As the year draws to a close, it’s a good idea to take a look at your home office and assess what’s working and what isn’t. Make sure your space is comfortable – but not so comfortable you’re napping – and conducive to productivity and remote collaboration. If you find any areas that are lacking, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself to new office furniture, gadgets or even a funky houseplant to enhance your workday (and don’t forget to save your receipts and deduct any purchases on your taxes). Consider this list of home office essentials as you put together your shopping list.

1. Laptop stand: If you’ve been hunching over your laptop and developing neck and back pain as a result, it might be time to invest in a stand that brings your laptop screen up to eye level, eliminating the need to hunch your back. “Your posture naturally improves, and you get saved from bone and joint pain,” says Jessica Robinson, content and human resource manager at educational resource platform The Speaking Polymath.

2. Standing desk converter: Standing desks are a great way to reduce pain and boost energy throughout the day, but they can be expensive. A cost-friendly alternative is a standing desk converter. “It’s got a big enough surface to comfortably hold a laptop and mouse, and it’s nice and sturdy with no wobbles when typing,” says Logan Mallory, vice president at Motivosity, a company that helps keep employees engaged in the office and remotely. “It’s also great for raising your computer to eye level for Zoom meetings.”

“You’ll have a much easier time focusing if you can tune out all the noise around you. The right headphones can save you hours each week.” Chris Zacher, Intergrowth

3. Ergonomic office furniture: If you’re stuck sitting on a wooden chair at the dining room table or slouching on the sofa, it might be time for an upgrade. Stave off aches by investing in an ergonomic office chair that will instantly elevate your workspace. Stefan Cordova, founder and CEO of FriendWithA.com, a peer-to-peer rental marketplace, also recommends a memory foam footrest to tuck under your desk. “It’s perfect for those of shorter stature or who wrestle with pain through the working day,” he adds.

4. Noise-canceling headphones: “You’ll have a much easier time focusing if you can tune out all the noise around you,” says Chris Zacher, content marketing specialist at digital marketing agency Intergrowth. “The right headphones can save you hours each week.”

5. Smart speaker: On the other hand, perhaps you’re someone who needs a little noise to focus. In that case, a smart speaker might be just the thing. Olivia Long, editor-in-chief at drone review site DroneGuru, says a voice-activated speaker has been her best home office investment. “These speakers are amazing for listening to my favorite music and podcasts while I work, and the voice activation allows me to keep working without even moving my hands off my keyboard,” she says. “It’s very helpful for reminding me of my appointments and meetings, and I can set alarms, which keeps me on track.”

6. Ring light: Good lighting is essential for any home office, but it’s even more important if you’re conducting a lot of video calls. A ring light will help you look your best on screen. Consider also procuring a backdrop with your company logo to add a pop of professionalism and branding to calls if you don’t already have one.

7. Coffee mug warmer: For many on the ASI Media staff, coffee is serious business, and there’s nothing worse than a cup of lukewarm joe. To prevent this travesty, consider buying a mug warmer or even a smart mug or Thermos that lets you set your desired drinking temperature and keeps it there for hours.

8. New décor: If you’re tired of staring at the same four walls all day, why not change things up? You don’t have to do a full renovation, but perhaps painting an accent wall in a cheerful color would make all the difference. Or invest in a painting from a local artist whose work you admire. Even a new potted plant – perhaps one that has air-purifying qualities for an extra benefit – could give your office a fresh look.