Are you looking to spruce up your workspace with some fun and functional accessories? The right office toys and gadgets can provide a welcome distraction, spark your creativity, and even boost your productivity. As someone who spends long hours at a desk, I‘m always on the hunt for quirky products to keep me energized and engaged throughout the day.
After plenty of hands-on testing, I‘ve rounded up my top picks for the 7 best office toys and gadgets you can buy today. Whether you‘re working from home or gradually transitioning back to the office, these nifty finds are sure to elevate your 9-to-5 life. Let‘s dive in!
1. Anker Wireless Charging Mouse Pad
If a cluttered desk covered in charging cables is cramping your style, the Anker Wireless Charging Mouse Pad is a game-changer. This sleek, double-sided mouse pad has a soft black top for smooth cursor control and a gray felt bottom hiding a 10W max wireless charging spot.
Simply place any Qi-enabled smartphone, earbuds case, or other device on the marked corner and power up while you work. I love how this practical pad frees up precious USB ports on my laptop and keeps my iPhone in easy reach. The anti-slip rubber base ensures the pad stays put, even during intense gaming sessions. Snag this handy 2-in-1 for just $25.99 on Amazon.
2. HEYTECH Desktop Punching Bag
Need to blow off some steam after a stressful meeting or challenging project? The HEYTECH Desktop Punching Bag is the perfect tool to unleash your frustrations in a healthy way. This mini stress-relief gadget comes with a powerful suction cup that securely attaches the punching bag to your desk.
At just under 6 inches tall, the set includes two foam "boxing gloves" you can slip onto your pointer fingers before jabbing away at the spring-supported bag. I find a quick 30-second punching session is an instant mood booster and helps me refocus when my energy starts to dip. Join the "fight club" for only $12.99 on Amazon.
3. Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
There‘s nothing worse than a good cup of coffee or tea going cold because you got caught up in work. Ember‘s high-tech smart mug is the solution, keeping your beverage warm for up to 1.5 hours on a single charge. The mug connects to an app on your phone where you can set your ideal drinking temperature between 120°F – 145°F.
The sleek, minimalist design comes in black or white and includes a matching charging coaster. An LED light indicates when your drink is ready and the mug automatically wakes up when it senses liquid or movement. This pick is pricier at $129.99 on Amazon, but I think it‘s a worthwhile splurge for hot beverage lovers. Never suffer through lukewarm coffee again!
4. JUKKRE Cute Animal Cable Bites
Bring some whimsy to your workspace with these adorable animal-shaped cable bites. The colorful silicone pieces slip onto your charging cords, securing them in place with tiny teeth and making them look like an elephant‘s trunk, shark‘s jaw, or one of four other cute creatures.
Not only do the cable bites add a playful touch, but they also prevent your wires from slipping off the desk or getting tangled. This set of 6 bites is an inexpensive way to accessorize your electronics at just $8.99 on Amazon. In my opinion, this small detail makes a big impact and is sure to put a smile on your face every time you sit down at your computer.
5. Jobonge LED Pomodoro Timer Cube
Time management is crucial when working from home and the Pomodoro Technique is my productivity secret weapon. This involves breaking your day into focused 25-minute work sessions, followed by a 5-minute break. The compact Jobonge LED Timer Cube makes it easy to implement this method and stay on track.
With a simple flip, the digital display alternates between 25 and 5 minutes, counting down with glowing red numbers. The cube is made of durable plastic and has a non-slip bottom. I like to keep mine right next to my keyboard as a visual reminder to take breaks and celebrate each Pomodoro I complete. Boost your efficiency for $19.97 on Amazon.
6. Sphero Mini App-Enabled Robotic Ball
Robotics and gaming collide in this ping pong-sized toy you control with your smartphone. Equipped with a gyroscope, accelerometer, and colorful LED lights, the Sphero Mini whizzes around your desk responding to the tilt, touch, and facial expressions you make using the companion app.
There‘s even a pre-programmed autonomous mode that lets the ball explore on its own when you need to buckle down and focus. I enjoy challenging my coworkers to obstacle courses and races during our breaks for some friendly competition. With a 45-minute battery life and over 1 hour of charge time, this tiny bot supplies plenty of entertainment for $49.99 on Amazon.
7. MindPanda Bamboo Desktop Zen Garden
Bring the soothing vibes of a zen garden right to your desk with the MindPanda Bamboo set. Inside the sleek wooden box, you‘ll find fine white sand, two types of rakes, and assorted decorative rocks. The act of combing patterns into the sand and arranging the stones is incredibly calming and centering.
I reach for my zen garden anytime I‘m feeling overwhelmed or creatively blocked, spending a few minutes absorbed in the meditative process. The natural materials and minimalist design blend in beautifully with any office aesthetic. Cultivate more mindfulness in your workday for $34.97 on Amazon.
Factors to Consider When Buying Office Toys & Gadgets
With so many fun and functional products on the market, how do you narrow down the best picks for your workspace? Here are some key factors to keep in mind as you shop:
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Space: Measure your desk and consider how much room you‘re willing to dedicate to toys and gadgets. Opt for compact, multi-functional items that won‘t create clutter.
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Price: Set a budget for your office accessories and prioritize which features matter most to you. Some high-tech gadgets are worth the splurge, while simpler toys can be just as satisfying at lower price points.
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Noise: If you share an office or participate in frequent video calls, avoid gadgets that produce loud noises or sudden movements that could distract your coworkers. Look for quiet ways to keep yourself entertained.
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Portability: For hybrid work arrangements, choose lightweight toys that are easy to transport between your home and the office. Skip oversized items or those requiring extensive setup.
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Functionality: Aim for accessories that serve a practical purpose in addition to being playful, such as organizing your desk, tracking time, or reducing stress. Bonus points for gadgets you‘ll actually use on a daily basis!
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Fun Factor: At the end of the day, the goal is to make your workday a little more enjoyable. Pick toys that cater to your interests, whether that‘s fidgeting, building, gaming, or beyond. Your inner child will thank you!
The Bottom Line on Office Toys & Gadgets
Investing in the right office toys and gadgets is a simple way to combat burnout, boredom, and the daily grind. By mixing practical tools with pure fun, you can create a workspace that‘s uniquely yours and keeps you excited to "clock in" each day. Remember, play isn‘t just for kids – adults need downtime and moments of levity to do their best work too.
I hope this roundup has inspired you to treat yourself and your desk to an upgrade. Whether you splurge on a high-tech accessory or budget-friendly toy, make sure it puts a smile on your face and some pep in your keyboard-tapping fingers. With the perfect combination of gadgets at your disposal, you‘ll be well on your way to a happier, healthier relationship with your job.
So go ahead and give yourself permission to play! Your productivity (and sanity) will thank you. Here‘s to building an office oasis you love spending time in, one quirky contraption at a time.
