only suggestion would be an option for the display to stay backlit. You can press the snooze button on top to light the display for about five seconds, but that’s not super convenient if you have it rotated in timer mode, plus you have to actively press the button rather than just glancing at how much time is left. Honestly, this is a very small quibble that I could fix simply by not working in a dimly lit room, but it’s really the only critique I have. All in all, this is a fun and functional desk accessory!" —Angela Reiber

    Get it from Amazon for $20.99 (available in 30- and 60-minute configurations and six colors).

    8. A Rocketbook smart–reusable notebook that takes your handwritten notes and makes them digital so when your boss asks for a recap of that meeting in your one-on-one, you can send it as an attachment and look super on top of everything.

    Reviewer pic of the notebook open on a desk with notes neatly written on either side and two pens sitting next to it

    9. A shortcut keyboard cover here to make it super easy for you to remember all the shortcuts for Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro X, and more so you don't have to have 50 Post-it Notes with every shortcut cluttering up your space.

    10. A wall-mounted drop-leaf table you can ~pop~ open when you're ready to hit the ground running and get all your work done, and then simply fold it away at the end of the day.

    11. A glass dry-erase desktop whiteboard you can write your important reminders and "I CAN'T FORGET" notes on instead of using scraps of paper.

    The dry erase board with the words "Isn't this fabulous?!!!" written out on it

    12. A folding wall organizer you can put all your important documents in and then grab them when you need them, instead of searching through that pile that's been sitting on your desk for wayyy too long.

    13. A Wi-Fi extender capable of strengthening your Wi-Fi in all areas of your home so you'll stop cutting out during your video meetings.

    Reviewer holding their phone up to the rectangular-shaped router that's plugged into the wall

    14. An adjustable foam footrest designed to make sitting at a desk for eight hours more comfortable because it will bring the floor to you, which alleviates pressure in your hips and legs. You'll certainly feel more supported than when you voice a concern in a team meeting and get nothing from your colleagues.

    a model resting the rounded foot rest
    the foot rest flipped over with a model resting their feet on the flat side of the foot rest
    Amazon

    Plus, you can remove the velvet cover for easy cleaning!

    Promising review: "My feet have found heaven! After just over a year of working from home, I've finally decided to invest in some home office upgrades. I was on the fence about a footrest, but the new desk chair I had purchased had a few comfort issues, and I thought this foot rest might help address those. I wasn't wrong! From the first moment my feet landed in the plush comfort of the foam, I haven't wanted to take them off of it. As a fairly active person most of my life (basketball, horseback riding, running, etc.) I haven't been kind to my body. My back, knees, hips, and feet have all paid the price. This footrest has helped alleviate much of the daily pain I deal with, and at a far cheaper price than the ergonomic chair." —Wild-Haired Gurl

    Get it from Amazon for $47.67+ (available in two styles).

    15. A mug warmer that regulates the temperature of your coffee or tea so you can nurse your drink for hours without sipping an ice-cold beverage.

    Reviewer pic of a mug of coffee on top of the black mug warmer pad

    16. A set of armrest pads to give your wrists a little extra padding (and comfort) while you respond to all those 100 emails you got even though your OOO message was only on for a day.

    Promising review: "I use these pads all the time. I'm sure it's not ergonomically correct for me to rest my wrists on my laptop while I type, but it's hard to kick bad habits...so if you're in the same boat with the same annoyingly sharp edges on your Mac, these puppies are the perfect solution. They significantly extend my comfortable writing window." —Samuel N.

    Get a set of two from Amazon for $12.98 (available in two sizes).

    17. A reversible waterproof desk mat you can put on your table if you really have no place at all for a desk so you can at least make it feel like you're working from one.

    18. A simple cellphone stand to help keep your device at the ready for that very important call you're expecting.

    Cell phone stand in black with a phone in it on a desk

    19. Or an adhesive under-desk phone holder if having your phone next to you is a little too much of a distraction because all those social media apps are just waiting for you to start scrolling... With this, you phone will be out of sight and out of mind so you can get your work done faster than ever before.

    the shelf installed under a desk with a smartphone inside
    three of the under-desk shelves in gray, white, and black
    Seekon Solutions / Etsy

    Seekon Solutions is a small Boston-based biz that specializes in creating useful gadgets that solve small problems in your office and home.

    Promising review: "This is definitely a hit! I installed it horizontal because my desk has a square frame under it that I couldn’t put it on as the instruction, but it still do its job. Now I’m so used to reaching my phone from this holder without looking down at my desk, and my screentime has decreased a lot during day time. I work remotely from home, this really helps in terms of being more efficient so that I can finish my work early and get more me time back at the end of the day. Highly recommend it if you want to be less distracted while working!" —Shelby Cedrone

    Get it from Seekon Solutions on Etsy for $9.88 (available in six colors).

    20. A bamboo two-tier monitor stand that not only brings your computer to a better height (to help you avoid neck and eye strain) but also has convenient storage space for the random things on your desk.

    Reviewer pic of the bamboo monitor stand on a desk with the lower shelf, five compartments, and a groove for a cellphone and pen filled with office supplies

    21. A monitor memo board with a spot to hold your phone so you never miss another important text or call.

    Clear plastic memo board attached to a computer monitor with a photo, three sticky notes and a lip with a cell phone on it

    22. A hand warmer mouse pad for those days when it's just a tad bit chilly in your home and you don't have total control of the heat. Sure, you can put on more layers to keep the rest of you warm, but it's really hard to work while wearing gloves. Your hand will stay toasty inside this mouse pad, and the cute little cat will keep you company throughout the day (and maybe be more affectionate than your actual cat). 

    Promising review: "My wife works from home next to a north-facing window and even without the heating element on, she has been enjoying a warm hand. On extremely cold days, the heating element keeps her hand toasty. —Dan

    Get it from Amazon for $23.98.

    23. A time marker water bottle here to remind you to stay hydrated during the workday. There are markers on the side with times so you can keep track of how much water you should be drinking to (hopefully) avoid any dehydration headaches or anything else that comes with not drinking enough water.

    24. A foldable laptop stand so you can turn *any* desk (or kitchen table, vanity, etc.) into a *standing* desk.

    The foldable laptop stand in grey on a table with a laptop on top of it

    25. UV-free white light therapy lamp designed to mimic the benefits of sunlight to improve your mood and reset your circadian rhythm, which is beneficial if you work off hours or just can't seem to find time to get outside.

    a reviewer photo of the un-lit lamp sitting on a desk
    a reviewer photo of the lit lamp sitting on a desk

    Promising review: "This light is perfect. Can't beat the price. I bought it during the dismal pandemic winter. Since working from home, and with everything going on, my depression took a nose dive. This was an added help during the dark times. I wake up and drink my coffee in front of this light. Love it. I bought one for my daughter since she is homeschooling. It has her helped a lot as well. I probably won't use as much since the sun is starting to come out, but come winter, this light will be my BFF. It has three different brightness options. When I first started using it, I started out at the highest setting. I got headaches. I would recommend starting at the lowest setting for 15 minutes than gradually increase. Oh, I love the timer. 15, 30, 45, or 60. It can also be left on indefinitely. It's not something you stare into, just use it to have next to you." —Ann

    Get it from Amazon for $25.99.

    26. A set of gold cable organizers for organizing all the cords on your desk so you don't have to spend 10 minutes fishing out your computer charging cord that fell behind their desk...again. Plus, this gold style won't stick out like a sore thumb among the other things on your desk.

    A set of two gold finished round cable organizers installed on a desk with a charger wire running through them

    27. A daily planner if you *really* want to get down to business and focus on what you need to accomplish every day. It has a place for your top priorities, to-do list, appointments, health and fitness, meal planning, accomplishments, and even a place to doodle during your longest meeting. So essentially this will be your new assistant.

    28. A privacy sign great for anyone working from a full house where people like to barge in even when the door is closed.

    29. A memory foam chair cushion with a nonslip rubber bottom to ensure you'll be comfortable all day long — it won't move around when you get up every once and a while to stretch your legs (and maybe pet your dog).

    Reviewer pic of the velvet-like cushion on the seat of an office chair

    30. And memory foam armrest pads because your elbows deserve just as much love as your butt does! They're sitting in their chair for the same amount of time!!!

    Reviewer picture of the armrest pads on a desk chair

    31. A selfie ring light for anyone who has found themselves working in less-than-ideal lighting during a marathon of Zoom calls. This small device will make a big difference so everyone can see your beautiful face.

    32. Or a clip-on style if you want something a little smaller you can easily take off your monitor after the meeting is over. It's designed with an anti-scratch metal clamp so it won't ruin your company computer you care SO much about. 

    A reviewer photo of an unlit ring light with an attached clamp sitting on a desk
    a reviewer photo of the illuminated light clipped on the top of a laptop screen

    The light is powered via USB and has three light colors and 10 brightness levels.

    Promising review: "I don't have the best light in my living room. Working from home, I have had my fair share of Zoom and Skype meetings and without this light, my face was shaded no matter how hard I tried to get light. Now with the different shades of light as the day passes, I can change the light brightness and not look like I'm in a dungeon." —David and Paige

    Get it from Amazon for $22.49.

    33. A bendy desk lamp to ~brighten~ up your workspace and make it more inviting to actually work from during the day. Plus, it has a USB port, so it will keep your phone charged and at the ready.

    Reviewer picture of the white desk lamp with a sloped bending stand on a desk

    34. A cord organizer made to hide that mess of cords below your desk because you have so many parts of your work station that need to be plugged in. Plus, you won't end up getting your foot caught in any of the cords when you take a big stretch in the middle of the day and kick your charger out of the port.

    Promising review: "I absolutely love this as a solution for hiding our never ending wires from two at home work stations. I love the top which provides a safe and cute platform to easily charge your devices without having to leave them on the floor. I will be buying a second one." —Barbara Konchinski

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

    35. A weekly planner pad great for anyone who remembers things better when they write them down (rather than type). You can keep track of everything you need to get done, plus added a little note about what you're grateful for each week.

    The rectangle notepad with a spot for each day of the week

    36. A laptop stand to take your productivity to ~new heights~. JK, we can't guarantee it will do that, but improving your posture and not straining your eyes as much will help you feel better at the end of the day.

    Reviewer pic of the silver laptop stand on a desk with a laptop raised on it

    37. Some Monkey Noodles, which may sound and look like a toy, well, because they are. You can stretch, pull, twirl, wrap, and squeeze this sensory toy to help you stay calm and focused in long team meetings you just knowwww should have been an email.

    Reviewer holding five long noodle-shaped toys in different colors

    38. A colorful wireless keyboard and mouse set to bring some color (and life) to your work setup and also make it a little easier to actually get your work done because your hands don't have to feel so cramped typing on your small laptop keyboard. 

    a reviewer photo of their desk set up with the green keyboard and matching mouse
    a reviewer photo of the purple keyboard and matching mouse

    The set includes a wireless keyboard and a wireless mouse with a USB receiver. Pick up some AA batteries — both will need them!

    Promising review: "So, I just transitioned to work from home and wanted a cool keyboard for my new workspace. I tried two others, and they worked but I wasn’t 100% happy with the style, shape, nor color. A friend showed me her keyboard, and I fell in love with it. Her’s was the pink/colorful option. I immediately went on Amazon and found the purple/lilac colorful and ordered. I received it today, and I’m so pleased. I’m one of those who love hearing the click-clack sound of keys being hit with my nails and the weight of the keyboard is nice and heavy — it feels well made. I’m still getting use to the mouse it’s a wider shape then I’m use to, but it works and matches my keyboard. Now if only I could find a purple monitor, LOL. I highly recommend this keyboard. Happy typing!" —Kimberly Renee

    Get it from Amazon for $39.99+ (available in 12 colors).

    39. An adjustable rolling desk for anyone who doesn't have room for an actual one. This one has wheels *and* adjusts up and down, making it super easy to move it from the couch to a chair, or even your bed. Plus, you can use it as a side table when you're not working.

    The adjustable desk with wheels at the bottom and brown wood top

    40. A double-sided electronics cleaning brush that'll give your computer a good deep clean, because when you work where you live, sometimes your laptop becomes a movie screen at night where a few popcorn crumbs somehow get into the keyboard. 🤷🏻‍♀️

    41. A Takeya cold brew maker so you can easily pour yourself a glass at 3 p.m. when you normally might have taken a trip to the nearest coffee shop.

    42. An adjustable wood shelf to put next to your computer and keep any books or materials you need close by and at the ready.

    The shelf in black with books organized in two shelves on the right and small plants, a clock, and other trinkets in shelves on the left

    43. A stick-on hidden drawer perfect for easily stashing your collection of pens instead of having them just randomly lying around your desk or workspace.

    Closeup of a small rectangular drawer under a desk with assorted pens and an eraser inside

    44. A soundproofing strip to help block out all the surrounding noise so your coworkers can actually hear you speak instead of just the neighbor's dog barking.

    45. Or a white noise machine that'll drown out any unnecessary background noise with a constant pfshhhhhh or nature sound.

    A hand-sized white noise machine on a bedside table

    46. An under-the-desk hammock so you can put your feet up and relax during the day. Just reassure your boss that you'll still be getting that task done exactly when they need it, but you'll be more comfortable during the process. Plus, it comes with a hook to store your headphones when not in use!

    Promising review: "Now that I’m working from home full-time, it was time to upgrade from using a shoebox for a footrest. This hammock is very simple to install, easy to adjust, and the additional headset rest saved me some desk space. The material quality is impressive, and I can see this product holding up for years. I’ve had it for a few weeks now and I couldn’t be more happy." —Josh Nadonley

    Get it from Amazon for $21.97.

    47. A mesh desk organizer with a three-compartment sliding drawer, tray, and five upright sections designed to fit SO much more than you think it can and make your desk feel clean and organized.

    A reviewer's organizer with an assortment of desk supplies inside

    48. And a pen holder with a spot that clearly displays the date because when you're working from home, the days can start to bleed together until you realize you woke up and started working on a Saturday...

    the block pen holder with the cal date

    Me on Sunday night realizing how much work I have to do in the next five days: