Guide for Christmas gift ideas to impress your loved ones
As Santa Claus sorts through his list and gears up to get all the gifts packed on time, you can do your Earthly duty of spreading Christmas cheer among your friends and family. And mind you, there’s no naughty list on Earth. All your loved ones are on the nice list because this is the season of gift-giving. The air is filled with the heartwarming spirit of this holiday season as it is a time for celebration, love, and togetherness.
Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa’s elves are working in full power to deliver Christmas gifts. Are you on his nice or naughty list?
As Santa Claus sorts through his list and gears up to get all the gifts packed on time, you can do your Earthly duty of spreading Christmas cheer among your friends and family. And mind you, there’s no naughty list on Earth. All your loved ones are on the nice list because this is the season of gift-giving. The air is filled with the heartwarming spirit of this holiday season as it is a time for celebration, love, and togetherness.
Do not let go of this opportunity to show your friends and family how much you care! And there’s no better to express your love and affection than buying thoughtful, incredible gifts for your near and dear ones.
Tips for successfully navigating the gift-giving maze
The perfect Christmas gift is a myth. Don’t put undue pressure on yourself to find the perfect gift. All you need to focus on is finding Christmas gifts for your loved ones that align with their specific preferences and interests. Also, brace yourself because you will be faced with myriad options. Consider the tips below to successfully navigate the maze of buying gifts.
● Avoid last-minute rush: Don’t keep buying Christmas gifts as the last item on your to-do list before D-day. Buying gifts last minute means you won’t get all the amazing Christmas-related deals and discounts. Also, you will have to settle for what’s left because early shoppers have already bought the best ones. Even if you shop online, you may find most items are out of stock. So, don’t let this happen to you. Start buying gifts well in advance.
● Know the likes and dislikes of the recipients: How can you buy impressive gifts for your loved ones if you don’t know what they like or dislike? You must take an interest in their lives to find out the gifts that resonate with their lifestyle and personality.
Need some specific gift ideas? Take a look
● For the artsy and passionate creative
Are you looking for Christmas gifts for artsy people? Does the passion for self-expression and creativity fuel the recipients? Consider gifts that foster their creativity.
For instance, year-long art supplies for the painter in your group or musical instruments for the upcoming Jimi Hendrix or John Bonham would make for the perfect gift. It will ignite their passion for painting or music. Also, they will feel encouraged and seen.
If your loved one has been bitten by the shutterbug, the ideal present would be a new DSLR/SLR. And if the recipient already has a camera, the next best present would be a high-end camera lens, a subscription to a professional photography course, or a tripod.
Similarly, you can get diaries, journals, and writing accessories for the budding writer in your family.
No matter the passion and talent, if you look hard enough, you will indeed find gifts aligned with their hobby or professional pursuits.
● For the gadget freak
Is the giftee tech-savvy? Do they love embracing new technology and go crazy over it? Then, do not look elsewhere. Consider gifts that will boost their digital experience.
Smart home devices make for an excellent gift. If they already have a smart speaker, consider giving them a smart lighting system or a smart thermostat. These devices will add automation and convenience to their home.
Besides smart home devices, tech gadgets like VR headsets, smartwatches, smartphones, and Google glasses make for an exceptional present to ensure the giftee has a fun Christmas.
You can even consider tech accessories, such as portable power banks, noise-canceling headphones, and wireless charging pads. If you are utterly confused, get them a gift card to an electronics store so they can pick what they want.
● For the homebody
Picking up a Christmas gift for someone who loves staying home and enjoys their own company is both easy and difficult. For a homebody, comfort and relaxation comes first. You could think of gifts along the lines of bath bombs, essential oils, and other items that would enhance their bathing experience. Or you could consider home decoration items, a subscription to a gourmet food delivery service, books, etc. It is essential to know what the giftee likes doing when at home to choose the perfect gift.
● For the adventure-seeker
To give fire to the adventurous spirit of the giftee, you can plan an adventure-filled weekend trip. It could be hiking, trekking, mountain climbing, snorkeling, or any kind of adventure activity. Camping is also a brilliant idea that will allow you to bond with the giftee.
Besides planning an adventurous weekend away, you can consider gifts like camping equipment or a hiking backpack. Travel vouchers make for a fantastic gift as they can be redeemed to travel to their dream destination.
So, there you have it. These are some Christmas gift ideas to inspire you. We hope you are feeling inspired and will quickly find the perfect gifts for your loved ones. Best of luck!
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The best portable air conditioners for the home office
Cooling down can be a challenge, and with temperatures rising and energy bills in the home on the rise it's worth considering a long term solution for your home office needs.
Updated: 13th June 2023
Air conditioning is not just a luxury but an absolute necessity for a home office in the right location, especially one that can get a too warm in the summer. Cooling down can be a challenge, and with temperatures and energy bills in the home on the rise, it's worth considering a long term solution for your home office needs. The best air conditioning can help you create a productive workspace throughout warmer months. Air conditioning for the home office isn't just about cooling either; it also helps stop mould and bacteria from spreading around - giving you a healthy work environment. Nothing is worse than working in an uncomfortable home office with poor air circulation, and with the NHS recommending that those working from home need to start thinking longer term, investing in AC now can lead to peace of mind and efficient productivity all year round.
⭐️ Best budget
BLU-09CO 9,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Portable 3-1 Air Conditioner
3-in-1 Multi Functional: Portable air conditioning unit with cooling, fan and dehumidifier function, complete with 1.5m expandable exhaust hose included. The BLU09 9,000 BTU portable air conditioner delivers an instant cooling relief for your home or work place. Suitable for rooms up to 20 square metres. The BLU09 does not have a heating function.
£369.99
Meet the highest rated portable air conditioner on Amazon UK (4.7 out of 5) provides a powerful cooling setup with expandable exhaust hose included to cool rooms up to 20 square metres.
Rated current: 5.3A
Noise level: 49 - 53 dB
2 metre power cable / 1.5 metre hose (included)
5 out of 5 - “Love it, love it, love it!”
5 out of 5 - “Effective and very quiet”
5 out of 5 - “Works well and incredibly good customer support!”
🥶 Best all rounder
Portable Air Conditioner 9000 BTU 3-in-1 Air Conditioner
Employing an advanced air compressor, this portable air conditioner features 9000 BTUs high cooling efficiency in its compact size. It fits rooms up to 215 square feet, which allow it to condition your bedroom, office, or cabin near your home efficiently.
£379.99
The next highest rated portable air conditioner on Amazon UK (4.5 out of 5) can not only cool your room down but also control humidity and climate. Unfortunately the product details do not inform us about it’s rated current, noise level, or power cable lengths.
5 out of 5 - “THIS is the AC unit to get!”
5 out of 5 - “Great air conditioner for the money”
5 out of 5 - “Great quality, low power usage, a convenient portable air conditioner!”
How loud is a portable air conditioner? (dB)
Air conditioners usually range between 50-75dB, with our favourite portable unit coming in at only 53dB.
❄️ Best luxury
AEG Connected Comfort Air Conditioner
The Connected Comfort 6000 Portable Air Conditioner is meticulously designed to provide you with a seamless cooling experience. It operates quietly and efficiently to keep your home cool and comfortable.
It even has its own app where you control the settings - just search for “AEG App”.
£579.99
“First air conditioning unit I've bought and it's amazing! Cools the room down really fast and very cold! Will see how it performs during the summer although I expect it to be fine!”
Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.
What else does your home office need?
The best monitor for your home office setup
The best office chair for your home office
Best folding desks for small, cosy spaces
Discover our latest articles
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The best office chair to buy for working from home [Updated February 2023]
As we all spend more time working from home than ever before it’s crucial to have the right equipment that keeps you comfortable and avoiding repetitive injuries. There’s lots of reasons why we think investing in a good office chair now is a smart idea, but we also know that choosing a new desk chair can be tough. Where should you buy it? How much should it cost, and most importantly, what is the best office chair available (as of 2022)?
As we all spend more time working from home than ever before it’s crucial to have the right equipment that keeps you comfortable and avoiding repetitive injuries. Whether you’re looking for an executive looking chair, or even a desk bike to keep you fit and healthy, there’s lots of reasons why we think investing in a good office chair now is a smart idea, but we also know that choosing a new desk chair can be tough. Where should you buy it? How much should it cost, and most importantly, what is the best office chair available (as of 2022)? At THOL we recommend the following to point you in the right direction, and ensure you don’t waste money on a dud office chair.
Recommended: Best office chair
Autonomous ErgoChair Pro
Fully adjustable, completely supportive, and super breathable. This one has it all.
$499
In our opinion the ErgoChair Pro is the best office chair you can buy right now without breaking the bank. An exceptional and ergonomic design means you’ll be comfortable for years to come even after using it for the 9-5s and even a few sneaky gaming sessions in-between. The ErgoChair Pro comes in six different colour combinations, but the classic ‘Black’ style is our favourite, likely to fit into most home office setups nicely without being too distracting. The ErgoChair Pro comes with all the modern features you’d expect from a $500 office chair, including; adjustable height, armrest, headrest, backrest, and seat tilt, smooth recline with five lockable positions, flexible lumbar support for any seated position, woven mesh back for optimum airflow, 100% earth-friendly materials, and a 2-year warranty.
Autonomous proudly claim the ErgoChair Pro can relieve back pain by reducing fatigue on your lower back and after we’ve been using ours for over a year now we can confirm that it really is as comfortable as you could hope for. Another nice feature is the ability for you to charge the chair to your business for an additional 7% discount, along with all of the usual tax options for your country. For the complete package, we are proud to recommend the Autonomous ErgoChair Pro as the best office chair you can buy right now!
Runner up: Best office chair
IKEA Järvfjället
All bodies are different. JÄRVFJÄLLET swivel chair is designed so that you can adjust the headrest, lumbar support, armrests and the seat height and depth to best suit your body height and shape.
£199
A modern classic, and a favourite for many, there’s no surprises that IKEA’s Järvfjället is featured as our runner up for the best office chair you can buy right now. With incredibly easy setup and a comfy leather cushion base, the ‘Jarv’ also comes complete with an incredible 10 year guarantee.
As expected, you get plenty of customisation options to ensure your body fits right, and that your back gets the support it needs as the seat depth can be adjusted and the chair has built-in lumbar support. You can also adjust the headrest and the lumbar support to suit you and your needs. IKEA also gives a nod to the longevity of the chair, stating ‘the leather ages beautifully and acquires a nice patina over time.’ A great, tried-and-tested companion for many years, just without a few modern features we’d love to see IKEA implement in a pricier model in the future, you can’t go wrong with this classic.
Most affordable: Best office chair
Hbada Office Chair Desk Chair Flip-up Armrest Ergonomic Task Chair Compact 120° Locking 360° - White
4 stars out of 5 (Amazon) 7,072 ratings
-31% £89.99
In March 2020 many workers would have instantly looked to Amazon to acquire a new office chair and unfortunately many would have been disappointed with the cheap, plastic and uncomfortable options that can be found there. However, we have had many of you recommend this great affordable office chair that is easy to set up, surprisingly comfortable, and readily available for quick delivery (Amazon Prime available too). Although this model doesn’t include a headrest (other options are available) this lumbar supported chair comes with plenty of options to ensure you can get the right position for your back and legs. Our favourite features are the ability to flip the arms up and put the chair under the desk for saving space, and the 120° tilt tension. A great option for those not looking to spend over £100 for an office chair, but not willing to forego comfort.
Choosing an office chair is a hugely personal choice but doing your research is crucial to ensure you don’t end up with a poor quality and uncomfortable office chair. It’s estimated that if you’re sitting for five hours a day, five days a week, that equates to 1,175 hours – or almost 50 days - every year (source), proving how important choosing the best office desk is for your physical and mental wellbeing, and sometimes paying a bit more can actually be cost effective in the long run. But we want to know what you think, do you agree with our recommend office chair? Let us know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.
What else does your home office need?
The best monitor for your home office setup
Ring light for your Zoom calls
Best folding desks for small, cosy spaces
More work from home advice…
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What’s the best professional ring light?
Are you looking for a professional ring light for your work from home desk setup? Here’s our pick of the best ring lights available to buy on Amazon right now.
Are you looking for a ring light for your work from home desk setup? Here’s our pick of the best ring lights available to buy on Amazon right now.
What is a ring light?
A ring light is a circular shaped LED light that’s used to brighten and lessen shadows on the subject it’s pointed on. You can get small ring lights to go round your phone camera (it’s the tool that all the cool Tiktokers, Instagrammers and Kardashians use), or a larger one that you can position on your desk to improve your appearance on webinars and work calls. Professional makeup artists and photographers also commonly use them.
If your desk is in a dark spot in your home office, and there are huge shadows being cast on your face a ring light is a must - especially if you’re filming for work. Not only will the footage look much better, a brighter appearance on camera is a great pick-me-up when you’re constantly staring at yourself on your computer!
Most professional ring lights are USB powered, so you can plug them straight into your computer (or a USB adapter for a MacBook like this one). They often have a variety of colour settings too, including bright white, warm white and warm yellow, and you should be able to change the brightness of these easily - so play around and find the best setting for the environment you’re in. Lots of ring lights are designed for use with mobile phones rather than laptops, as they’re great for taking selfies, but you can adapt their use for your WFH desk easily.
What should I use a ring light for?
Ring lights are good for Zoom calls and other video conferencing solutions, blogging, photography, live streaming and much more, like TikTok videos, Instagram Stories, Instagram Reels and YouTube videos.
Do ring lights really make a difference?
Many content creators and home workers have noted how much impact a ring light has on their setup. For those working from home making conference calls or webinars, a ring light gives a professional look, and helps to even out tone and shadows caused by lack of natural lighting or harsh room lighting. Content creators rely on 10-18 inch ring lights to smooth their appearance and/or help focus on the objects they are discussing in their content. Once you get your ring light, play around with the position and brightness/colour settings until you find your desired effect.
5 of the best professional ring lights
Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.
GreenSun 12” Ring Light - Amazon
The GreenSun offering is a 12 inch LED ring light that’s primarily designed to light up around your phone for a well-lit selfie. It comes with an adjustable tripod stand (which you can have from 3.15 inches to 74.80 inches tall) and a range of accessories you can set it up for your needs. If you didn’t want to use this for your phone, you could use the tripod to hold the light on your desk behind your laptop or webcam.
Size: 12 inches, with extendable tripod from 3.15 inches to 74.80 inches
Colour settings: 3 colour modes available, with adjustable brightness settings
Power: USB powered with an added Bluetooth remote control
Neewer 14” Ring Light - Amazon
Neewer is one of the most popular names in ring lights, and this offering comes highly recommended on Amazon for its ease of use and range of brightness options available. This 14-inch LED ring light is a more robust option if you’re going to be filming lots, but thanks to the light aluminium stand, is still easy to move - complete with carry bag.
Size: 14 inches, with 61 inch aluminium stand
Colour settings: White and orange colour filters, with adjustable brightness settings
Power: Hot shoe adapter and charger
Neewer 12” RGB Ring Light - Amazon
This Neewer ring light is another great ring light option. It’s highly versatile, thanks to its extendable tripod that you can place on your desk or on the floor and the 2 rotatable phone clips that it comes with, which allow you to have your phone either in the middle of the LED light itself or just below it. You also get to choose from 16 colours in the ring light itself, making it a particularly fun option if you’re filming TikToks or Instagram Reels.
Size: 12 inches, with extendable tripod from 16 inches to 54 inches
Colour settings: 16 colours with 4 modes available, with adjustable brightness settings
Power: USB powered with an added Bluetooth remote control
YMCRLUX 6.3” Ring Light with Suction Cup - Amazon
The YMCRLUX LED ring light is much more compact than many other ring lights available, so it’s ideal for those who split their time between working from home and from their office. It’s a much smaller light too, at just 6.3 inches, and it features a suction cup to adhere to a surface - like the back of your laptop or a mirror - instead of requiring a tripod.
Size: 6.3 inches, with suction cup stand and tape pad
Colour settings: 3 light modes available, with 10 adjustable brightness settings
Power: USB powered
AIXPI 10” Ring Light - Amazon
The AIXPI ring light is a great choice for YouTubers, live streamers and TikTok content creators with its phone holder functionality in the centre of the light. You can also place a DSLR camera there. The tripod also allows for 360° rotation, which can be particularly helpful for content creators - although it still offers everything you need for professional conference call lighting too.
Size: 10 inches, with desk tripod stand and phone holder
Colour settings: 3 light modes available, with 10 adjustable brightness settings
Power: USB powered with an added Bluetooth remote control
Want more tips on working from home? Check these posts out:
Hybrid working: the best co-working spaces in London
If you're tired of working at home or at work all week long, there are some stylish yet functional co-working spaces available with great packages to help you make the most of hybrid working.
You're working from home, you're enjoying the freedom to work in your comfy PJs, and you’re feeling super productive. It's all great until the inevitable… you need some human interaction! That’s where hybrid working comes in.
Hybrid working - where you choose to work from home somedays, but in an office on another - is on the rise. In fact, according to our working from home statistics, 85% of employees currently working from home want a ‘hybrid’ approach of both home and office working in future.
If you're tired of working at home or at work all week long, there are some stylish yet functional co-working spaces available with great packages.
London has some of the best co-working spaces around - if you know where to look! You might be familiar with some of the main contenders in this space, with Fora and WeWork offering multiple co-working locations in the capital. But there are some independent hidden gems to discover too.
Why choose a co-working space?
If you’re having a co-working space vs traditional office debate, then here are some points to consider:
Co-working spaces typically offer more flexibility, as you won’t have to commit to a long-term lease. Often, you can choose a rolling month package.
Your bills (electricity, WiFi etc.) are often covered in your co-working space fee.
A co-working space offers you ample opportunity to network with other business leaders, and you could even find yourself making new clients or advocates there!
You can begin working there right away. It’ll be fully equipped from day one, with desks, chairs and internet connection. Just bring yourself, your laptop and your lucky houseplant and you’re good to go. 🪴
But, bear in mind you’ll have to share your space and communal facilities - toilets, coffee machines, dishwashers etc. - with others
You’ll also have less privacy than if you had a dedicated office space.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Only you know which workspace is best for you and your productivity. If you choose to go down the co-working route, review our picks below, as this guide highlights some of the finest co-working spaces in London that you can consider if you want a fresh change from your current home-working environment.
Looking for a co-working space in London? Let’s get started…
Uncommon, Borough
Image from uncommon.co.uk
Address: 1 Long Lane, London, SE1 4PG
What it says: “Uncommon Borough is housed in the vibrant South London - just a few steps away from the Northern Line and a short walk from key area highlights like London Bridge, Borough Market and Bermondsey High Street. It’s the perfect spot for teams that are looking for a stimulating and inspiring area to work from and explore.”
Reviews include: “If you need a co working space, this would be your first choice!”
“Very lovely co-working space with great staff! Love the bike storage available, and a great cafe downstairs.”
“Great location, great working spaces and terrific views of London from the roof terrace. Great atmosphere and a buzz about the place.”
Perks include: On-site cafe, rooftop terrace, wellness areas, dog friendly, showers and bike storage.
Ideal for: Creatives who love working alongside nature. There are plants a-plenty, and many comfy breakout areas to work in. The rooftop terrace is a bonus that not many other co-working spaces can boast!
Cost: A dedicated desk starts from £499 + VAT per month.
Central Working, White City
Image from centralworking.co
Address: 84 Wood Lane, London, W12 0BZ
What it says: “In partnership with the wonderful Imperial College Think Space, our incredible White City location offers flexible workspaces featuring light and spacious offices and facilities designed to support businesses of all sizes - from young start-ups and fast-growth companies to established biotech and scientific research organisations. Situated next to the well-connected Westway and plenty of tubes lines, as well as the Westfield Shopping Centre, this Central Working site is the place to stay 'business-connected'.”
Reviews include: “I have worked at many co-working spaces, and visited even more. I prefer Central Working because it feels just great and simple, I really like the aesthetics of the space/the company's visual identity which are super nice and inspiring.”
“This place is more than a co-working space! Absolutely fantastic team of people who make it their business to help the members make meaningful connections that facilitate business growth.”
“The space is great and the staff are very friendly and accommodating.”
Perks include: On-site cafe and restaurant, 24 hour access, private phone booths, meeting rooms, discounts for local community facilities, showers and bike storage.
Ideal for: Tech start-ups or more established firms that want to benefit from working alongside likeminded companies in a support yet flexible environment.
Cost: Get in touch with Central Working for a bespoke quote.
Fora, Old Street
Image from foraspace.com
Address: 71 Central Street, London, EC1V 8AB
What it says: “On the nexus of Old Street’s tech hub and Clerkenwell’s design district, this beautiful workspace is designed to instill productivity and wellbeing.”
Reviews include: “Hands down the nicest co-working space in the area!!”
“Really great people! 24 hour work spaces with a focus on wellness. Professional. I love that the cofounder is a woman.”
“Friendly reception team. Always there to help and nothing is too little. Cleaning staff are always on point.”
Perks include: Stocked kitchen, 24 hour access, events programme, wellness facilities, concierge service, showers and bike storage.
Ideal for: Cool media, art, fashion and tech start-ups who prioritise health, wellbeing, and stylish spaces.
Cost: An owned desk starts at £475 + VAT per month.
Idea Space, Clapham
Image from ideaspace.london
Address: 83 Lavender Hill, London, SW11 5QL
What it says: “Idea Space is your local, creative and friendly co-working space where you can get all the necessary tools to work on your project whilst enjoying super fast wi-fi and a nice cup of artisan coffee!”
Reviews include: “Idea Space is one of the most comfortable places I've ever been to. Its high-end office furniture, top-notch broadband, friendly community, and down-to-earth staff make it the perfect place for anyone tired of WFH or in a busy office.”
“I had been struggling to find somewhere in London that offered quality co-working space at an affordable price until I found Idea Space. The staff are super friendly and helpful, and the workspace itself has always been immaculately clean, with great facilities including the free coffee!”
“Great place for solitary workers, and to have meetings.”
Perks include: Open office space, private phone booths, meeting rooms, day pass options.
Ideal for: Those looking for an affordable, pay-as-you-go, friendly co-working space with a range of membership options.
Cost: Hot desk from £300 + VAT per month.
WeWork, City of London
Image from wework.com
Address: 2 Minster Court, London, EC3R 7BB
What it says: “Surrounded by cultural attractions, new architectural designs, and historical points of interest, our City of London office space blends modern workspace with down-to-earth community. Collaborative floor plans inspire casual conversations with your team, while sleek private offices, light-filled lounges, and comfortable conference rooms help drive focus.”
Reviews include: “Such a lovely place to work: the office is bright and airy, the atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. There's everything you need to get the job done, plus the good vibes and the great view :)”
“It totally changed my view for wework... The best place I have worked in London. My company was moved here for two months, and really wished we stayed for longer. The place is always very clean. Wework offers loads of activities throughout the week and loads of perks, like a coffee barista for the communal area, free beer after 15:00, great coffee machines , cookie jars (always full), great selection of tea. The working space is great, well designed and placed in every floor. A well lighted building (natural light I mean) Communal area is spacious and modern.”
“We've been in a couple of different WeWorks before, 2 Minster Court is hands down the friendliest and great communal space! The area itself is also very nice. We highly recommend it!”
Perks include: Stocked kitchen, barista, outdoor space, wellness room, dog friendly, mother’s room, event space, showers and bike storage.
Ideal for: Seasoned WeWorkers who want to try a well-regarded space in the heart of London’s financial district.
Cost: Dedicated desks not available here, but monthly membership for all locations starts at £299 + VAT per month.
Work.Life, Soho
Image from work.life
Address: Waverley House, 9 Noel St, London, W1F 8GQ
What it says: “Enviably central, find our new Soho space nestled in one of the hottest postcodes in London town. There’s plenty of natural light to go around in our bright and airy Soho space, with our impressive entrance and spectacular floor to ceiling windows. This incredible ground-floor space has all you need to be your most productive self, with brain-fuelling breakout spaces, posture-improving standing desks and private phone booths for those all important conversations.”
Reviews include: “This is a fantastic, vibey gem in the world of boring grey office spaces.”
“I've been a member of work.life for about three years- and I have been to most of their locations in London. Soho is definitely my favourite- in terms of location- 15 seconds walk from Oxford Street, close to the large M&S near Oxford Circus, so in the space of 10 mins walk you have good transport connections.”
“Great office space, really friendly staff and a perfect place for creative thinking.”
Perks include: Stocked kitchen, private phone booths, dog friendly, yoga classes, event space, showers and bike storage.
Ideal for: Entrepreneurs seeking a relaxed yet cool and creative office vibe, with the buzz of the West End on your doorstep.
Cost: Hot desk from £325 + VAT per month.
Don’t forget to grab your free coffee if you’re out and about in London!
Of course, if you do prefer to work from home, we have a ton of guides and resources to help making working from home work for you.
More working from home tips:
Top 5 folding home office desks for small spaces
Small space, but need a desk? Here’s our pick of the best foldable desks available to buy on Amazon right now, to suit a range of spaces, style preferences and budgets.
What’s a home office without a desk?
Having the right desk for your home office space is crucial. If your home office is on the smaller side, or it’s just a temporary space, you could really benefit from a desk that folds away.
There’s even a subculture growing online and new startup companies looking to capitalise on the surge in small home offices.
Not sure you could fit a desk into your room? Think again! Folding desks allow you to quickly change a room from a productive office space to a space to relax or entertain.
Luckily, these folding desks are as stylish as they are functional, meaning there’s no compromise just because it’s not a permanent feature. Here’s our pick of the best foldable desks available to buy on Amazon right now, to suit a range of spaces, style preferences and budgets.
Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.
Aingoo Folding Computer Desk
4.8 of out 5 stars
Dimensions: 100 x 50 x 72 cm
This MDF oak coloured folding desk has a sleek industrial style that will suit most rooms. Customers love the Aingoo design for its sturdiness and waterproof finish (great for the accidental coffee spill!). Easily fits a 27 inch monitor, too!
GreenForest 2-Tier Folding Desk
4.6 out of 5 stars
Dimensions: 81.3 x 81.3 x 83 cm
A slim, black metal foldable desk that features a handy shelf just above the desk. The shelf is ideal for a second monitor, or your home office accessories.
COSTWAY Wall-Mounted Drop-Leaf Table
4.5 out of 5 stars
Dimensions: 80 x 60 cm
A drop-leaf desk is perfect if you’re really tight for space. Instead of a desk with legs, this white MDF desk is wall-mounted to maximise space. Simply fold down when you’re no longer using it. Customers have found this desk extremely durable and sturdy, and have found it doubles up nicely as a shelf too!
Farelves Folding Desk Foldable Computer Desk
4.5 out of 5 stars
Dimensions: 100 x 48 x 74 cm
A real budget friendly option, the Farelves white foldable desk is slim enough to fit in a range of spaces, but wide enough to provide plenty of that all important desk space.
Redd Royal Folding Computer Desk
4.3 out of 5 stars
Dimensions: 80 x 45 x 75 cm
Available in either black or white, this compact folding desk is another cost-effective option for extra small spaces. Its modern and simple style will look brilliant in a range of rooms, while taking up minimal room while it’s in use and once it’s folded away.
What else does your home office need?
A new monitor for your folding desk
Ring light for your Zoom calls
Read more working from home tips & guides:
What are the best productivity books?
Here’s our pick of the best productivity books available to buy on Amazon right now. Oh, and if you find you struggle to make time to read a book, don’t worry, most of these can be enjoyed in just a few sittings!
Feeling a slump in productivity working from home every day? You’re not alone.
When you’re at home every day, especially if you’re on your own, it’s almost impossible to keep your productivity levels high. Although you might not have the same distractions around you if you were working in an office environment, I’m sure you’ll agree there’s still plenty fighting for your attention at home. Your dog, your neighbour’s dog, that washing up piling up in the sink, your bed…
Enter 2021’s answer to the self-help book: the productivity manual.
Follow the examples of leaders in their fields and learn a tip or two from the productivity experts. This list of books will help you manage your time more effectively, organise your tasks in a way that suits your lifestyle and could even help change your mindset when it comes to working - from home or at the office.
Here’s our pick of the best productivity books available to buy on Amazon right now. Oh, and if you find you struggle to make time to read a book, don’t worry, most of these can be enjoyed in just a few sittings!
5 of the best productivity books
Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.
The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich
Timothy Ferriss
Think working on a beach, think Tim Ferriss. The 4-Hour Workweek has practically developed a cult-like status since its launch in 2011. If you dream of working the freelance life somewhere sunny, then Ferriss’s book will be the inspiration you need to get planning, as he is the true proponent of the laptop lifestyle. This book features his advice and stories from his own experience, with some great insights in effective time management.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5
Eat That Frog!
Brian Tracy
Ever wondered what could actually be causing your productivity slump? Brian Tracy explores root causes in Eat That Frog! But if that wasn’t enough, he then shares his tips on managing your work time effectively. This is a great pick-me-up for those new to time management techniques.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results it stand out
Gary Keller
What’s the one thing you want most? Gary Keller’s mission in The One Thing is to help you achieve it, whether that’s working fewer hours, get more energy, increase your focus
Multitaskers and entrepreneurs will love the affirmations that Keller shares, and many readers find themselves coming back to this book when they need to reignite that focus on goal setting and business planning.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Guided Journal
Stephen R. Covey & Sean Covey
Over 30 million copies of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People have been sold since its first publication more than 30 years ago, and is loved by CEOs and world renowned entrepreneurs alike. This Guided Journal version is inspired by its predecessor, and includes a selection of worksheets, journal prompts and exercises for those who enjoy an interactive, modern approach to the principles outlined in the original. Both books provide anecdotes, examples and tips that’ll will help you assess your own values, beliefs and behaviours, backed by the concept that your personal life influencers your professional life - and vice versa.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
Buy it here
Or take a look at the original 7 Habits here.
Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams
Matthew Walker
OK, so perhaps Why We Sleep isn’t an overt productivity book, but I bet that one of the causes for your productivity slump is a lack of energy. Matthew Walker’s book explores just how detrimental poor sleep can be to our wellbeing, mentally and physically, and provides tips on how to improve not just how long you sleep - but the quality of it too. It’s backed with stories and tons of scientific research for a compelling read. After all, according to Walker, sleep offers a three-fold boost in creativity and problem solving.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5
More productivity hacks:
If books weren’t enough for you, check out these posts:
And if you’re really stuck, try making a great cup of coffee at home!
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The best coffee machines to buy
There are so many automatic coffee machines to choose from, depending on how you like your coffee, your budget, your lifestyle and your kitchen.
How to choose the right automatic coffee machine for your home
As we discussed, there are so many automatic coffee machines to choose from - all with their own pros, cons, and price ranges! Luckily, the result of them is largely the same: a delicious cup of coffee within 5 minutes without leaving the house.
This post won’t get too much into the science of making coffee - but it’s definitely worth researching (take a look at award-winning barista James Hoffmann’s YouTube channel for that!) Instead, this post is here to guide you through the different types of machines available, so you know what suits your budget and your taste.
Imagine having one of these espresso machines at home! 😍
Manual vs. automatic: what’s best?
First of all, why choose a coffee machine over a manual coffeemaker (like an Aeropress or V60)? For those who don’t have the time (or the expertise), then an automatic machine does the hard work of pulling a good espresso for you. If you choose to use a machine that requires coffee beans or ground coffee, you might still need to grind and tamp your coffee first, but once that’s done, the machine will pull the espresso for you. Use a machine that takes capsules and pods and it’s even easier - fill with water and click your chosen pod into place!
Which types of automatic coffee machine are available?
If you decide to choose a machine rather than a manual method of making coffee, you’ll broadly have 3 options to choose from:
A capsule/pod coffee machine
Filter coffee machine
Espresso machine (including bean to cup)
The list is probably a simplified version of what’s available right now, but it’s a helpful start if you’re completely new to coffee making at home.
Let’s take a look at each of these in more detail, along with a few recommendations for each category.
Disclaimer: Product links on our website are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Learn more here.
Best capsule coffee machines
Undoubtedly, the easiest way of making delicious coffee at home is by using a pod or capsule-based coffee machine.
Instead of using coffee beans, or ground coffee, you buy a pre-loaded coffee pod, then slot into the machine. The only other steps you’ll need to take is to fill the chamber with water and click the button to get started.
Nespresso vs Dolce Gusto
Machines like the Nespresso are primarily designed for espresso making, using one small capsule per coffee. Then there are machines like the Dolce Gusto, which take one or more pods (although not at the same time!) to create a whole range of coffees, from Americanos to lattes, cappuccinos and mochas. You can even buy pods to create hot chocolates and teas, if you have any family or friends who hate coffee 😱.
Pros:
Huge range of flavours to try
Easy to pick up pods online shopping or supermarket
No mess - throw away the pod after use
No worrying about tamping, grinding or water temperature
Cons:
Pods can work out more expensive than buying bags of coffee
Throwing away pods is a bit wasteful (although there is a great increase in compostable/biodegradable pods - look out for them)
Our pick of the Nespressos
Nespresso machines can get costly. But this compact version by Magimix is a great starter option. The Nespresso 11365 Essenza Mini Coffee Machine, Pure White Finish by Magimix is currently available at Amazon for £89.99 and has a 4.8* rating, with previous purchasers loving it for its compact size and ability to make great tasting espresso and lungo drinks quickly.
From Nespresso:
The Magimix Nespresso Essenza Coffee Machine with updated retro design offers style and performance at the touch of a button. The quick 25 second heat up time and automatic restart, means this smart machine is energy efficient and saves time. With compact design this machine fits in your kitchen. Programmable cup size and sliding cup support is ideal for small or large cups, mugs or latte glasses. This machine is set-up with a high pressure 19 bar pressure and thermo block heating system. With removable used capsule container for 5-6 capsules, a 0.6 L removable water tank, and automatic, programmable water quantity control, this machine couldn't be easier to use.
Our pick of the Dolce Gustos
It’s crazy to think you can get a coffee machine for under £40. This offering from De’Longhi, the DeLonghi Nescafé Dolce Gusto Piccolo XS Pod Capsule Coffee Machine, is currently available for just £34.99 on Amazon. The Piccolo models are smaller than other Dolce Gusto machines, but it’s still more than capable of creating a wide range of coffees, including lattes, cappuccinos, mochas and espressos.
From Dolce Gusto:
Hot and cold drink capability for hot and cold beverages prepared with one easy move of the machine’s manual lever
Easy to clean as all the coffee grinds stay in the pods there is no mess, no fuss
Eco mode: Automatic switch off after 1 minute, energy consumption rating A
Adjustable drip tray suitable for all cup sizes
All in all, the Piccolo is a neat entry-level automatic coffee machine.
Best filter coffee machines
A filter coffee machine, also known as a drip coffee machine, is a much simpler coffee machine by design for a fuss-free cup. You simply add your filter paper, then your ground coffee, and allow the machine to brew then water through the filter into a jug. The jug is usually on a hot plate to keep the resulting coffee nice and warm throughout the day.
Filter coffee machines all have their differences, but they essentially work in the same way.
How to use a filter coffee machine:
Add your paper filter to the filter basket.
Measure your ground coffee and add to the filter. 2 tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water is recommended.
Measure out your water using the markings on the machine and pour into the reservoir.
Turn the machine on or click the ‘go’ button to start brewing.
Wait until the coffee has finished brewing before you pour it.
Throw away the paper filter.
This Morphy Richards filter coffee machine is a great one to try out for less than £25 on Amazon.
Best espresso machines
These babies are the closest replicas to the classic barista espresso machines in your favourite coffeehouse. As with the other coffee making methods, there is a lot of variety with espresso machines too. You can choose a semi-automatic espresso machine (and a grinder), where you’ll tamp your ground coffee then let the machine pull your espresso, or choose a fully automatic machine that will take your coffee from bean to cup with little input required from you. Plus, the majority of espresso machines also come with an inbuilt milk frother/water spout so you can recreate your favourite latte art at home. (Not mastered this one yet.)
Our pick of espresso machines
De'Longhi Magnifica, Automatic Bean to Cup Coffee Machine, Espresso, Cappuccino, ESAM 4200.S, Silver
Sage SES875BKS The Barista Express Machine, 18/10 Steel, 1700 W, 6 liters, Black Sesame
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