Updated on November 29, 2024
So, you have been enjoying working in your sweats for the last few years and now your employer is calling you back into the office a few days per week. Ugh! This means you still need to have the right set-up at home along with tech that’s easy to use on the go. If you know someone in this predicament, check out these worthwhile gifts.
Samsung Portable SSD T7 Shield
Available in 1 or 24TB capacities and black, blue, and beige wood finishes, this portable drive starts at $230 and is a perfect back-up for the work-from-homer who has tons of files they want to ensure are safe and secure in case of a disastrous loss. It’s rugged with an IP65 rating, resistant against water, dust, and three-metre drops. Compatible with Macs, PC, Android, and even gaming consoles, grab the 2TB version or a pair of 1TB ones and they can store everything they need, with room to spare. It affords read speeds up to 1,050MB/s and write up to 1,000 MB/s and sports AES 256-bit hardware encryption. They will be filling this up with a back-up of their computers, phones, and more in a rush to secure all their data.
Kensington H3000 Over-Ear Bluetooth Headset
I reviewed this headset a few years ago, and it’s perfect for anyone who’s work-from-home job involves lots or long phone calls. It has a boom mic built in and provides up to 40 hours of call time per charge, more than enough for a full work week. Working with Mac, Windows, Chrome, iOS, and Android as well as apps like Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet, the adjustable headband is nicely padded so it’s comfortable to wear all day. The microphone rotates as well so you can pull it up when you’re having lunch or sitting on hold. Use controls on the earcup to control play/pause, volume up/down, and previous/next track. And yes, it has the all-important mute button so you can yell at your kids to get out of the room while the boss is discussing the latest sales figures or you want to explain to your spouse how boring this two-hour presentation is. A cool illuminating red flashing light alerts others in the home when you’re on an active call so they don’t interrupt you. The best part about this wireless headset is that you aren’t tethered to the desk: go ahead and walk around the house. Make yourself a coffee or lunch or go upstairs to answer the door while you’re chatting or sitting on hold for 30 minutes. At just $110, these are a no-brainer for any home-based business or work-from-homer who spends at least a couple hours on the phone every day.
Austere VII Series 4-Outlet Wall Charger & Surge Protector
If your household is like mine, there are never enough power outlets for everything. You’ll probably need something dedicated for your home office. The Austere V11 Series 4-outlet wall charger, distributed in Canada by Erikson Consumer, is perfectly suited for recharging all your devices from a single wall outlet. It includes an Omniport USB outlet, 45W USB-C PD and 20W USB-C PD ports for everything from your phone to your tablet, laptop, headphones, and more. With a focus on useful design as much as function, the ports are nicely spaced to fit larger plugs. With surge protection, you can rest easy that your devices will be in good hands in the event of a power spike.
Huanuo Electric Standing Desk
Sitting for so many hours a day might be doing a number on your back. Maybe you have even packed on a few extra pounds from the lack of activity. You should make a point to do some physical activity every day, whether it’s a short walk or quick workout. A standing desk can also be helpful, encouraging you to stretch your legs and back without having to sacrifice precious work time. The Huanuo HNESD electric standing desk has adjustable height levels, four memory height settings for both sitting and standing, and ample space for your laptop, monitor, phone, and more. Try it with at least an hour of stand time through the workday and you might find it makes a difference. There’s even cable management and dual storage hooks for things like headphones. It comes in two sizes and in black, natural wood, or vintage brown with a sturdy frame made of cold-rolled steel for US$180.
Asus Zenbook S 14 AI Laptop
The Asus Zenbook S 14 AI laptop (UX5406) is powered by the new Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) and is an ultra-slim 14-inch AI PC with a 1.1 cm thin chassis and distinctive geometric grille design. Ready for AI applications, it comes with a Copilot key, 16:10 seamless touchpad with smart gestures, 3K 120Hz Asus Lumina OLED display, and four-speaker audio system. The <25dB ambient cooling ensures quiet and secure operation, combined with Microsoft Pluton security, face login, and Windows passkeys. Available in Zumaia Gray and Scandinavian White, the system-on-chip (SoC) design reduces the motherboard size by 27% to increase overall cooling efficiency. With up to 32GB RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD, the 72Wh battery can run all day. There’s a full set of I/O ports, including two Thunderbolt 4, a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A, HDMI 2.1, and an audio combo jack. WiFi 7 with ASUS WiFi Master Premium certification ensures a fast and reliable connection. The Asus AiSense IR camera enables Adaptive Lock, which monitors your presence and locks the laptop when you move away. Get it with 1TB of storage starting from $1,799.
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra Tablet
A tablet is a great device to keep in your backpack or briefcase as a back-up in case you’re called into the office and totally forget your laptop at home. Plus, you’ll enjoy it during off hours, too. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is purpose-built for AI, affording increased CPU, GPU, and NPU performance compared to the previous generation tablets. It has a 14.6-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and comes bundled with an S Pen. The improved processing power enables faster and more responsive Galaxy AI features, now easily accessible with written prompts using the new Galaxy AI Key on the Book Cover Keyboards to customize the AI assistant. Innovative software includes features like Note Assist and Drawing Assist, which have been optimized for the tablet form factor. It also acts as a home AI device with a 3D Map View available through SmartThings that gives a visual overview of the home and all connected devices. Samsung Knox security also provides data privacy and control. The offer long-lasting battery life and Super-Fast Charging and a quad speaker setup to complement the visual experience, which is further enhanced with AI-powered Dialogue Boost. This feature amplifies voices over unwanted noise to create ultra-clear audio. The IP68 rating and enhanced armour aluminum make it ideal for use on the go. It comes in Moonstone Grey or Platinum Sliver starting at $1,600.
Belkin ScreenForce InvisiGlass Blue Light Filter Screen Protector
If they just invested in a new Apple iPhone 16 Pro, get them this Belkin screen protector that comes with a blue light filter built in to protect their eyes from excessive screen time. Selling for $48, it’s more expensive than a screen protector they’d likely buy for themselves, making it the ideal gift. Along with protecting the screen from scratches, cracks, bumps, and scuffs, it also incorporates Eyesafe blue light filter technology to support eye comfort. The InvisiGlass material is stronger than tempered glass, says Belkin, and is designed to look and feel just like the bare screen.
Kanto Audio ORA4 Desktop Speakers
Perfect for your work desk at home for the days you do get to WFH, the Kanto Audio ORA4 desktop speakers, coming to Canada in mid-November through Gemsen, build on the success of the ORA desktop speakers, which we reviewed last year. Available in matte black and matte white and sold in pairs for $500, the Kanto Audio ORA4 features Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, analogue line-in, and a USB-C input that supports audio up to 24-bit/96kHz. The USB Type-C port allows you to connect a host of audio sources, including the latest iPhone and Android devices, digital audio players, PC, Mac, and more. As a powerful desktop speaker, these speakers are ideal for listening to backgroud music while you work, for those endless video meetings or online presentations, to use as a home or remote recording studio monitor, or even for gaming downtime after hours. The separate Class D amplifiers for the woofers/tweeters deliver a dynamic audio presentation with a smooth, accurate frequency response, says the company. There’s a subwoofer output with a built-in automatic crossover at 80 Hz that high-passes the speakers and low-passes the sub-out, enabling seamless integration with a powered subwoofer, like the Kanto Audio SUB8.
Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C Portable Monitor
Perfect for the second-screen experience at home, the Plugable 15.6-inch USB-C portable monitor features downstream USB-C ports and 85W pass-through charging, designed to be use with a mobile, connected set-up. It boasts 1,920 x 1,080 Full HD IPS screen with 60Hz refresh rate and is lightweight at just under 2 lbs. with an integrated folding travel cover that doubles as a stand, making it ideal for use on the go as well. Alongside 85W pass-through charging is a pair of downstream 10Gbps USB-C ports for creating a mobile desk. Unlike traditional portable monitors that rely on mini-HDMI connections, the USBC-PDMON connects solely via USB-C, offering seamless integration with laptops, smartphones, and tablets that support USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode, including Thunderbolt and USB4. Equipped with one upstream and two downstream 10Gbps USB-C ports, the USBC-PDMON not only offers USB-C hub functionality but also supports 85W pass-through charging on one of the ports. This multifunctional design allows the monitor to serve as a hub for connecting additional peripherals while keeping your computer charged up. The monitor’s IPS panel offers a 170° viewing angle with clear and vibrant visuals from almost any direction, says Plugable, while also reducing the eyestrain associated with the VA panels used in other portable monitors. With a brightness of 300 nits, the display provides sufficient illumination for indoor environments, maintaining clarity and colour accuracy. Three buttons are accessible on the monitor’s side to control screen brightness and quick colour mode toggling. US$199.95.
HP OmniBook Ultra Flip
The HP OmniBook Ultra Flip is the company’s first next-gen AI PC two-in-one laptop with a convertible design so you can use it in traditional laptop mode, tented, or folded back like a tablet. It boasts a 3K OLED display, ideal for drawing, photography, and other creative professions. It also includes inking and a haptic touchpad. There’s a 9MP AI camera and Poly Audio for communicating with others through video calls and meetings. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra processor (Series 2) with a dedicated AI engine, it can run for up to 20 hours per charge. The computer comes protected by HP Wolf Security, which includes a unique security chip and self-healing PC core to keep your sensitive and private data safe from cyber threats. Further leveraging AI technology is McAfee Smart AI Deepfake Detector that can detect AI-generated audio to warn you of potential fraud or misinformation. It starts at $2,240.
Kensington SD5000T5 EQ Thunderbolt 5 Triple 4K Docking Station
This Intel-certified plug-and-play docking station supports up to three 4K monitors, delivers data transfer speeds up to 120Gbps, provides 140W power delivery, and features an 11-in-1 design for enhanced versatility. Supporting next-generation Thunderbolt 5 technology, it’s designed for professionals, content creators, and gamers who need more screens to increase visual productivity, more speed to work with large files, support for multiple 4K monitors, and more ports for connecting to accessories. Optimized to work with different devices and operating systems, the plug-and-play SD5000T5 supports Thunderbolt 5 technology, Thunderbolt 4 technology, USB4, and USB-C devices running Windows (10 or later) or macOS (11 or later). The SD5000T provides up to 120Gbps of Bandwidth Boost and data transfer speeds up to 80Gbps to deliver peak performance and enhanced productivity to support professional tasks. Enjoy triple 4K at 144Hz or dual 8K at 60Hz monitor support for Windows and dual 6K at 60Hz for M1 and M2-based MacBooks. It has 11 connectivity ports in all, including three Thunderbolt 5 downstream, one Thunderbolt 5 host, three USB-A 3.2 Gen2 10Gbps, one combo audio jack, two SD or microSD readers, and 2.5Gbps Ethernet. Using the optional mounting bracket, you can mount the docking station out of the way. The security cable lock slots are also compatible with Kensington cable locks to deter theft. It comes with free Kensington DockWorks software for enabling customization to deliver the best connection, performance, and security.
Epson ET-4850 Supertank All-in-One Printer
After reviewing this wireless colour all-in-one cartridge-free Epson Supertank printer, I can confidently say that it’s ideal for a home office. Selling for $600, though often on sale, it can print, scan, copy, and even fax. It can also print wirelessly, a dream for me who loves to work upstairs 90% of the time. I can print the items I need then file them away when I go to my office in the basement. The feature that I most love about Epson EcoTank printers like this one is that it’s cartridge-free. It uses ink reservoirs, conveniently positioned at the front in newer models like this one, that need only be refilled once every two years with average use. A set even comes in the box to get you started. I have been using an EcoTank printer for years and I’d never go back to cartridge. From the touchscreen to the Epson SmartPanel app for easily printing photos from your phone to the sleek design and the 250-sheet paper tray, it’s a work-from-homer’s dream device. Just don’t be surprised if everyone in the family ends up connecting to and using it. It comes in either black or white.
Kindle Paperwhite eReader
Whether it’s for work reports or reading a spicy novel during downtime, the new Kindle Paperwhite eReader is the fastest model to date. Scrolling through your Kindle Library or Store is snappy and responsive, says Amazon, with 25% faster page turns. The display uses an oxide thin film transistor, which gives it the highest contrast ratio of any Kindle Paperwhite, so text and images pop off the screen. A larger, 7-inch display is a first for Kindle Paperwhite, yet the eReader is also the thinnest Kindle Paperwhite ever with up to three months of battery life. Kindle Paperwhite ($185) is waterproof with 16GB of storage for thousands of books and comes in Black. Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition ($230), which comes with 32 GB of storage, optional wireless charging, and auto-adjusting front light, comes in Metallic Raspberry and Metallic Black.
Apple iMac Computer
You might already have a work laptop, provided by the company. For a seamless set-up at home, consider an iMac. This newest model comes equipped with the M4 chip, Apple Intelligence, an ultra-thin design, and new exterior colours. With M4, Apple says the new iMac is up to 1.7 times faster for daily productivity, and up to 2.1 times faster for demanding workflows like photo editing and gaming, compared to iMac with M1. Equipped with a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with a new nano-texture glass option, iMac features a new 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View, up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, and colour-matched accessories that include USB-C. Starting at $1,699 with 16GB of unified memory, it comes with all the Apple Intelligence goodies, with more coming through December 2024.
Google Gemini Advanced
Help them be more productive and enjoy everything AI has to offer with a subscription to the Google Gemini Advanced service. At $27/mo., if you know they’ll use it, it will be worth the investment of under $300 for the year, factoring in that it comes with a one-month trial. They’ll be able to use Gemini across all the most popular applications, including Gmail and Docs, enjoy 2TB storage, and priority access to new features. It will help them create original images of Google Slides, enhance video quality in Google Meet, and hopefully provide tools to help simplify otherwise monotonous of mundane tasks, and gain inspiration for projects.