Great Gifts, Tools &
Some of My Favorite Things

These are my top tools for maximum productivity. If you live the laptop or GTD® lifestyle (or know someone who does), I recommend these tools to support your life and productivity. Some of these are affiliate links, so if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission.

Software:

Evernote – My most essential software application…and the reason you’re here on my site. Sign up for a free or paid account, or gift an account from inside your Account Preferences.

YNAB – You Need a Budget is the best budgeting software I’ve ever used. And, it can be tweaked to track business revenue and expenses too (it’s what I do!).

Circle – This community platform powers The Academy. If you’re in the membership or community business, create your custom community with this powerful, and quickly innovating, tool.

Productivity accessories (and great gifts!):

Fujitsu ix1600 Scanner – The best desktop scanning solution that exists – and what I personally use. It’s often described as “life-changing.“ Worth the investment. (Or, find a Fujitsu ScanSnap that fits your budget)

Raven Scanner – Looking to purchase a desktop scanner that integrates with Evernote? Check out Raven Scanners to see how easy they make it to scan your paper.

Natural Wood Laptop Skin – I get lots of compliments on the natural wood skin I have on my laptop. The contrast of wood on metal is grounding, stylish, and provides a protective layer for my laptop. Also available for your phone and tablets. I like both Toast and CoverUp brands.

NeuYear Wall Calendar – Sometimes you just need a wall calendar. I prefer the dry-erase version of the Sunday Monochrome for my high-level annual and quarterly goal planning. But, all the layouts are great.

Peak Designs Tech Pouch – The laptop lifestyle requires you to have the right cables with you wherever you go. This cable organizer is the best I’ve found. It holds everything I need and pairs high-quality construction with clever design.

Cable Twist Ties – Keep the cables in your tech pouch neat and organized. These are my favorite because they tether to the cable, so you don’t lose them when the cable is extended.

Label Maker – Propel your household or office into “ultra-organized” status with a label maker. I love my Brother P-touch but this Bluetooth option is interesting as well.

Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses – It’s less eye fatigue when you stare at the screen all day long if you block blue light with your readers. There are lots of stylish options to choose from but these are the ones I wear.

Physical Inbox – It will be more fun to centralize the paper you’ll scan (to Evernote!) if you have an inbox you love. I like the aesthetics of wooden inboxes and have one with both inbox/outbox trays, but a single inbox works too.

Rocketbook Reusable Fusion Notebook – The solution to wasted paper! These notebooks – available in a variety of sizes – have reusable pages that feel like paper. Send your notes right to Evernote, then wipe the page clean and use it again.

ACCESSORIES To Stay Powered Up (and practical gifts):

95-W Charger for Car Cigarette Lighter – Make working on long road trips from the passenger seat possible by keeping your phone and laptop charged. This adapter has the right wattage to keep your laptop, tablet, and phone powered up the whole ride. I love mine.

Satechi 2-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charging Stand – (Apple only) Keeps my iPhone and Airpods charged while working at my desk. The sleek design holds my phone in a perched position making handsfree FaceTime calls and quick texts effortless.

Apple MagSafe Duo Charger – (Apple only) One-piece and a single cable (key when traveling and outlets are in short supply) for your bedside nightstand at home or away. Charges two essential devices – my iPhone and my Apple Watch – simultaneously. Folds up nicely for travel and fits easily in my tech cable pouch for travel too.

Books Of impact

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen – This book changed my life. Learn the methodology that when implemented and practiced, really does result in stress-free productivity.

Getting Things Done: 64 Productivity Cards – I often “pull a card” during live EverDone events to share a dose of David’s wisdom with the community. Many GTD’ers ask me where they can get their own set.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Mari Kondo – This book made a material difference in the amount – and enjoyment – of physical items I have in my home. And, the folding technique for clothes is awesome.

The Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo – The time-blocking technique taught in this book is essential to how I personally work, and how I help members of my EverDone community work.

TRAVEL FAVORITES

Away Luggage – I love, love, love, my Away luggage. First, it functions great. The 360-degree spinner wheels make it simple to maneuver and the packing space is thoughtfully designed. It’s also stylish (I always get compliments). And optional features – like the ejectable USB charger option – support my productivity while en route to my destination. And, who doesn’t love a lifetime warranty? I’ve got “Blush”, but there are lots of colors to choose from. Get $20 off your first purchase over US$125 through this link.