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Including a lock box for when it’s time to *literally* lock in.

I'm a Shopping Editor who uses my passion for hitting "add to cart" (and my 8+ years in media) to curate the best products on the web — I'm particularly passionate about finding the best beauty products, which probably stems from my days of working at Lush Cosmetics, where I learned about effective skincare ingredients while getting covered in bath bomb dust every day.

If only "focus" was something you could bottle, with a dash of "motivation" added for extra flavor. Unfortunately, productivity isn't that easy to summon, but there are small but meaningful ways you can promote focus by limiting distractions and optimizing your workspace — whether you work from home, a busy office, or the local coffee shop. Upgrades for your office space could include anything from genius desk accessories to noise-canceling work headphones to a lock box to keep your phone hidden. So if the temptation to scroll through TikTok is too strong or the noise of your co-workers' clacky keyboards is so loud you can barely hear yourself think, prepare to reinviograte your focus with these clever gadgets.

The game-changing Brick — a tiny square that works with the NFC-scanning technology in your smartphone to restrict apps and help minimize distractions. The app lets you customize exactly what you want restricted, meaning you can block Instagram, TikTok, or specific websites while still being able to access phone calls or work emails. The Brick itself is magnetic, so many reviewers place it on their fridge. You can program it to automatically block apps at certain times, then tap your phone to the Brick when you're ready to unlock them.

Promising reviews: "The Brick phone blocker has been one of the most effective tools I’ve used to reduce screen time and stay focused. It’s simple to set up, works reliably, and creates just enough friction to keep me from mindlessly reaching for distracting apps. The physical aspect makes it much harder to override in a moment of weakness. If you’re serious about improving focus, productivity, or being more present, this is absolutely worth it." —Nat

"Wow, this product has completely exceeded my expectations. I wasn’t sure at first if the Brick could actually keep me off my phone, but it’s genuinely changed my screen time habits. I’m getting so much more done during the day and finishing my work earlier because I’m able to stay focused and be more productive. Even my boss has noticed the difference, but I’m keeping this little device my secret. I’ll let him think it’s all me. 🤓" —Abby W.

Or if you need something similar but more portable, allow me to introduce you to the adorable Scrolly. This works similarly the Brick device by allowing you to restrict certain apps and phone features, but this lil' cutie has a keyring attached so you can keep it on your keys or attached to your work bag. The Scrolly app also gives you coins to reward you for spending time in "focus mode," which you can use to customize your on-screen Scrolly buddy. If you like the idea of gamifying your workday, this was basically made for you.

Get it from Scrolly for $44.95 (available in two colors and discounted multipacks) and Amazon for $44.95 (available in two colors).

A lock box with a timer for when it's truly time to lock in and simply cannot be trusted to have *any* access to your devices. Scrolling endless TikToks when your chemistry exam is in two hours? Lock your phone in here and get to work. Is your Switch in the corner whispering, "Take a Donkey Kong Bonanza break, you've worked for three whole minutes!" Throw the controller in the box and smash those crates later. 

Promising review: "I have used this almost every day since purchasing! Lockdown Mode is especially helpful during study sessions because it is SO easy for me to get distracted playing games or mindlessly watching TikToks for an hour. The opening on the bottom to feed a charging cord through is cool as well!" —Rachel M.

Get it from Amazon for $39.95 (available in three colors).

Or a lock box with cutouts for limited phone access if you like the idea of locking your phone away, but panic a bit at the thought of being totally unreachable. The small holes on the lid allow you to answer phone calls and see the time while still keeping you physically blocked from picking up your device and accidentally ending up on Threads for 20 minutes, even though you don't even remember creating a Threads account. You can even set a timer for up to 99 hours and 59 minutes, so it stays locked for as long as you need.

Promising review: "I am currently studying for the CPA exam, and I found it so hard to focus alone in my room for hours, and this has been such a great tool! I am so much more productive knowing that my phone is locked away for a little while, and when I want to doom scroll, I cannot! I bring it everywhere with me nowadays, and it even helps me stay off my phone when I'm trying to sleep. Overall, I'm beyond happy with this purchase, and it's such a great tool if you struggle with self-control, haha." —Sophia Y.

Get it from Amazon for $31.49+ (available in four colors).

A ridiculously helpful timer that helps you visualize how much you have left to finish a task. If you like using the Pomodoro method (study for 25 minutes, take a five-minute break, and repeat), this is perfect for keeping you on track and focused — and reminding you that 25 minutes isn't that long after all. I currently have 13 minutes until I can take a TikTok break.

Promising review: "I use this timer when I'm studying. I'll set it for, say, 45 minutes and get as much done as I can, and then I take a break when it's done; sometimes I'll just reset it for 45 minutes right again afterward if I'm feeling ambitious. Being able to visually see how much time is left (as opposed to just numerically) helps a lot somehow. You can also set it to make noise when time's up but I like to keep it quiet. It's cute and pink which is also motivating for me." —Customer Review

Get it from Amazon for $19.95+ (available in six colors and silicone cover options).

Or a digital timer with a clever design that sets either a 5, 10, 25, or 50-minute timer depending on which way you rotate it. The joy of flipping this over for a five-minute break will make working for 25 minutes straight feel worth it.

Promising review: "I really like this product. It is a very good quality timer and works perfectly for the Pomodoro technique. It is small, practical, and very easy to operate just by rotating it. It functions exactly as described and helps me a lot with my daily routine!" —Shulin

Get it from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in four colors).

An Amazon Kindle Scribe — this lightweight wonder combines the iconic Kindle e-reader with a digital notebook, which means you can carry several notebooks' worth of ideas and to-do lists with you at all times. The standout features is the ~Premium Pen~ that's designed to feel like pen on paper when it touches the screen — and the thought of being able to write *directly* on a PDF file makes this worth the splurge alone.

Promising reviews: "This is wonderful for writing and transferring it to your email for other projects. This would be wonderful for anyone in school or college. Wonderful for business meetings of you take notes." —Christina W.

"This is my first electronic notebook, and I really enjoy the Kindle Scribe. I was worried about how it would feel and can I lay my hand on the notebook and write. Both of those are great. I can write like I normally would, and the feel of the pen is very smooth. I really enjoy the way it converts my handwriting into text. This is great when I have to share notes with others. It transcribed everything perfectly and I have very messy handwriting. I use it to take notes in my meetings, and it has been a game changer for my note-taking. This notebook is great for me for the cost compared to some much more expensive electronic notebooks." —Casey P.

Get it from Amazon for $399.99+ (available in three storage sizes and two colors).

Or a Rocketbook reusable notebook if you prefer good old-fashioned pen and paper. This lets you take notes you can save digitally, erase, and then use all over again. You can use the Rocketbook app to save all of your "pages" and then erase them with the included wipe. You're essentially getting an endless notebook, so the productivity options are endless.

Promising review: "I am very happy with my purchase of the Rocketbook. I have it set to the side on my desk for quick scribbles when I need to make notes. It has eliminated a bunch of messy scrap pieces of paper all over the place. The pen that came with it works great (I am fussy about that); it feels like normal pen to paper. When I'm done, I just spray a bit of water and wipe clean. Great organizational tool and keeps my office neat and free of extra clutter." —KMS

Get it from Amazon for $32+ (available in four styles and 17 colors).

Or!! A set of Rocketbook reusable sticky notes so you'll always have a place to jot down meeting reminders and to-do lists. The notes are made of a durable, tear-resistant material that still provides a paper-like feel when writing. You can scan your notes into the accompanying app, then wipe them away with the included towel. And yes, the adhesive is rinsable and totally reusable! 

The starter kit includes 15 3"x3" sticky notes, a pen, towel, and carrying case.

Promising review: "Great idea. I use a lot of Post-it notes. I like that I can now stop throwing them away. So far, I can easily erase what I write on them and then reuse them. They stick to about anything. I have not had to clean the adhesive yet, but according to the instructions, it is simple to wash it off. I am really liking these so far. Great value, too." —Andy R.

An absolutely genius sticky note holder with five stencils so you can easily add evenly-spaced lines or bullet points to your notes. Every productivity master knows strategically placed sticky notes are the secret to staying on top of things, and now they'll look neater than ever.

Promising reviews: "Simple and effective. This little gadget is exactly what I wanted. I use it for myself and also in my classroom... Easy to use and has so many options. Time saver too!! Would absolutely buy again if I ever lose pieces or break it." —Amanda M.

A set of Loops Quiet 2, which are so lightweight and comfy, they might just convert even the most anti-earplug person out there. They're designed to muffle distracting or overwhelming noise without completely blocking your hearing, so you can still stay alert to the world around you. These are perfect for anyone who works in a noisy office — they'll muffle the ridiculous amount of keyboard clacking but you'll still be able to hear when someone says, "There are bagels in the kitchen!" 

Promising review: "I was skeptical, but they're great! I used to use foam earplugs exclusively, but these have been amazing, and I've found myself reaching for them instead of noise-canceling earbuds. They don't cancel as much noise as ANC headphones, but they do drown out just enough to where I can focus, but still hear conversations if people are talking to me. Especially when I study, I don't like to listen to music but don't like to be distracted by noise, so these are great because I don't get a headache from the Bluetooth soundwaves at all. Quality is great as well." —MKJ

Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in four colors).

A pair of noise-cancelling earbuds so you can drown out the sound of your annoying roomie or the clicks and clacks of keyboards in the library. These feature super effective active noise cancellation (ANC), which means it uses built-in microphones that listen out for ambient sounds and then play an opposite sound wave to cancel them out. One reviewer said it even rivaled their $300 Bose earbuds, which is WILD considering they're under $30. Buy these instead and spend the $270 you saved on other study necessities like ramen and cold brew, or a work-from-home must-have like a comfy desk chair.

I personally ADORE these: I cannot even begin to describe how impressed with these under-$30 marvels. I needed a cheap pair to hold me over after my AirPods took a tumble in the washing machine (RIP 😢), and the thought of getting noise cancellation for about a third of the price of AirPods seemed suspicious to me...too good to be true, even. So of course, curiosity got the best of me and I hit "buy now" — and two days later, I discovered I made a 10/10 purchase. The noise cancellation is seriously effective — I've used them on a flight and they drowned out SO MUCH noise, and I used the handy case to prop up my phone on my tray table (everyone was extremely jealous. They didn't say it, but I could tell). They don't hurt my ears after long periods of time like most in-ear headphones do. I've since re-purchased a new set of AirPods, but I still reach for these any time I go for a walk or run errands — they're that good.

Promising review: "These have really good noise cancellation. I need complete silence when studying and running white noise on these is much more effective than beats over-ear headphones. I find a lot of earbuds to be uncomfortable after an hour or so, but I can wear these for a long time with no problem. If you pair them with several devices, they will automatically switch to the device playing audio, which makes all the difference. I bought a second pair." —Remy0123

Get it from Amazon for $28.49+ (available in five colors).

A pair of Beats Studio Pro headphones, which are basically icons in the wireless headphone game. These are loved for their impressive active noise cancellation and personalized spatial audio, which uses head tracking to make it feel like your fave playlists are fully surrounding you. Now you can fill your mind with the soothing sounds of Enya to drown out the annoying, panicked thoughts screaming, "I have SO MUCH to do and it's already 3:48 p.m.!!!!"

Promising review: "Love these Beats... They look amazing. It's pretty much like having AirPod headphones on your head that aren’t AirPod Max. The sound quality is great, and the battery life is great. These really are the superior headphones for everyday wear (gym, daily activity, etc.) than the AirPods Max and at half the price." —Jv Flores

Get it from Amazon for $184.94+ (available in six colors and sets).

An availability flag you can set to green when you're free for a quick chat, or switch to red when it's crunch time and there's absolutely ZERO time for small talk. Janet's baby pictures can wait, you're on a deadline. It's USB-powered and magnetic for easy attachment to your laptop, and you can even set up custom color in the accompanying app if you need a third color that indicates, "I'm busy, but not too busy to chat about Love Island for five minutes."

Promising review: "Works exactly the way as designed. Team likes it as well, as it saves them time from stopping by my office space only to see I’m either on a call or away. The software is easy to set up as well as to adjust colors to match Microsoft Teams statuses." —Milo

Get it from Amazon for $49.99 (available in two colors).

A "Worky" station, the on-the-go desk you never knew you needed. Once you unfold the suitcase-style design, you'll have an instant desk for your laptop and office supplies, a mini whiteboard, and there are even USB ports to charge a few devices. Perhaps best of all, the top portion has LED lights, so both you and your notes will be perfectly lit at all times.

Check out a TikTok of the Worky station in action. 

Promising review: "I've had my Worky for three months now and have loved it. I love that everything is in one place, and then I can close it up and work disappears. The compartments are great for tucking away piles of paperwork, the many charging outlets are convenient, and the LED lights are helpful on Zoom calls when lighting in the room is not ideal. Everything in one place, simple and convenient. Just the way I like it." —Amy

Worky is a small business that specializes in products to improve remote working experiences. 

A sleek digital calendar so you'll have a handy visual reminder of your deadlines, work meetings, and other responsibilities — because sometimes seeing an organized plan ahead of you is enough to keep you motivated. There's even an accompanying smartphone app so you can mark off to-do items or add to the calendar while you're out and about.

Promising review: "This life organizer is life-altering! The features we use the most are the tasks, rewards, lists, calendar, and photo screensaver. We love the ability to add and mark off items from the app on our phones. Our kids fight over who can make their beds and brush their teeth the fastest. It’s the best! We ordered the smallest size, and it’s been great, but we’ve considered getting a bigger one and having one upstairs and one downstairs. We also love that there’s no monthly subscription required." —Jo

A tiny white-noise machine that's designed to be taken on the go. No, really, it literally can fit in the palm of your hand with room to spare! Now you can block the distractions and be surrounded by soothing sounds, even when you're away from home and forced to make your sister's guest room your temporary remote office. And it doesn't skimp on features either — there are 15 sounds to choose from (including brown noise, pink noise, rain, waves, and more), timer options, and reviewers say the volume gets surprisingly loud for such a tiny package.

Promising review: "I love this! I use it when traveling, and it works beautifully. Lasts a long time on a charge and sounds are perfect. Definitely would buy it again. Handy size." —Chris B.

Get it from Amazon for $15.99+ (available in 11 colors and packs of two).

A textbook holder so helpful it almost makes me cry that college-me didn't have it. 😭 Reviewers say the arms that hold your book in place are surprisingly spacious, so even your biggest textbook that inexplicably cost $12,000 will fit and stay in perfect view while you work on that 12,000-page essay.

Promising review: "I bought this book stand to help with my law school readings and I love it. The bamboo looks elegant and it’s surprisingly sturdy. It holds heavy textbooks without slipping, and the adjustable angles make it really comfortable for long study sessions. No more neck pain! Highly recommended for students who read a lot." —Jean R.

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three sizes).

A clever neck reading light — it lasts for up to 80 hours on a single charge. 😮 It also has six brightness settings, so you can crank it up when your roomie or partner goes to bed at an obnoxiously early hour but you've got tons of work to catch up on. I mean, 11 p.m?! What are they, in middle school?! 

Promising review: "I don’t have the best lighting in this house or the best eyes, and that makes for a hard time cross-stitching. These are absolutely wonderful! I can see my patterns and do my cross-stitching which is so great during this quarantine. Be sure to charge every night after use, though. And they are so lightweight I forget I’m wearing them! Highly recommended!" —Nini

Get it from Amazon for $17.98+ (available in seven colors).

BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

The reviews used in this post have been edited for length and clarity.