Who would've thought that we would all be searching for the best work from home gifts still to this day? Due to the negligence of our government, what we thought would be two weeks of stay-at-home-orders back in March has dragged on into almost a year. During each month that has passed either incredibly fast or painstakingly slow, we have somehow managed to find (to some extent) solace in the little things (even if quarantine fatigue keeps looming).
From anxiety-relieving crafting and copious banana bread baking (remember that?) to investing in a ring light and learning all the dances to our fave TikTok songs, by now, we've noticed that working from home is more than just revamping our workspace. Yes, we need to make sure we have the obvious essentials (like a standing desk converter, a printer, and a laptop) but it's been a handful of less obvious items that have helped us pull through.
Who knew we needed roller skates to burn out the stress after a long workday? Where have mushroom-shaped desk lamps been all of our lives? Crocs are now extremely cool. Plus, self-care has gone beyond the tried-and-true face masks. That's why we've curated this gift guide; to collate the best gifts from not only the shops, designers, and brands we loved this year but that you, our dear Teen Vogue reader, loved as well.
From items you forgot you had enjoyed way back when (aka. seven months ago) and you know your friends and loved ones will still enjoy to items you didn't know you needed, there is plenty work from home gifts for everyone on your list (and at every price point!) since staying indoors will still be our reality come 2021, and we all need friendly reminders to look at the brighter side of things.
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Technology has been one of 2020's MVPs. Not only has it allowed us to stay connected with everyone while we felt most apart but it has also found new ways of entertaining us. Whether you want to convert into e-reading with an Amazon Kindle, discover new ways of creating #content (our mirror selfie game is top tier now), or simply blast your Spotify 2020 Wrapped playlist, these tech essentials would look great under your tree (or as a surprise shipment on somebody's front door).
Before “self-care” became a mass marketing strategy, the term has always meant different things to different people. That statement rings truer than ever these days. During a pandemic, the perception of what you value can be shaken to its core, but the one thing that should never take the back seat is your mental health. Whether you (or those you love) need a reminder to take a five-minute breather and stretch out with a Lululemon foam roller (to use with your flared leggings of choice), need a reminder to stay hydrated with an aesthetically pleasing water bottle from Lund London, have to make amends with your newfound maskne with cute pimple patches from Starface, lather your body with love in form of lotion with 54 Thrones moisturizer, or decide now's the perfect time to buy your first vibrator… these gifts below will hopefully become part of somebody's self-care routine.
When the whole world became our rooms, it was time to get creative. For some, that meant going back to basics and selling out puzzles and board games. For others, it was picking up new hobbies.
If you have somebody on your list that wants to master new DIY skills, keep their brain juice flowing and their blood pumping (roller skating is a workout!), these gifts are the ones – especially if they wanted to try them all this time but they've never been in stock. Don't get too comfortable though, in a blink of an eye, these will all be back-ordered again and won't arrive before the holidays!
The line between beauty and self-care is very thin, and gifting beauty products during the holidays can be a slippery slope. However, you can't go wrong with the necessities and a few indispensable add-ons. From our all-time favorite Nécessaire body wash and Glossier's Bomb Dot Com lip balm to the foolproof red lip from clean beauty brand Kosas and shiny nail polish from J.Hannah that will get anyone into the Holiday spirit, these gift sets are ideal for those focusing on the basics first but still wanting that old razzle-dazzle holiday glam. And added bonus? They already come in great packaging, which means that not only are they more sustainable but there is one less thing for the gifter to worry about!
“Staring at the ceiling" this year became “staring-at-the-plant-in-the-corner-of-my-room-that's-holding-onto-its-dear-life” (a metaphor, maybe?), or “staring-at-the-decor-that-I've-clearly-outgrown.” By now, we have all shifted gears and made sure we have the best products to help keep our at-home workspaces organized, but the small décor trinkets that bring the most joy haven't taken their deserved spotlight yet. That's why the giftee of these home décor gifts will love you forever.
You can't go wrong when gifting these small but mighty items. Piecework's Puzzles make for unique artwork when you frame them after completion. The destination books from Books with Style are ideal for the traveler in your life that can't wait to fly again. Bouquets from small independent brands like Oat Cinnamon instantly brighten the neglected corner of your space. If you want to give your green-thumb a second try, The Sill plants are waiting for their new home, and funky candles can even make your pile of college books looks chic. Simple sometimes packs a punch, take our word for it!
Ah, the fashion realm… Note how we highlighted accessories and not clothing. We are not going to fool anybody by acting as if we haven't been wearing anything but loungewear this year. Gifting sweatpants or matching sets to friends who already have their drawers filled to the brim is wasteful. Instead, why not try out highlighting their personalities through accessories?
If a friend dropped hints that they check their phone too often, even if it's just to check the time, this stylish watch and scrunchie combo from Breda and KkCo is the perfect gift and will certainly look great with a pair of slacks. Baggu's reusable bags are the cherry on top for that person in your life who loves wearing prints on prints and is all for eco-friendly products. And last but not least, bring out the inner shoebie in anyone with a foolproof socks and sandals moment. Extra points if the socks are tie-dye and the “sandals” are actually platform Crocs. You see? We have you covered!
WFH has also been synonymous with cooking at home. We've channeled our inner baristas, chefs, and bakers and proudly showcased our trusty pans, matcha whiskers, and mugs filled with trendy TikTok coffee trends. But some still rely on take-out.
If you know somebody who wants to leave their delivery ways behind, these are great gift ideas and there's something for everyone. If they are already somewhat a pro but need more inspo? Cookbooks are, dare we say, ~chef's kiss~. If they want to keep their snack runs to a minimum? MunchPak allows you to gift them from five to twenty snacks from around the world every one to three months. Do they already own their own Chamberlain Coffee Cold Brew Addict Bundle? Then convert them to the wonderful world of matcha with Golde's Make Your Matcha Kit. But if they're truly a beginner and don't have a little rat to help them create an exquisite French dish (but they're all for the Ratatouille TikTok musical), Our Place's Always Pan has eight traditional pieces of cookware all in one. You can even throw a cute sponge as a last-minute stocking gift. Options!
Credits:
Photography: Louisiana Gelpi
Art Direction: Emily Zirimis
Prop Assistant: Liz Coulbourn
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