While the government decides whether to lock us down for Christmas (welp), it’s either back to the office or time to double down on the home one.
Here’s a collection of desirable items, the best desk toys, to make the hours and Zoom calls melt away. Whether it’s surrounding your break time, mental health, creativity or just plain boredom, here are a whole host items that will improve your 9-5... whatever that is.
These are the best desk toys you can surround yourself with. They won't teach you how to use Excel properly, but they will make the work day go that little bit faster.
Additional reporting: Marc Chacksfield
The best desk toys
1. Moment Pebble by Moment
When tech and wellness come together, magic can happen. Perfect for stressful days or just more mindfulness, the hand-finished Moment Pebble helps you take just that, a moment. Wirelessly charged, the LED lights pulsate in time with the desired breathing when you tap it three times.
2. ‘Hex Clutch Pencil - Black Patina’ by Rick Powell
Crafted from a solid 8mm AF brass Hex bar, Rick Powel’s Hex Clutch Pencil is stunning. Not only a joy to write with, but the black patina also softens over time showing your usage, making each one unique to its owner. Easy to get 2mm replacement leads, this is a pencil is worthy of big ideas.
3. JMGO O1 Pro by JMGO
Mental wellbeing is key in any office, but not everyone gets a window. Thanks to the super short-throw crisp projection, you can use the JMGO O1 Pro to recreate a 70” to 110” window to gaze out of and watch the latest movies crystal clear thanks to the Leica partnership. Perfect as another screen for work too, or pair it with something like digital art supplier Sedition, and you have your own Tate Modern in your office. Alexa is built-in, and it’s self-setting up. The world is your oyster.
4. ODD Ball
This one is a lot of fun. It's a ball, the size of a cricket ball, which you can make music with. Simply pair ODD Ball up to your phone, choose the sounds you want it to play and start bouncing the thing around. The harder you bounce, the bigger the sound and there are myriad beats you can choose - you can also record your own, too, which is a lot of fun. To make sure your sonic creations aren't lost when the ball stops bouncing, you can create your own multi layer tracks, record sounds and then share them with your mates.
5. ‘Pluviophile Rain Candle’ by Haeckals
The scent of rain on dry earth is proven to have amazing effects on everything from memory to wellbeing. Exactly what you get when you crush seashells with rainwater, earth, seawater, concrete particles and a little bit of Geosmin (algae to you and us). Get ready for 40 hours of bliss. Apart from smelling amazing, this candle comes with a thick glass surround you can use afterwards. Best of all? The packaging is made from mushrooms.
6. Ferrofluid by Echo Three
Hours of fun, whether you’re just seeing pretty patterns or pretending you’ve captured Venom. Enjoy the 250 grams of Ferrofluid and magnet combo that is perfect for Zoom calls on Thursday afternoon. No batteries required. ;)
7. adidas Originals Superstar by LEGO
Clocking in at 731 pieces, the iconic trainer might not be suitable for little sneaker freaks, but it’ll adorn your desk nicely enough. Each shoe is tagged inside, just like the real thing, so you have a choice keep it original, or customise the outside with other lego. You can even thread and tie the laces, but no, before you ask, you can’t wear them.
8. Yunomi by Joseph Ludkin
Made from Black Vulcan and a grogged terracotta blend of clay, Joseph creates each piece by hand using the Kurinuki hand cutting technique. The result is a cup that not only looks stunning but also inspires you to create rituals around your breaks. Each Yunomi comes nestled in a Tomobako wooden presentation box and is available in multiple sizes and limited editions.
9. Orion Owens limited edition ‘Makena Surf’ by Infinite Objects
Whether you want to relive the fantasy of the Daily Prophet in Harry Potter, you’re an NFT collector or just fancy yourself a bit of an art buff; Infinite Objects have got you covered. A video in a frame doesn’t do it justice (there’s a lot more going on here), but the variety of what’s on offer - including making your own - will get your creative juice flowing. Infinite Objects is the future of art. Now available in bamboo and 10” XL versions.
10. ‘Matcha Maker Kit’ by Cuzen
Matcha bars are popping up around the country, offering weary workers a clean hit of caffeine. Cuzen has created the ultimate way to create fresh matcha in the home with its Matcha Maker Kit. Containing everything you need to make perfect matcha every time, this all-in-one grinder and maker is perfect for novice or expert for a better cup.
11. Snap 2-in1 Magnetic Wireless Charger by Native Union
Keeping tech out of the bedroom is a great way to guarantee (almost) a good nights sleep. Pop this beauty on your desk and hang up the phone and the watch when you’re ready for quality slumber. Made for iPhone 12 and 13 models, the unit provides wireless charging for your phone and your AirPods and AirPods Pro thanks to Magnetic tech. The twistable orientation of the phone charger means the stand also doubles as a great work camera during the day.
- Now your desk is looking awesome, get the best office chair - your back will thank us later.