Gifts for coworkers

Sakura launched the Micron in 1982 as the world’s first fineliner with water-based pigment ink, and the archival ink resists fading. The sizes go by code, not millimeters: 005 (0.2mm) is the finest, for hatching and tiny details, and 08 (0.5mm) the boldest, for outlines and headings. Give the ink a moment to dry before erasing the pencil underneath.

• Six line widths, 0.2–0.5mm
• Waterproof, fade-resistant ink
• Bleed-free on most papers

What owners say: Zentangle fans, doodlers and watercolorists all rate them: the ink doesn’t bleed or smudge, and the spread of sizes adds depth to a drawing. Durability is the mixed point, with some pens breaking or running dry sooner than expected.

Heads up: Use a light touch: the finest tips are delicate and last longest without pressure.

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Rubber-lined hooks at the front stop the laptop sliding off, and the open frame lets air reach the underside. It holds up to 8.8 lb, which covers everyday laptops from 10 to 15.6 in; a heavy gaming machine needs a sturdier stand. Taken apart, it also slips into a drawer, and BESIGN covers it for 12 months.

• Lifts laptop about 5.7 in
• Fits 10–15.6 in laptops
• Open frame for airflow

What owners say: It goes together easily, even without the instructions, and owners like the height it gives the screen and the clean look on a home-office desk. Most find it steady, though some notice a little wiggle in use.

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Each bottle holds 28 fl oz, with markings that stop at 22 fl oz to leave headroom for a hard shake, and a screw-on lid with a flip-top spout. The ball lifts straight out for washing. VELOMIX suggests a rinse once the shake is finished, then drying with the lid open to keep smells away.

• Two 28 fl oz bottles
• Top-rack dishwasher safe
• Screw-on lid, flip-top spout

What owners say: Powder mixes smoothly with no clumps, the snap cap seals solidly and the bottles hold up well to the dishwasher. The wide opening makes them easy to wash out thoroughly.

Heads up: They’re made for powders and liquids: VELOMIX says no whole fruit, ice or hot drinks.

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The double-wall steel keeps the outside from sweating, and the straw lid isn’t meant for hot drinks. Full, it’s a lot to carry, so it rides better in the car or a gym bag than in a small one. The wide mouth takes ice easily and makes washing by hand quick, which matters, as it isn’t dishwasher safe.

• Holds 40 fl oz
• Straw lid with carabiner
• Sweat-free outside

What owners say: Plenty of people call it their favorite: it keeps water cold all day, shrugs off rough handling and comes in lots of colors and sizes. Whether it leaks is where reports differ.

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Inside sits a fine 160-micron conical steel filter. Start at one part coarse coffee to four parts water for a concentrate, or nearer one to eight for something to drink as it is, stir and refrigerate for about 12 hours. Then lift out the cone, and the flip-top spout pours straight from the jar.

• Makes 64 fl oz
• Glass jar, steel filter
• Fits a fridge door

What owners say: Owners say it makes flavorful cold brew with little effort and saves them money over store-bought. They call it sturdy, lid included, and like the 64-ounce size, the leak-free seal and how quickly it rinses clean.

The settings are 108°F, 120°F and 131°F: start on 120°F for everyday use and save the top one for standing still in real cold, since it drains the battery fastest. POMPONGO puts the battery at up to 20 hours on low. Each warmer weighs about 3.5 oz and is UL-certified.

• 3 heat levels, 108–131°F
• 20 hours max on low
• Heats in 2 seconds

What owners say: They warm up the moment they’re switched on, owners say, and earn their keep at evening ball games once the sun goes down, outlasting disposable packets; small enough for a coat pocket.

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There’s a trowel, the transplanter and a hand rake, with thick aluminum heads and contoured rubber grips that have a palm rest. Check the depth on the bulb packet, dig to that mark, then pull the soil back over with the rake. Together they weigh about a pound, so they ride from bed to bed in a bucket with the seed packets.

• Trowel, transplanter and rake
• Rubber-grip handles
• Bright orange, easy to spot

What owners say: Light, comfortable to hold and a handy size, with a rubber coating that one owner says keeps their hands from aching. Durability is where they split: some expect them to last, others had one break early on.

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Seven pieces in 18/8 stainless steel: a martini shaker, jigger, strainer, bar spoon, muddler and two pour spouts. Push the spouts firmly into the bottle necks before tipping, and start with simple shaken drinks like a daiquiri to get used to the jigger. Between drinks, the tools stand neatly in a tall glass on the bar cart.

• 7-piece cocktail set
• Martini-style shaker
• Strainer, muddler and bar spoon

What owners say: A starter bar set that covers the essentials, owners say, made of heavy steel that feels solid in the hand. Some have had pour spouts drip, and several found the top of the shaker came loose.

Heads up: Shake with one hand pressing down on the cap and the other around the tin, so the top stays put.

The double-ring head makes latte foam, the egg beater handles cream and batter, and the hook stirs cocoa or protein powder into a drink. Low is the speed for silky milk, high whips cream in moments. Rinse or wipe the heads, but keep water off the body, as the maker warns it can get inside, and don’t stand it upside down while a head is wet.

• USB rechargeable, handheld
• 3 speeds, 3 whisks, stand
• Egg beater head for cream

What owners say: Even on the lowest speed it froths well, and it has the power to mix protein shakes too. The three speeds and the extra heads earn their keep.

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A single expandable pocket takes a phone in its case plus keys and a card, and the strap fits waists from 27 to 46 in. A TPU lining and a water-resistant zip keep sweat and rain out, and two reflective strips catch headlights. At 2.4 oz it barely registers, and it’s hand wash only.

• Fits waists 27–46 in
• Takes any phone in case
• Holds keys and a card

What owners say: Phone, wallet, keys and earbuds all fit, and it hugs the waist without bouncing or shifting on runs. The one doubt is durability, with a few finding it coming apart within weeks.

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