"In the age of work-from-home, digital planners, and the Reminders app, it can be easy to assume that the golden days of office supplies are behind us. However, no matter how much time I spend on my laptop and phone, there will always be a part of me that loves the feeling of cracking open a new notebook, clicking a brand-new pen, or writing my name on the first page of a physical planner. There’s just something about those desktop essentials—from cute pens and pencils to notebooks to an aesthetically pleasing stapler—that never stops feeling special. And hey, now that our worlds are mostly on our computer screens, there is a whole slew of fun tech-related desk essentials to add to the list of items that romanticize the heck out of logging on each morning.
Here, we’re sharing the desk essentials that our team considers to be key for getting us through the work week. Whether you’re looking for the best planner recommendation on the market or you need a good laptop stand to get you through Q4, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the desk essentials our editors just can’t live without.
I am incredibly aware of how draining it can be to stare at a computer screen all day because, well, I am a victim of it. My eyes like to remind me after one or three too many hours that enough is enough by burning, getting blurry, and feeling just straight up uncomfortable, and the only thing that helps me avoid this is blue light glasses. This pack from Amazon is inexpensive, comes in a bunch of color combinations, and is a saving grace for my sensitive eyeballs, so I can’t recommend them enough!
—Hailey, Assistant Editor
It’s a running joke in the office that, if I’m wearing my AirPods Max, I cannot be bothered. When I put on the noise-cancelling function of these headphones, good luck trying to chat to me because I simply cannot hear you. Because I’m easily distracted by outside noise, these are a must if I want to be even slightly productive. Headphones on, world off, ya feel?
—Ashley, Brand Partnerships Manager
I literally would not get anything done without being able to physically write down my schedule and to-do list on paper. This monthly/weekly planner has exactly the amount of space that I need to plan out all of my tasks without feeling like I’m lugging around a huge book in my bag at all times.
—Emma, Podcast & Editorial Assistant
I worked retail at a stationery store for a year straight—trust me, these are the best fineliner pens on the market. Not only do they come in tons of fun colors, they also last longer than most other pens I’ve tried, and they don’t bleed through the other side of paper. These are essential for me when it comes to working in my paper planner.
—Emma, Podcast & Editorial Assistant
I am one of those people who simply cannot get any work done whatsoever unless she is sipping a beverage. Water is the essential, which is why you will never catch me sitting down at my desk without a gigantic water bottle. I love that the size of this water bottle means that I am not constantly having to leave my desk in order to stay sufficiently hydrated. Plus, it never spills in my bag when I bring it into the office.
—Emma, Podcast & Editorial Assistant
When you’re sitting at the desk for long periods of time, you should also be making sure you’re staying hydrated. Enter: this electrolyte drink mix that allows you to hydrate on a deeper level than plain water alone. There are a lot of electrolyte drinks and supplements out there that are full of added sugars, dyes, and toxins, so these electrolytes from Moon Juice are an editor favorite–it tastes like watermelon and contains added minerals and coconut water for natural electrolytes your body can absorb.
—Josie, Podcast Host & Wellness Editor
When it comes to maintaining good posture while working, I need all the help I can get. A monitor stand helps ensure that my screen is at the right height so I’m not slumping over as I type all day. I love that this one is sleek in shape and made of see-through acrylic, so it doesn’t make my desk area look too busy or crowded. Plus, it includes an extra shelf where I can stash my planner and a pen within easy reach.
—Jessica, Lifestyle Editor
One thing about me is I cannot sit in one place all day. This portable mini desk makes my wfh situation way more flexible. I can pop it on my desk for a makeshift standing situation, take it to the couch, or even bring it with me outside. If I’m feeling really goofy, I’ll set up in the middle of the kitchen floor just to mess with my roommates. Regardless of where I am, this little guy helps me have a more functional set up.
—Abi, Social Media Assistant
I move all around the house when I work from home and this bamboo table is perfect for when I want to work from my armchair or couch. I can place my laptop on the table so I’m not working with it in my lap and craning my neck. It’s large enough to fit all my beverages that I sip on throughout the day as well. The table is light and the feet slide right under the chair or couch so that you can easily move it around and pull it as close to you as you want.
—Cassie, Social Media Editor
I hunted for the best-looking laptop stand for ages before finally landing on this beautiful one from Twelve South. A laptop stand is essential for ergonomic purposes, but they don’t often fit into an aesthetic. This one is understated and simple. It’s a little pricier than other options, but so worth it.
—Garri Chaverst, Senior Managing Editor
I take my ergonomics very seriously. So much of my job involves typing, so I really have no choice. This is the most beautiful yet ergonomic keyboard rest and mouse pad set I’ve come across. When it comes time to replace it, I’ll be repurchasing this set ASAP.
—Garri, Senior Managing Editor
A giant mouse pad has been a major game-changer for my desk set-up, I can’t imagine working without one. Not only does my bluetooth mouse have free-range over a large area, but the pad also creates a satisfying atmosphere to get work done. It’s easy to clean, and comes in multiple colors to perfectly pair with my other color-coordinated tech accessories.
—Bella, Fashion Editorial Assistant
Since I work on my phone throughout the day, having this phone holder on my desk has been a game changer so I don’t have to physically hold my phone in my hand all day. It allows me to both work on my laptop and look up content on my phone as needed.
—Keely, Senior Social Media Editor
I needed some extra lighting for my home office, but I didn’t want a utilitarian desk lamp ruining the vibe. Instead, I opted for this mini table lamp from Target, which looks chic enough for the living room but works perfectly on my desk. Especially on days when it’s gloomy outside, I like to pop on this little lamp instead of turning on the overhead light. It makes my workspace feel super cozy, and at just over a foot tall, it’s the perfect size to keep on my desk.
—Jessica, Lifestyle Editor
When I was in high school, the only way I could get myself to sit down at my desk and power through my SAT studying was if I lit an aesthetic scented candle at my desk. Apparently, I’ve carried that habit into adulthood, because I now find it challenging to focus while working from home without a candle of some kind burning while I check off my to-do list.
—Emma, Podcast & Editorial Assistant
My desk is the place I do the majority of my writing and brainstorming, so I like to feel inspired while I sit there. I’ve filled this bulletin board with photoshoots, headlines, and pictures of friends and family to give my workspace a totally personal feel.
—Madeline Galassi, Fashion Editor