32 Affordable Desk Gifts For Your Work BFF
A mini waving inflatable tube man that'll make them want to throw their hands up in the air and yell "WOOHOO!"
An undetectable mouse jiggler, so the two of you can sneak away to catch up over coffee without anyone in other offices wondering why you've been offline for so long.
A 12-pack of squishy animal-themed gel pens (complete with 24 colorful refills!) that'll look adorable hanging out on their desk. There's enough in the pack that you can graciously pass 'em out to your other colleagues, too.
Glitter-infused highlighters, so the next time they have to call out some very important info on a document, they can do so with an unmatched flair and flourish ✨
A motivating daily planner that literally says "You've got this!" at the top — it'll also look oh-so-cute on their desk and has sections to keep track of appointments, how much water they're drinking, a to-do list, what they ate (meal prep, perhaps?!) and a general notes/doodling area.
A pack of transparent sticky notes, so when they write themselves lil' reminders they can place them anywhere and everywhere without taking away from the aesthetic they've created for their workspace.
A portable Bluetooth retro-style keyboard that'll replace the clunky one they received when they first started the job — this one is as cute as it is practical and can be used on the go.
A dimmable flexible clip-on mushroom light so when someone says "I mush ask you a question" they'll be ready to actually see what they're saying. It has five different color-changing LED lighting options they can adjust as needed — ya love to see it.
Or a little elephant touch lamp they'll adore so much it might just help them get over the trauma of watching Dumbo be separated from his mother (yikes, sorry, I went there). In all seriousness, it'll be a great lighting option for their desk where the overhead lighting is not so great.
Lego cherry blossoms to add to their already-cherished brick bouquet or to plop into that darling little vase that's been sitting empty on their desk forever because they've never been willing to commit to keeping actual blooms alive.
A duo of glass tumblers (one for you and one for them!) you can use to toast to another successful work week. Cheers to sippin' iced coffee in style.
A "float-tea unicorn," aka the reusable tea infuser of their wacky dreams. When the unfortunate need to work 9 to 5 destroys their imaginary plans of lounging by the pool, they can nurse a cozy cup of tea alongside this festive friend.
Or a ceramic "Creature Cup," featuring a fun lil' guy at the bottom, so even if their coffee has cooled to the point of being considered "iced" because they got waaaay too caught up in a a meeting, they'll still giggle a little while they do get around to sneaking a sip.
A mug warmer that'll make sure they actually get to take a sip of hot coffee even if they've gotten distracted by a bazillion tasks since brewing it in the office kitchen.
A special edition set of Golden Girls Little People figures that'll make them giggle even if one of their meetings feels like it's dragging on longer than one of Sophia's stories, "Picture it..."
A plant-inspired fidget toy they'll consider to be the missing piece to their workstation — it'll double as decor *and* a way to keep their fingers busy when trying to think through the perfect way to sign off on the rather lengthy email they just typed.
A NeeDoh "Dream Drop," a must-have sensory fidget toy for anyone who can't seem to get their brain to focus on one task at a time. (Too many tabs open both literally and figuratively!) This lil' squish block is super satisfying to play with and reviewers love that it isn't sticky (no gross debris to try to clean off).
Or a set of Monkey Noodles that stretch up to 8 feet (!?!??) and will provide anyone with a non-disruptive way to scratch their fidgety itch. Perfect for anyone looking to relieve some pent up anxiety without leaving their desk.
A too-cute wireless portable charger that'll likely be praised as their savior on more than one occasion if their phone just always happens to be dead when you need it most. Also great if your work wife NEVER has a charging wire on their desk and you're simply tired of sharing yours.
Retro-inspired notepads that aren't sticky, so they can quickly write down a reminder to pick up milk on the way home and throw it into their bag without fear of it coming out covered in crumbs and debris. Gross.
Tozo earbuds many swear are *just* like AirPods but for waaaaaay cheaper — a must-have for your coworker who sits next to that one person who always seems to be loudly blabbering away on the phone.
A set of LED lightsaber chopsticks that'll make your weekly sushi lunches just a bit more fun — workplace gossip with a side of Star Wars?! Sign me up.
A set of cute box cutters for when the 10 packages they ordered while their *~head was in the clouds~* arrives and they need to swiftly open them before their boss sees 😅.
A set of heart-shaped faux leather bookmarks for anyone in your office book club who agrees dog-earing the pages of a book should be a sin (especially one borrowed from the library!). They can slip one of these cuties onto the corner of a page until they can get back to reading.
A transparent mouse and memo pad they can use to keep their to-do list under hand, literally. They won't be able to make excuses about "forgetting to call your mom back" when it's written down in front of them all day, sorry!
An updated version of the Taylor Swift Little Golden Book your self-proclaimed Swiftie of a colleague will cherish. They'd be remiss not to say it's "the best thing that's ever been mine." 😉. The illustrations are gorgeous and it'll look so cute on display on their desk.
A "Liquipen" for anyone who grew up with a lava lamp but knows setting one up at their desk probably isn't *ideal*. Watching the little blobs float up and down will ease their mind and give them a chance to regroup before diving back into a project.
A brilliant pen holder that'll have the Shakespeare fan in your life stifling a laugh when they see it — it would also just be a great gift for your coworker who loves quoting "We should totally just stab Caesar!" a la Mean Girls.
A magnetic cord holder they can rely on to keep the bajillion wires they somehow need to get their laptop functioning perfectly in-check. No more internally screaming when their charging wire slips behind their desk!
Lanolips Multipurpose Superbalm — it'll moisturize their lips without making them feel sticky (a big win) but can *also* be used on their cuticles, elbows, and any other patch of dry skin they come across while procrastinating answering work emails.
Self-adhesive sliding under-desk drawers for anyone who has a plethora of pens but no room for a filing cabinet or clunky desk — these can be popped right under the sleek space-saving desk they already have!
And a miniature mid-century modern LED fireplace for your cubicle mate who has always wanted one of these beauties after seeing them on an episode of Million Dollar Listing. Their desk is going to be cozier than ever!
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Tom's Guide
a day ago
- Tom's Guide
I tried Amazon's best-selling headphone sleep mask — and it's my new favorite travel companion
I've been a diehard eye mask user for over a decade now and I credit masks with transforming my sleep. I can drop off pretty much anywhere thanks to the super-cheap eye mask I take on every single trip. The humble eye mask needs no improvement in my opinion but as a sleep writer I'm always trying things to help my rest, whether that's the joy of testing the best mattress for my sleep style or the misery of taping my mouth shut. And I was intrigued by the concept of headphone sleep masks, which use Bluetooth speakers to combine light blocking with immersive sound. After several nights of testing the sleep mask I've been pleasantly surprised and I might have found a new must-have for my carry-on. Headphone sleep masks are pretty self-explanatory — this is an eye mask with integrated headphones. There are numerous options available on Amazon but MUSICOZY is by far the most popular (the eye mask I opted for has upwards of 18,000 reviews, largely positive.) From the front, the MUSICOZY looks like almost any other blackout eye mask, apart from the control panel in the middle. Tucked inside the mask are two thin speakers, designed to sit over the ear. Using a Bluetooth connection, you can pair your mask to your phone, pumping music into your ear while you sleep without disrupting your comfort. MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Headband: from $29.99 Amazon US / £25.99 Amazon UKEstablished in 2012, MUSICOZY sells Bluetooth sleep masks to customers in both the US and UK. Available in a range of colors (as well as a few different styles, for different face shapes) the MUSICOZY mask uses breathable materials to prevent overheating while the adjustable strap allows you to tighten the mask to a perfect fit. My first thought after putting the MUSICOZY sleep mask was "wow, this is dark." That's a good thing. The primary goal of any eye mask is, in my opinion, to block out light. If it can't, it's not a good eye mask regardless of whatever else it has to offer. Next came the set-up. Okay, I took the MUSICOZY off my head for this but honestly? I could have done most of it in the dark. Only three buttons are needed to activate the MUSICOZY and they're intuitive to use. I paired the mask quickly to my phone and after minimal fussing, music was pumping through the speakers. Admittedly the sound quality isn't fantastic. We review the best headphones at Tom's Guide and I doubt the MUSICOZY would crack the top 100. But that's less of an issue that you might expect. For white noise, soothing sleep sounds and calming background music, the MUSICOZY's sound quality is good enough. Then it was time to go to sleep. MUSICOZY promises the headphone eye mask is designed for side sleepers. After a bit of wiggling I managed to get ear, mask and speaker into a semi-comfortable position. However, with my left ear pressed against the speaker, the music was significantly louder on one side and after a full night lying on the MUSICOZY, my left ear was sore in the morning. Which is why I probably won't be using the MUSICOZY every night. But I will be using it next time I travel — it's ideal for helping you sleep on the go. I have a multi-hour road trip coming up (as a passenger) and I can't wait to strap the MUSICOZY to my face and completely disengage from everyone else in the car. Here's why... I tried the MUSICOZY eye mask in bright sunshine and dark night and the effect was the same: pitch black. The interior of the headband features padded molding around the eye with a soft nose barrier that can be prodded into place for total blackout. At the back, a Velcro band allows you to secure the eye mask tightly around your face, for no slipping no matter how much you toss and turn. On public transport, the MUSICOZY can effectively block out other passengers (even if they are your own family). High tech sleep aids can often be needlessly complicated but the MUSICOZY is small, sleek and easy to fit in your hand luggage (it even comes with its own pouch). It also looks like any other sleep mask, meaning you won't feel self-conscious about strapping it to your face. And it charges via USB-C (cable included), which means you can power up just about anywhere. With the mask blocking out light and music playing right into your ears, the MUSICOZY is suitably enveloping. In my bedroom, it was like being tucked up in a cozy cocoon. The effect is likely to be diminished in a public place but it should still help you block out the often unwelcome presence of total strangers when traveling. And once you've reached your destination, the MUSICOZY can help a hotel feel like home. If you're someone who struggles to fall asleep in new places, the combination of blackout and surround sound will help you feel like you're tucked up in your usual bed. The biggest point in favor of the MUSICOZY is that it succeeds as an eye mask, blocking out light and staying secure on your face as you sleep. As a headphone set, the MUSICOZY isn't great. But at under $30 that's not a surprise and the sound quality is best described as fine. Admittedly I'm not much of an audio snob, but I could listen to my favorite songs happily. And as someone who used to burn through cheap earbuds, I've experienced worse. Side sleepers and back sleepers should feel comfortable in the MUSICOZY, although it's best suited for back sleepers. This is standard for almost any high-tech eye mask, however, so it's not a point against the MUSICOZY. But in my opinion, the MUSICOZY excels as a travel companion. Light, comfy and immersive, it helps you block out all the other people on your long-haul flight. It's also affordable and while some users have found the battery ages poorly, it should still get you through several holiday weekends with the family...
Buzz Feed
2 days ago
- Buzz Feed
37 Things To Upgrade Your Backyard
Solar-powered outdoor string lights to make every night a starry one. These'll create a soft, romantic glow throughout your outdoor space after sunset and will make a huge impact when hung along your roofline, draped on outdoor structures like a pergola, or just strung up solo! A two-burner griddle grill because the days of being the host and stressing out instead of being a part of the fun are *over*. This lets you cook several dishes, keeping everyone happy and well-fed. Instead of juggling pans and dashing back and forth to the kitchen, you can stay outside and, you know, actually enjoy the party. Plus, a strong and bright magnetic barbecue light, which fully gives "Yup, I've got this whole adulting thing NAILED" energy. These are designed to stick right onto your grill, shedding light exactly where you need it. Whether you're flipping burgers, toasting buns, or making sure those ribs are perfectly glazed, this light ensures you can do it all without getting roasted by the rest of the squad because your burgers ended up two shades too burnt. A sunshade triangle because it blocks up to 95% of UV rays and keeps things a bit cooler. Perfect for setting up over your patio or your little ones' play area, or just for creating an area to ~chill~. A portable cooler or, as I like to call it, the ~party on wheels~. It comes with a built-in bottle opener (complete with a cap catcher), a handy drainage hole for easy cleanup, and the capacity to hold over 100 cans or 55 bottles. It glides smoothly on four swivel wheels that lock into place, so you can easily move it wherever the crowd goes! Or a side table cooler, aka a cooler disguised as a sleek cocktail table. Picture this: you're lounging on the pool chairs with your bestie when suddenly, they finish their canned drink and are in need of another one. No need to get up — all you gotta do is lift up the lid, and BAM. Instant refill. An inflatable water play center (with over 20,000 5-star ratings) — your neighbors are guaranteed to get a little jealous when they hear all the fun going on in your backyard. This set will transform your backyard into your own mini waterpark as the kiddos splash through a candy arch that gently sprays water and glide down a chocolate slide onto a soft landing pad. This playful set also includes two giant inflatable lollipops and a built-in game activity with colorful balls, ensuring endless fun (which means you can go back to sippin' your piña colada 😗✌️). A water-resistant Bluetooth speaker because, let's be real, what's an outdoor hangout without blasting your favorite tunes? As for its clever angled design, it's not just for looks! It throws sound upward, filling the space with rich, crystal-clear sound that you'll even be able to hear underwater when playing mermaids. Plus, it's portable, so if your party's headed to another location, this speaker's ready to head there with you. Bamboo wind chimes so you can lie your head back and slip into a state of meditation as you immerse yourself in a sound bath that effortlessly complements the sounds of nature. A set of DEET-free mosquito-repelling bracelets you can easily hand out to your friends and fam (including the little ones!), ensuring everyone can enjoy the fresh air without worrying about mosquito bites. They use geranium oil, lemongrass oil, and citronella to help keep those pesky biting bugs away. Plus, they make for a cute accessory! A long-handled standing weeder so that you no longer have to ~weed it and weep~ as you bend down and break your back to get all your weeds out. With this, you can stay standing and let the three steel claws grip the weeds for you as you pull them out! A sprinkle of fast-acting lawn repair formula made of grass seeds, mulch, and soil amendment to mend the abuse your yard has endured from all your dog's outdoor activities. This reviewer's grass was an inch tall after just one week! Plus, a massive pack of wildflower seeds here to transform your plain green lawn into its own vibrant world of color with 24 different flower varieties like California poppy, baby's breath, and African daisy. And not just that — you can grow these gorgeous flowers whether you've got a green thumb or not. Get ready to be the talk of the town as every passerby gushes over this delightful display. A garbage guard because the pesky sound of flies buzzing around the garbage can has the AUDACITY to interrupt the meditative space you've curated in your backyard (insert eye twitch here 🫠). This little gadget sticks inside your garbage can and releases an odorless vapor that keeps bugs at bay for a whopping four months. A patio table mosquito net enclosure for when you just want to sit back, relax, and enjoy your all of a sudden, you hear this agitating, grating noise of flies buzzing around you. This'll keep all those flying critters *out* and all the care-free, bite-free fun *in*. And when those uninvited guests aren't around, you can simply tie back the netting to open up the space. Or a splurge-worthy yet functional pop-up tent if the only thing stopping you from having a cute star-gazing date This waterproof cover can weather all the elements while maintaining a cool ventilation feature that keeps the inside chill and breezy. Just set up your fave furniture, blankies, pillows, and maybe even a speaker to blast some Lana Del Rey, and before you know it, you'll have created your personal happy bubble. A high-voltage bug zapper, because I guess the "No winged party crashers allowed" sign wasn't enough. This'll banish mosquitoes, gnats, and flies from your lands (at least, from an impressive 2,100-square-foot range) so that you can really and truly enjoy all future outdoor gatherings. And a pack of mosquito dunks infused with BTI, a bacteria that's toxic to mosquitoes and their larvae but safe for wildlife! These dunks are formulated to decrease the presence of mosquitoes over time, allowing you to restore your outdoor space to its state of zen. Just drop the dunks into any standing water, and within hours, it will eliminate both mosquitoes and larvae for up to 30 days. An outdoor wooden double chaise lounge that comes with a three-sided canopy for shade, two cupholders, and cushions so the kiddos (including furry besties, of course) can stay comfy and relaxed in their own mini VIP section/designated nap spot. A tree swing because it beckons your active little ones (and sparks your inner child!) with moments of serene, gentle swaying under the calming shade of the treetops. It can hold up to 900 lbs., withstand the elements, and reviewers say it's pretty easy to put together! A pack of solar-powered garden lights that adds some pixie dust magic to even the most mundane areas of your outdoor space and makes your beloved backyard decor shine even after the sun sets! They're solar-powered (saving you some coin on that electricity bill), sway to the rhythm of the wind, and will look absolutely *magical* no matter where you place them. A portable high-top bar table to turn your backyard into your friends' favorite bar in town. It comes complete with a hidden storage shelf to stash water, beer, soda, and other supplies to keep the party flowing smoothly. The water-resistant tabletop makes it a breeze to clean up any spills made while pretending to be a ~suave~, well-seasoned bartender. It's easy to assemble and lightweight, so you can move it around effortlessly, and when the fun's over, it folds up neatly for easy storage! A table-top outdoor pizza oven, because why make dinner indoors when this allows you to delight your family with *chef's kiss*-level pizza outdoors where the sun is shining? Plus, this lets you skip out on the extra service fee, delivery fee, tip, and the extra charge for extra cheese. Just the way you like it. *Bites lip.* A gas firepit table that'll help set the mood no matter what the temperature is outside. A bit chilly? Make it a s'mores night, and it'll keep you toasty warm. Is it unbearably hot outside? Cover it up with the lid and use it as a chic table! A pressure washer to make your dull patio furniture and fence look brand new. You can also use it on your porch and lawn equipment! One reviewer said they even got great results without using a cleaning solution and that it's quite satisfying to use! A wireless, Bluetooth-enabled karaoke mic, because what's a family cookout without a live reenactment of the entire Cowboy Carter concert with the sun as your spotlight and the pool floatie as your stage? A festive inflatable pool party cooler so your fave beverage stays within easy reach while you get your pool tan on. Reviewers enjoy filling the middle compartment with ice and chilled drinks for everyone in the pool to enjoy, and it *also* doubles as a floaty for small dogs. An outdoor misting system because it'll gently envelope you in a cool mist that'll feel lovelyyy with that warm summer breeze. Attach it under your awning, patio table umbrella, or pergola! Just screw one end onto your garden hose and clip the rest around your preferred outdoor lounging area. Easy peasy. An adjustable Ninja Warrior obstacle course, which is an awesome (and likely cheaper) alternative to a standard swing set. Your little ones will be climbing, swinging, flipping, and balancing to their heart's content. But, however will they have the energy to stay up late? Oh, they won't. (Cue the evil laugh.) A pack of solar-powered stake lights so that there's no repeat of that one time you had to tiptoe down the dark walkway, fearing a misstep might send you straight to the ground (remember that one "chill" girls' night out?). These lights are both a practical and beautiful upgrade for your walkway, offering two versatile lighting options: classic white for an elegant glow or vibrant multicolored lights to make every night a party. A genius lighted rectangle umbrella because it spreads out to give the whole gang some precious shade during the day *and* some much-needed light at night. Think you can end our gossip sesh, Mr. Sunset? Think again. Or!! A patio umbrella light if you don't want to replace your whole umbrella. This'll be a total crowd-pleaser when game night has escalated to competitive levels and that game of Uno is now lasting well past sundown. No need to move the game inside! Just flip your umbrella's light switch on and you'll be able to see that you actually have two reverse cards ready to use (*evil laugh*). A laser tag set that'll bring the arcade thrills from when we were kids right into your backyard. (Except now we're a little bigger. And stronger. And more competitive. Careful, things might get ugly.) With easy-to-use blasters, vibrant lights, and heart-pounding sound effects, this set is perfect for a little "friendly" competition. A slatted 6-foot-tall privacy screen equipped with built-in planters, giving you your own secluded nook while blocking out potential eyesores like AC units, pool pumps, and trash cans. It's basically a super aesthetic partition. Or a roll of faux ivy so that every time you step outside, you'll feel as if you've just stepped into an enchanting setting straight from Pixie Hollow. Attach it to wire fencing, railings, trellis, or over your pergola to add a touch of botanical lushness to your yard. As the sunlight teases you through the leaves, your space will be bathed in a soft, dappled light, creating a serene atmosphere. A set of two Banzai Bump N' Bounce Body Bumpers that are bound to be the life of the party at backyard battles, birthday parties, or just a wild afternoon of cackling and good memories. A portable 120-inch screen to make your backyard the go-to spot for movie night. Reviewers say it's easy to set up, stretches cleanly without any wrinkles, and has great quality and clarity! Set it up with a mini Bluetooth projector (compatible with TV sticks, your phone, and more) and share some laughs and tears under the stars with your loved ones.
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
My favorite Bluetooth speaker just crashed to its lowest ever price — the EarFun UBoom L is just $49 right now
When I'm using one of the best Bluetooth speakers, nothing makes me happier than feeling the bass in my jaw or in my temples. I want earth-shattering bass that makes me concerned for the walls in my rental. I want it to be so rich that I feel like it's calling me poor. I want it to feel deeper than the pseudo-feelings I had as a Tumblr emo girlie. My poetic musings aside... I love testing wireless speakers and putting them through their paces to determine whether they're good value for money. I have a couple speakers at home but the one I (and my partner) use the most is the EarFun UBoom L — and right now, it's down to its lowest ever price as it's discounted by 38% at Amazon U.S. and 13% at Amazon U.K. The EarFun UBoom L offers big sound on a budget. This portable speaker produces powerful bass, clear vocals and well-balanced sound across a range of genres. With a dedicated outdoor mode and an IP67 resistance rating, the speaker can soundtrack pool parties and hikes, it's got great battery life, and the customizable EQ via the user-friendly companion app works really well. Even at its retail price of $79 / £79, the UBoom L easily warrants a recommendation. It provides big sound on a budget, and it's highly portable so you can take it anywhere you like. Adding to that is the UBoom L's IP67 rating, which means it's waterproof down to 3 feet and fully dustproof. Trust me, I use this speaker in the shower nearly everyday, and I've even submerged it in a sink full of water just to show off to my friends — and it has always come out unscathed. Now, onto the sound quality... Utilizing the brand's "JumboBass technology," the UBoom L delivers powerful bass thanks to its passive bass radiators on each side working in conjunction with the 55mm drivers. When you play a bass-heavy track, you can see the side radiators vibrate and, like I mentioned up top, you can feel the bass in your soul (depending on how far you are from the speaker, of course). Residents of the rainy British isles will be pleased to hear that the EarFun UBoom L is discounted here too... although not by much. It's down to £69 from its retail price of £79 but even though you aren't saving as much as the Americans, it's still worth the investment. One thing I really like about this speaker as that basslines never feel overpowering. They have an oomph with a lovely warmth to them, so you can really appreciate each note that the bassist is plucking. Even at high volumes, music remains free of distortion, making the UBoom L the ideal speaker for soundtracking social gatherings. Vocals sound just as good, if not better, and there's plenty of detail in every track to be enjoyed and appreciate. I often hook it up to my laptop too when I'm watching a horror or thriller movie, and the speaker creates an eerie soundscape. For a small, portable speaker, I'm always taken aback by how powerful the UBoom L sounds. If you want a rugged speaker that doesn't cut any corners, I'd recommend saving $30 at Amazon U.S. or £10 at Amazon U.K. You can thank me later.
