For most busy executives, work hasn’t slowed during the pandemic, in fact, it’s likely to have increased. A study by Bupa Global, an international health insurer, found that 8 out of 10 business executives have experienced fatigue, disturbed sleep, and a host of other pressures as a result of COVID-19.
So, when considering holiday gifts for these busy execs, consider items that can make their work — and lives — easier.
1. A Healthy Workspace
Sitting is the new smoking, and busy executives sitting for 8 hours a day face an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Standing desks are one option, but if they already have desk, the Flexispot AlcoveRise Standing Desk Converter fits on top of the existing desk, and can raise the work space up to 19.7” higher, which allows them to stand as they work.
When execs are ready to sit back down, the Vari Task Chair has a pivoting backrest that provides lumbar support, and a breathable reinforced mesh back. The chair also swivels, and is easy to assemble.
2. Desktop Essentials
Your busy executive can work easier and be productive with the right tools. The AUZAI Portable Monitor creates a second screen when working on a laptop, tablet, or phone. It comes with a leather stand, and has a screen protector film. The Das Model S Professional Keyboard is a German engineered mechanical keyboard the provides faster and more accurate typing. The glossy black keyboard works with either a PC or Mac.
3. Backpacks and Carrying Cases
For busy executives with a casual style, the Ogio Alpha Convoy Rolltop Backpack is durable with zippered pockets large enough for a 15” laptop and also a tablet. In addition, it has two bottle pockets, adjustable straps, and a luggage handle pass-through.
The Chrome Citizen Messenger Bag, made of nylon and leather, has a weatherproof tarp liner and durable nylon shell. It can hold up to a 17” laptop, and the ergonomic shoulder strap has a quick-release seat belt buckle. Andar’s Leather MacBook Case is customed designed for 2016-20 MacBooks. It easily snaps onto the top and bottom of the laptop and has cut out vents to prevent overheating. In addition to brown, it’s available in black, navy, and camel.
4. Attaches and Hybrid Handbags
For executives who prefer more polished storage and transportation solutions, the Solo New York Fifth Avenue Attache is sure to make a great first impression. The aluminum case has a padded 18.3” laptop compartment and dual combination locks. There’s also an interior organizer section, and the case has a sturdy handle and corner guard protectors.
The Shay Bandolier Bag has 6 components for 11 interchangeable looks. The black leather bag has a crossbody leather strap and can also be carried with the gold chain. There’s also a separate phone case with a shorter leather handle strap and a gold chain. However, the straps for each can be used interchangeably.
5. Desktop Speakers
Did you know that listening to music can contribute to productivity? Creative T100 Compact Speakers are ultra slim, so they won’t take up much space on your executive’s desk. They feature wireless Bluetooth 5.0 and can also play songs directly from USB flash drives. A standard audio cable can be used for analog devices.
The Marshall Kilburn II Bluetooth Speaker is another desktop option. At 5.5 pounds, it’s lightweight but loud, with multidirectional sound. The carrying strap allows the speaker, which has 20 hours of portable playtime, to be carried anywhere, and the water-resistant design and flush mounted corner caps ensure the speaker’s durability.
6. Wearable Wellness
It’s a house shoe … it’s a sneaker … it’s both! Deckers X Lab Ko-Z Slippers are comfortable as house shoes or slippers but the Ecotan sheepskin and Ecotan cow suede leather shoes perform like sneakers. They’re naturally thermoregulated to keep feet at the ideal temperature in every season and are designed for men and women.
The Withings Steel HR Sport Hybrid Smartwatch can help executives stay healthy by measuring how many steps they walk or run, monitor the user’s heart rate, and it’s also waterproof so they can even track swimming. The smartwatch also monitors sleep cycles, has a silent vibrating alarm, and a single battery charge can last up to 25 days.
7. Workout Earbuds
Whether your busy executive is trying to block out noise while working, or needs portable headphones while working out, the Urbanista London Wireless Earbuds have touch control, voice control, and active noise cancelling. They also have a 25-hour battery life, wireless charging, and are water resistant.
The Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earphones are sweat- and water-resistant, and have adjustable secure-fit earhooks for comfort and stability. There are dual audio controls on each earbud, and the earphones provide up to 24 hours of listening time with the charging case.
If your executive prefers neckband headphones, the Aurvana Trio Wireless Neckband Headphones are designed to be comfortable when worn for long periods of time, and have 20 hours of playtime. The noise isolating headphones can also switch seamlessly between devices to listen to music or take phone calls.
8. Video/Camera Gear
Working from home, busy executives may need to take their video and photography skills to the next level. The Creative Live! Camera plugs into a USB port and works within seconds for Zoom, Skype, Messenger, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco WebEx. It has built-in microphones, tilts 360 degrees horizontally and 30 degrees vertically, mounts on laptops and desktop monitors or can be used with a tripod.
The Zhiyun Smooth XS Gimbal stabilizes smartphones for taking photos and videos. It is compatible with both iPhones and Androids and uses gesture control. The gimbal can be used as a handheld (and includes a hand strap) or mounted on the included tripod.
When execs just want to have fun, the Fujifilm Instax Square Instant Film Camera has a selfie mode and selfie mirror, in addition to a landscape mode and also a macro mode for close range subjects. The camera has a light, normal and dark mode, in addition to three flash color filters. Film develops in approximately 90 seconds.
9. Fresh Air
Now that executives are spending more time indoors, it’s important to monitor indoor air quality. The Airthings Wave Plus Radon and Air Quality Monitor connects wirelessly when in range with your phone. Using the Airthings app, the dashboard shows the result of the six sensors that monitor radon, carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds. Temperature, air pressure, and humidity levels are also monitored.
The Oransi mod HEPA Air Purifier uses a medical grade True HEPA filter to remove dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, smoke, VOC, and other allergens. It can quietly purify large areas up to 1,250 square feet, making it ideal for medium to large rooms. Some air purifiers are difficult to operate, but it has simple, intuitive controls, and the recessed handle makes it easy to carry.
10. Kitchen Help
Before the pandemic, many executives probably ate most of their meals during business meetings in restaurants. However, now that they’re spending more time at home, they’ll appreciate meals that require a minimum amount of effort — and hopefully, are also healthy.
The Philips Premium Airfryer XXL, can deep fry foods with 90% less fat, using fat reduction technology that removes and captures excess fat. And even though it’s a fryer, the appliance can also bake, grill, roast, reheat, dehydrate and roast. Another countertop appliance that makes cooking a breeze is the Instant Omni Plus Air Fryer Toaster Oven. It can roast an entire chicken using the included rotisserie accessories, bake and reheat pizza, proof cinnamon rolls, and has 11 smart functions, including toast, slow cook, convect, broil, and reheat.