The Best Office Supplies for 2024

Office supplies are a necessary part of any workspace. Although often taken for granted, they play an important role in boosting productivity and efficiency.

For example, a well-stocked supply closet can help ensure you have the materials you need to do your job, while a lack of supplies can lead to frustration and lost time. If you have a home office, you know how important it is to have what you need within arm’s reach so you can stay focused and productive without searching for a pen or sticky note.

If your office desk is looking cluttered, could a desk organizer or a wireless keyboard and mouse help? Maybe you’re experiencing fatigue from standing or sitting for long periods and could use a seat cushion or laptop stand to help improve your posture and comfort.

This article explores the best high-quality office supplies for 2024.

Coffee maker

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Who doesn’t love the smell of fresh coffee? A coffee maker is a must-have for any office to get you through the workday. You have a variety of options to choose from.

If you have a small office, consider a single-serve coffee maker. These machines brew one cup at a time, so there’s no need to worry about making a pot of coffee that will go stale before it’s finished. Choose from pour-over, French press, pod espresso machines, or many other varieties.

For a larger office, a coffee maker with a built-in water tank can be handy. This type of machine can brew multiple cups of coffee at once, so you’ll always have fresh coffee on hand. Even if you work from home (WFH), a coffee maker is essential for any office.

Check out the best-selling coffee makers on Amazon.

Noise-canceling headphones

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In many of today’s offices, finding a moment of peace and quiet can be difficult. Constant chatter, phone and computer notifications, and background noise can make focusing on work difficult.

Noise-canceling headphones are a great investment if you want to improve your ability to concentrate and focus on work. Research from UNSW Sydney showed that “performance when using noise-canceling headphones was significantly better in both the single-task and dual-task condition compared to using no headphones.”

Headphones block distractions and help you stay focused and productive in your workspace. Even if you’re working from home, noise-canceling headphones can help provide a necessary separation from sounds made by family members or roommates.

When shopping for noise-canceling headphones, look for a pair that’s comfortable to wear and has long battery life. Choose from a wide selection of headphones on Amazon.

Wireless keyboard and mouse

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If you’re tired of being tethered to your office desk by a wired keyboard and mouse, consider investing in a wireless set. Wireless keyboards and mice give you the freedom to move around, so you can stay comfortable while you work.

They also eliminate the need for messy cables, making your workspace more organized, minimalist, efficient, and attractive. When shopping for a wireless keyboard and mouse, look for a set compatible with your operating system and with a long battery life.

A wireless keyboard and mouse can provide more flexibility and portability. If you work at a desk often, you can also put a non-slip desk pad under your keyboard so it doesn’t move around while you type. Of course, you might need a mouse pad, too, to enhance the performance of your wireless mouse.

Find wireless mouse and keyboard combos at Walmart and many other retailers.

Humidifier

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A humidifier is one office product you may not think of immediately. If you live in a dry climate or if your office has central heating, you know how quickly the air can become dry and unpleasantly warm. A humidifier can help combat this by adding moisture to the air.

According to Healthline, humidifiers can help prevent dry skin, static electricity, and other problems that occur when the air is too dry. A little humidity may also make your office feel more comfortable and inviting.

When shopping for a humidifier, look for one with a large water tank so you won’t need to fill it too frequently. A humidifier can help you stay comfortable and productive in your workplace, whether working from home or at an office.

Check Amazon for the best office humidifiers.

Laptop stand

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If you use a laptop, your office setup isn’t complete without a laptop stand. Laptops aren’t always the best choice for posture when it comes to working. If you work at a desk in your home office, a laptop stand will raise your screen to eye level, helping you avoid neck strain.

A laptop stand will also keep your computer cool and prevent it from overheating, which can cause inefficiencies. When shopping for a laptop stand, look for one that’s adjustable and has a non-slip surface. Because of their portability, laptop stands are also great for working from different rooms of your home or if you have a hybrid job where you need to frequently set up in different locations.

Make a selection from the variety of options for laptop stands and risers at Staples.

Air purifier

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An air purifier can improve the air quality in your office space, making the environment more comfortable and inviting. Air purifiers remove airborne contaminants like dust, pollen, and smoke. This can help reduce allergy and respiratory problems.

When shopping for an air purifier, look for one that’s effective at removing a variety of contaminants. An air purifier can help you breathe easier and stay productive in your office.

Amazon has a wide array of air purifier options.

Day planner

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This is one desk accessory that is both stylish and functional. A day planner can help you stay organized so you’re on track day after day. It can be a great way to keep track of important dates, deadlines, and meetings as well as notes to yourself.

Eliminate all the clutter from sticky notes and Post-its with important dates and meetings by using a planner instead. When shopping for a day planner, look for one with plenty of space for notes and reminders. If you can, open it and look at the layout to find one that best suits your preference and needs. If you prefer to have more visually appealing options, some planners even come with stickers that might make tackling your to-do list a bit more fun.

You can find a great selection of day planners at Walmart.

Notepads

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Did you know that taking notes helps you learn? According to research, note-taking on paper can help you pay attention, focus, and engage with the topic better than taking notes on a laptop.

Making a habit of using notepads can help you retain information from meetings. They’re also perfect for jotting down ideas and making to-do lists. You can grab notepads at any office supply store or store where they sell school supplies.

P.S. Don’t forget index cards too, especially if you give a lot of speaches.

Multicolor pens

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While you’re taking notes, a really good ballpoint pen is a treasure. But did you know that color can help your memory? Using multicolor pens can help you retain information better. Here’s more research, this time showing that taking notes on paper leads to more brain activity when remembering the information an hour later.

These types of pens can come in handy for color-coding your to-do lists or taking notes in different colors. When shopping for multicolor pens, look for ones that have non-smudging ink and are comfortable to hold. While gel pens may be nostalgic and look fun, be mindful of how well they may dry to avoid smudging.

You can find multicolor pens at any office supply store like Office Depot.

Water bottle

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Staying hydrated is important, especially when you’re working. Proper hydration can help reduce daytime fatigue, while dehydration can lead to headaches and decreased memory, according to The Association of UK Dieticians. A water bottle can help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

When shopping for a water bottle, look for one made from durable materials and with a leak-proof lid. With endless design options like rose gold and matte black, you can easily find the perfect one that brightens your office while it keeps you operating at peak performance levels.

Amazon has a ton of styles, sizes, and types to consider.

Seat cushion

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Not every office chair is comfortable or ergonomic. If you sit for long periods, a seat cushion can make your desk chair more comfortable. It can also help you maintain a good posture and avoid back pain. With how much time you spend sitting in your office furniture, this is a great accessory to add.

According to Healthline, prolonged sitting can contribute to back pain, tight muscles, and overall poor posture. Be sure you’re getting up and stretching at least once an hour. While you’re seated, a seat cushion can help minimize pressure on the lower back and hips, possibly reducing pain and encouraging a better sitting posture.

When shopping for a seat cushion, look for one made from comfortable materials that provides back support. Especially if you work from home, you want to make sure your space is as comfortable and supported as possible. Check out these 10 tips for choosing the right seat cushion before purchasing.

Amazon offers a wide range of styles, materials, and sizes.

Desk organizer

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A desk organizer is a great way to keep your desk tidy and functional. It can help you stay productive by keeping your supplies sorted and within reach. We like desk organizers with compartments for all the essentials: paper clips, staplers, highlighters, tape dispensers, pens, and more.

When shopping for a desk organizer, look for one made from durable materials like bamboo or wire mesh with plenty of compartments and drawers for your desk essentials.

Check out desk organizers from Staples.

Ring light

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A ring light is one of those gadgets that may not come to mind when thinking of office supplies, but it’s a game-changer. If you work from home or often use your laptop in low-light conditions, a ring light can help illuminate your work area. A ring light can also be good for webcam calls or Zoom meetings.

When shopping for a ring light, look for one that’s adjustable and comes with a stand. Forbes even provided a list of the best ring lights for Zoom.

Standing desk anti-fatigue mat

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If you spend a lot of time standing at your desk, an anti-fatigue desk mat can help reduce discomfort and fatigue. These mats are designed to provide support and cushioning for your feet and legs.

After standing for only 90 minutes, you may start feeling discomfort and stiffness in your legs and feet due to lowered blood flow. Anti-fatigue mats help avoid this by lowering the amount of static standing you do by shifting your weight and making subtle leg motions to balance. This helps maintain blood flow and forces you to change positions.

When shopping for an anti-fatigue desk mat, look for one made with plenty of padding that’s easy to clean. The majority of anti-fatigue mats are made of vinyl (PVC), rubber, polyurethane, or a blend of the first two.

West Elm carries some luxury choices that are highly functional and can complement your room decor.

Filing cabinets

If your file folders are piling up, it might be time to invest in a filing cabinet. Filing cabinets are critical for any office desk setup, allowing you to store and organize documents efficiently. A well-organized filing cabinet can make it easier to find the documents you need when you need them. Consider stocking up on dividers too, so you can sort your files for easier organization.

Look for filing cabinets that are durable, lockable for security, and have enough space to accommodate your growing collection of documents. Whether you’re looking for a small two-drawer model or a larger, multi-drawer version, there are plenty of options available to suit your office needs.

Office depot offers a variety of filing cabinets from traditional to modern styles.

Whiteboard and dry erase markers

A whiteboard is a versatile tool for brainstorming, planning, and tracking tasks. Of course, you’ll need dry erase markers to help you visualize ideas, keep track of to-do lists, and collaborate with others, whether you're in a traditional office or working from home.

When selecting a whiteboard, consider the size and whether you want a wall-mounted or portable version. Make sure to stock up on dry erase markers and erasers to keep your whiteboard ready for use.

You can order a whiteboard and supplies online from Amazon for quick and easy delivery.

Next steps

Now that you know about some of the best office supplies for traditional and home offices, it’s time to get shopping! Stock up on the essentials to create a productive and comfortable home office. Find more helpful guides like this in our Resource Center.

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