The Verge’s Home Office Picks: Essential Keepsakes or Just More Tech Clutter?

Beyond the Bland: The Quirky and Personal Objects That Make Up Our Workspaces

Gone are the days of sterile, corporate workspaces dominated by beige cubicles and the occasional family photo. Today, especially with the rise of remote work, our desks have become a reflection of our personalities, passions, and even our deepest connections.

Desk Decor: More Than Just Aesthetics

The objects we choose to surround ourselves with at work are not merely decorative elements; they tell a story. They’re reminders of loved ones, sources of inspiration, or simply things that bring us joy. They can provide comfort in stressful moments, spark creativity, and even help us stay grounded during long hours. In essence, they embody the "deskification" trend, where we personalize our workspaces to feel more comfortable and connected to our personal lives.

In the Heart of the Home Office:

We delved into the homes of The Verge team, asking them about those curious items they keep on their desks. The responses were as diverse as the individuals themselves, highlighting the many ways we express ourselves through objects:

1. A Looping GIF of Pouncey: A Bittersweet Tribute

Antonio G. Di Benedetto, a commerce/deals writer, utilizes the LCD screen on his custom mechanical keyboard to display a looping GIF of his beloved late cat, Pouncey. This is more than just a playful gimmick; it’s a tender memorial, a way for Antonio to keep Pouncey’s spirit close even in her absence.

"One year ago, my wife and I were forced to say goodbye to one of our two beloved cats, Pouncey. She was a caring companion of over 11 years…That made it all the more traumatic when our farewell,…was more sudden than expected…We now refer to it as The Pouncey Keyboard, and while it’s bittersweet to see her nuzzling on my desk but unable to feel her soft fur or hear her gentle purrs, I love seeing ‘our Pouncey-girl’ every day."

2. The Legend of Zelda Heart Container Light: A Reminder of Strength

Sean Hollister, a senior editor, keeps a glowing heart container icon from The Legend of Zelda on his desk. It’s a symbol of extra life and resilience, brought to him by his family.

"Whenever I’m feeling a little worn out, I’ve got an extra life sitting on my desk…It encapsulates their love, too! (Less significant if you buy it for yourself, so I’d recommend gifting it instead…) It glows when you press the front button, and that’s it. Two AA batteries won’t power it for months on end, so turn it off when you’re feeling cheerful again!"

3. Command Spring Wall Clips: Decorating Without Damage

Allison Johnson, a reviewer, uses command strip wall clips to decorate her office without the worry of putting holes in the walls. It’s a practical solution for those who rent or want flexibility in their workspace, allowing for a constantly changing display of personal artwork and mementos.

"I get cold feet about putting nails in the wall in my office… So, I end up with a pile of little things I kind of want to put on the wall but can’t commit to…But recently, I’ve been on a command strip kick, putting up little hooks and clips around the house, and I started using them to decorate the wall behind my desk. …I don’t have to commit to their placement. That’ll come in handy if I want to rearrange my office — er, bedroom — and I’ve never had a problem taking them off the wall damage-free."

4. TWSBI Eco Fountain Pen: A Writing Ritual

Adi Robertson, the senior tech and policy editor, uses a TWSBI Eco fountain pen to enhance her note-taking routine.

"I keep a paper planner and notepad(s) for tracking stories and meetings, and the TWSBI Eco…is my favorite writing implement for all of them. It’s a reasonably priced fountain pen that’s attractive, not hard to fill, and feels good to fidget with."

5. Link Amiibo for Tears of the Kingdom: A Creative Inspiration

Jay Peters, a writer, keeps a Link amiibo from Tears of the Kingdom on his desk. This amiibo, embodying the character’s creative problem-solving abilities, serves as a constant reminder to embrace innovation, even without magical powers.

"I get inspired by the way Link seems to be using his Ultrahand powers to craft a better world around him. If he can do it, maybe I can, too — though I might have to make things happen without a magical arm."

6. Kirby Pencil Case: A Touch of Playfulness

Kylie Robison, the senior AI reporter, uses a Kirby pencil case to hold her micron pens. This whimsical item reflects her personality and adds a touch of fun to her workspace.

"I use micron pens because they’re simply the best, and I keep them in a Kirby pencil case… I just recently redid my entire home office, and part of that was lots of decor, my favorite being an LED Majora’s Mask."

7. Dorothy Parker Finger Puppet: A Literary Icon

Barbara Krasnoff, the reviews editor, keeps a Dorothy Parker finger puppet on her desk. This tiny but powerful tribute to a literary icon embodies both Parker’s wit and her enduring influence.

"I love Dorothy Parker, both for her writing and for her acrid personality.…So, when I spotted her among a plethora of famous people finger puppets at a book fair a few years ago, I simply had to buy it…The Parker puppet has a small magnet on the back of its head, so it can easily hang on any metal surface…I accidentally left it in the office during lockdown in 2020, I was bereft…she’s now back in my home office, grinning sardonically at me."

8. Cute Cat-Shaped Desk Note Holder: A Reminder to Laugh

Victoria Song, a senior reviewer, uses a cat-shaped note holder to keep her to-do list organized and to remind herself to take breaks and be playful.

"A while back, a friend gave me this adorable cat-shaped desk note holder as a souvenir from Beijing.…I started putting motivational notes into it, and surprisingly, that worked. After a while, I started printing or writing out the occasional meme…When I’m really in need of strength, I stick on a photocard of my favorite K-pop singer…This only really holds one note at a time, which helps keep me creative week-to-week…it reminds me to take breaks and laugh at myself whenever I get too self-serious."

The Power of the Personal Touch

The desk objects we choose tell us much about ourselves and our values. They are powerful reminders of our passions, struggles, and triumphs, and they create a sense of belonging and comfort in a world that can often feel impersonal.

As we move forward in a hybrid work environment, the importance of creating engaging and unique workspaces increases. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that is authentically ours.

Whether it’s a nostalgic trinket, a motivational quote, or a whimsical toy, these objects – "just for the hell of it"— make our work lives not just bearable, but enjoyable, meaningful, and our own.

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