If you’d like to buy yourself a tech gift, need some inspiration for a loved one’s gift OR you’d like to send someone a hint or two, you might find some useful ideas below.
I’ve put together a list of all the items that I’m loving in my home office right now. Each item has helped me to organise my gear and streamline my space so that things are neat and tidy and easy to find.
Please note: this article contains some affiliate links and I will earn a small commission if you use the link. It’s no extra cost to you and will buy me the occasional coffee!
Sit Stand Desk
My desk is from the Australian company Zen Space Desks and it’s fantastic. At the time of writing their web shop is temporarily closed but similar desks can be purchased from Desky, Omnidesk, Herman Miller, Uplift and even IKEA has a few options. This is an investment purchase, but definitely worth it if you’re like me and spend most of the day in front of a computer. I often start the day standing up and then sit down when I get tired. I stand again later in the afternoon when I need to re-energize!
Headphone stand
My headphone stand has proven to be surprisingly useful. It keeps my headphones within reach but also tidy and off the desk. I purchased my headphone stand from Zen Space Desks when I bought my stand up desk, but there are literally hundreds of options on the market, from budget-friendly functional models to stands that are closer to a work of art. I would suggest shopping around on Amazon, or taking a look at this 11 Best Headphone Stands list from Esquire or the Best Headphone Stands of 2023 article on Audiophile On.
IKEA Elloven monitor stand with drawer in white
I’m using this little monitor stand/desk drawer as a place to keep my audio interface and headphones – rather than for my monitor which is already mounted on a proper monitor arm. The drawer is a perfect place to store frequently used tech items like hard drives, adaptors and additional headphones and I use the space underneath for the excess microphone cable. I have the white one but it also comes in black.
IKEA Tarnaby Table Lamp
I love this old-style black Tarnaby lamp from IKEA which is currently situated on the bookshelf behind me when I’m sitting at my desk. It looks like a traditional kerosene lamp and also comes in beige and stainless steel. The lamp is dimmable too.
Microphone boom arm
I’ve had a Rode PSA1 swivel mount microphone boom arm for a long time and it’s been brilliant. I find it so useful to have my mic plugged in and set up at all times and to be able to push it away when I don’t need it. It means that I don’t have cables and the microphone itself taking up space on the desk.
Pop filter
An essential addition to my mic for recording projects. A pop filter will eliminate the popping noises that occur when you say or sing words with plosives (like “p” and “b”). Years ago I made a pop filter from an old wire coat hanger and some pantyhose, but later purchased one from a local music store. The commercial ones are very inexpensive so you’re probably better off just buying one! You could try this one on Amazon or this one.
Audio interface
I’ve mentioned my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface many times in the past. It’s an extremely popular option amongst musicians and allows me to connect two things – microphones or instruments – to my computer. My son uses the smaller Solo model and you can also get larger models with additional inputs. I have the 2nd generation model but the current one is the 4th generation.
Microphone
For recording podcasts and the tutorials that make up my online courses, I use a Shure Beta 58A microphone which is plugged into my Focusrite Scarlett audio interface (which is in turn, plugged into my MacBook Pro). These Shure mics are known for their hardiness and longevity!
I also recommend the Audio Technica AT2100X USB mic. This very budget-friendly mic has both USB and XLR outputs making it a useful and flexible choice. You can use the USB cable to plug the mic directly into your computer (no audio interface needed).
IKEA Tablet Stand for iPad
This one is a recent purchase for me. I’ve had a stand for my old, smaller iPad for a number of years, but needed one that could accommodate my newer iPad Pro. This IKEA Havrehoj tablet stand was very inexpensive and works perfectly. It even has a hook on the back that you can use to store your headphones if you don’t want to purchase a separate headphone stand/holder.
Elgato Master Mount L
If you’ve ever wanted to mount your phone or DSLR camera to something so that you can video-record yourself, or mount a light or microphone, this Elgato Master Mount pole is a great option. You start with the vertical pole which has a desk clamp and you can use it to attach something to the top. You can add on optional extra arms and poles, like a flex arm (useful for mounting an overhead camera) or a 90 degree horizontal arm so you can mount additional items. The system is sturdy and allows you to avoid the need for tripods and other stands on or behind your desk. It’s brilliant for smaller spaces or if you simply want to streamline your gear. Highly recommended!
Griffin laptop stand
I think I’ve had my Griffin Elevator laptop stand for more than 10 years. It’s a no-frills design with two metal pieces that slot into the clear plastic base piece and it brings your laptop up to eye height. It’s best used when you are utilising a separate computer keyboard and mouse (see below). Because it’s easy to disassemble, you can easily use it when travelling.
Wireless Mouse and Keyboard
When I’m sitting at my desk I plug in an external monitor and place my laptop on a stand to the left so that I can work with two screens. When I’m using the two screens, I utilise a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to reduce the number of wires and cables on my desk. I’m currently using a Logitech MX Master 3 mouse and a Logitech MX Keys for Mac. They are also available for Windows users: find the keyboard here and the mouse here.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ve enjoyed shopping my desk! What are some of your favourite items in your office or on your desk? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this, you may also like:
Want more resources for music tech teachers?
Hello! I’m Katie Argyle – an Australian music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers through my business Midnight Music.
I’m a qualified teacher but no, I don’t currently teach in a school. I help teachers through my online professional development space – the Midnight Music Community – where there are tutorial videos, courses, links and downloadable resources.
I like to focus on easy ways to incorporate technology into what you are already doing in your music curriculum through a range of creative projects. I also run live workshops and have presented at countless conferences and other music education events.
If you want simple, effective ideas for using technology in music education, I would LOVE to help you inside the Midnight Music Community.
2 Comments
Hello from a Midnight Music enthusiast here! These are great items. My favorite desktop item is also from IKEA, but I found it in the kitchen section. I use it as a book/sheet music holder on my desk: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vivalla-tablet-stand-bamboo-60515789/
Thank you for your list, and keep the tech tips coming!
Belated reply to this Julie but thanks! Thats a great suggestion