Home Office Essentials from Amazon Canada
Working from home is awesome.
Over the last decade, I’ve spent the majority of my career working online, so I am no stranger to the WFH lifestyle. Or the home office essentials that go along with it!
I also know that working from home isn't always fun and games. Sure, that 30-second commute is pretty nice, and being able to stay in your sweatpants for the entire day doesn't hurt, but there are some downsides.
For many people, working from home can make them less productive. There are a lot of distractions at home and it's easy to venture away from your desk when no one is watching. Working from home requires some discipline, hard work, and a change of habit. It's important to stick to a routine (I like to use the Pomodoro Technique), change into a comfortable work outfit, let in natural light and most importantly, create a PRODUCTIVE workspace.
There are a TON of amazing home office essentials on Amazon Canada to help you design the perfect workspace and stay productive while working from home. Here is a list of my favourite pieces, all of which I use almost every single day.
Seat Cushion: Everlasting Comfort Cushion
The Everlasting Comfort Seat Cushion gets the first spot on the list of home office essentials on Amazon Canada.
Have you ever been sitting down so long that when you get up, your back hurts?
This will stop that from ever happening again.
It's made out of memory foam and designed to relieve all pressure from your tailbone, legs, and back. The cover is removable and machine-washable. Best of all, it's extremely comfortable and makes my mediocre office chair feel like a million bucks! And it comes with a lifetime replacement warranty.
Monitor Stand: SimpleHouseware Metal Monitor Stand
Not only are monitor stands great for ergonomics, but they can also be used for desk organization!
I love the SimpleHouseware monitor stand in particular because it does both. It raises your computer monitor to a comfortable viewing height, thus reducing neck, back, and eye strain.
It also comes with a sliding drawer and two side pockets. You can hide all of the items cluttering your desk into the stand and have a clean workspace! I'm currently using another (more basic) monitor stand that does the trick for now but would love to upgrade to this one in the future.
Laptop Stand: Rain Design mStand
This laptop stand is great for ergonomics and raising your laptop to the ideal height.
The Rain Design mStand in particular is designed to match the colour of your Macbook perfectly. It is SO sleek and stylish. This was actually my very first "mobile office" purchase about 6 years ago. It's travelled with me to many different countries without fail.
It's made of aluminum, which is extremely sturdy and actually helps to cool your laptop down. Plus, there's a cable organizer in the back to keep all of the wires out of sight!
Virtual Assistant/Photo Frame/Media Player: Amazon Echo Show
The Amazon Echo Show might have been designed as an alarm clock replacement for your nightstand, but I think it works better on a desk! Here's why it makes my list of best home office essentials on Amazon Canada:
It's a virtual assistant. I am always asking Alexa to look things up for me while working. Need a definition, translation, recipe or directions? She's got you covered. Plus, you can also connect it to your home devices and ask her to start the coffee maker or turn off the lights.
It's a photo frame. By uploading some of your favourite photos to your Amazon account, you can turn the Echo Show into a digital photo frame.
It's an all-in-one media player. The Echo Show connects to your Spotify and Amazon Prime accounts. You can easily listen to your favourite music (just tell her what playlist you want to hear) or watch your favourite Prime shows. Does this help minimize distractions while working? No, but you have to take breaks sometimes!
Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Set: Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard
Investing in ergonomic office accessories is honestly my number one home office essential for anyone working from home.
You are spending a lot of time sitting at your desk! Give your body a break and use home office essentials that are designed with your comfort in mind. That includes your keyboard and mouse!
This Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Set has a split-keyboard design that helps promote natural hand and wrist position. There is a cushioned palm rest, and a separate number pad and the mouse has a little thumb scoop.
I have been using this for over 5 years and it's held up wonderfully. Windows users can benefit from easy app navigation, but I actually use this with my Macbook instead (the Magic Keyboard sucks). Keep in mind that because of the design, this set takes a bit of getting used to at first, but pretty soon using ANY other keyboard will be a pain. Literally.
Under Desk Foot Rest: Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Foot Rest
An under-desk footrest helps keep your feet and legs in a comfortable position while you're sitting down.
The Everlasting Comfort Foot Rest is made by the same company and has the same memory foam material as the seat cushion that I mentioned earlier. It molds perfectly to your feet, has a non-slip bottom, and can even be flipped upside down to use as a rocker.
A footrest like this is extremely important for anyone who has their feet dangling or not sitting flat against the ground. Do a quick test! With your back fully against the back of your seat, do your feet sit flat on the ground comfortably? If not, add this to your cart now!
Although I don't have this exact same footrest, my boyfriend does and I steal it from him often. Needless to say, it's on my Christmas wishlist this year!
Salt Lamp: Levoit Humalayan Salt Lamp
Himalayan salt lamps supposedly have a number of health and environmental benefits. They can enhance your breathing, cleanse the air of any toxins, sharpen your concentration, reduce stress, and improve your sleep.
The Levoit Himalayan Salt Lamp also looks really pretty and gives off the perfect amount of light. I like having this as one of my work-from-home accessories because it puts me in a good mood and gives off the same effect as a warm candle. Pleasant and relaxing!
Essential Oil Diffuser: Asakuni Premium Essential Oil Diffuser
While on the topic of improving the air quality & atmosphere in your home office, try out this Asakuni Essential Oil Diffuser!
It's a multifunctional device that moistens your skin, humidifies the air, reinforces your immunity, and relieves stress. Plus, it makes your office smell amazing and comes with a variety of different lighting modes, to complement your salt lamp!
I use this set of Pure Aroma aromatherapy oils with the diffuser. It comes in a set of 6 and the peppermint is my favorite.
Sticky Notes: Post It Notes (Bali Colours)
If you're anything like me, you’re constantly jotting down ideas throughout your workday. Whether I'm trying to remember talking points for a zoom call, brainstorming an article, or have the sudden inspiration to write out tomorrow's Costco list, I always like to have a pad of sticky notes handy!
Post-It notes are a home office essential and one of my most-used work-from-home accessories. My favourite is this Post-It pack, specifically in the Bali colours because what's the point of using sticky notes if you don't enjoy the colours.
For online students, I also recommend getting a pack of these Red-Tag-Divider sticky notes. These are a LIFESAVER when it comes to studying, especially if you don't like to write or mark up your textbook. I use these to summarize units and write out study plans for upcoming tests.
Cozy Blanket: AmazonBasics Sherpa Throw
Because working from home is better when you're cozy!
I like to drape this AmazonBasics Sherpa Throw on the back of my office chair so that it's always easily accessible. It matches the theme of my home office and it always keeps me warm on cold days. It's also good to have for those times when your fingers are freezing because they're exposed to your keyboard and mouse.
Wrap them up in your blanket sporadically and you will suffer from "cold mouse hand" no more! I have it in the colour "plum".
Blue Light Glasses: LifeArt Blue Light Blocking Glasses in Tortoise
These are one of those items that I was always super skeptical about until I tried them out for myself. I suffer from eye strain and headaches if I'm at the computer for too long, but these LifeArt blue light glasses have helped SO much.
They reflect blue light, prevent colour distortion, reduce your eye strain and help you sleep better at night. Anyone who spends a lot of time on the computer needs to get a pair of these ASAP! They are a home office essential and one of the best work-from-home accessories to have.
Plus, they are super lightweight and look amazing on pretty much anyone. I would be lying if I said I haven't worn these out of the house just for the aesthetic.
Tumbler: Ello Kella Glass Tumbler With Straw
I'm the type of person that won't remember to drink enough water unless it's right in front of me. So if you're anything like me, it's important that you keep a glass of water at your desk.
My boyfriend bought me this Ello Kella Glass Tumbler for Christmas 2 years ago and it's held up great. It has a straw, which encourages me to keep sipping on water throughout the day. It's also clean, safe, and BPA-free. Plus, everything tastes better in a glass!
Monitor: HP 22er 21.5-inch LED Backlit Monitor
Let's face it. When you're working from home, it can be kind of difficult to squish everything onto one small screen. I am a HUGE fan of using a dual monitor setup because you get so much more screen space to work with.
In fact, I take things one step further by actually "split screening" my programs on the external monitor while using my Macbook Pro. It gives me three columns to work with. I can catch up on emails, do some research, and have a Cozy Cabin ASMR ambiance video going at the same time.
There are so many different monitors to choose from and this really comes down to personal preference, like the size, design, and specs. I chose the HP 22er LED Backlit Monitor because it (surprise, surprise) matches my Macbook Pro perfectly. I like to have cohesion in my home office setup.
I've been using this monitor for about 3 years and it's wonderful. Simply use a dual HDMI cord to connect it to your laptop and you're all set.
Stapler: Swingline Value Pack
This is one of those small items that I always took for granted at the office. Who knew that I actually used a stapler this often? But it's true! This is a must-have item especially if you own a printer or need to complete any physical paperwork for work or school.
I bought this Swingline Standard Stapler Value Pack a couple of years ago and use it all the time. It's probably the best quality stapler I've ever used. The best part is that the pack comes with 5,000 staples, so you don't have to worry about buying refills for a LONG time.
USB Headset: Logitech H390 Wired ClearChat Comfort
As someone who partakes in many zoom meetings and online calls each week, I can tell you there is nothing more frustrating than when you can't hear one person or their audio is choppy. A USB headset is a must-have work-from-home accessory in 2023.
I actually got this Logitech H390 Wired Set through work last year and it has been a lifesaver. It has comfortable ear cushions, a 6-ft long cable, and a little controller for muting the microphone, which works great on Zoom. The microphone is also very clear and I always get compliments on how well I sound when speaking and doing presentations.
Printer: Anything HP (to use Instant Ink)
I will be the first to admit that I took the printer at my work office for granted.
Important email? Print it.
Talking points to remember during an upcoming meeting? Print that too.
New recipe I want to try out? To the printer!
Once I started working from home full-time, it dawned on me that I no longer have access to a printer. At first, I would go to the library or a friend's house, but then the pandemic hit, and those weren't an option either.
Earlier this year, I caved and bought my first printer. An HP 2655 All-in-One printer that was on sale for $25 at Grand & Toy, so I price-matched it at Staples. I found that Amazon Canada didn't have great prices (or much availability) on printers, so it might be better to go to an actual store for this item.
Check out your local flyers and price match if you need to.I encourage you to buy an HP printer because they have an AMAZING program called HP Instant Ink, which is essentially an ink cartridge subscription service. The printer sends ink level information to HP and when you start running low, they will automatically mail you a new cartridge. The best part about the program is that the prices are so reasonable. Check out the price chart It's in Canadian dollars.
Please feel free to sign up for HP Instant Ink using my referral link here as you will get one FREE month for enrolling. I'll get a free month too, so it's a win-win situation for both of us.
Final Thoughts
I hope this post gave you some ideas & inspiration for designing your home office and filling it with the best work-from-home accessories and home office essentials. If you have any favourite home office essentials, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We can use this post as a community resource with our favourite finds!