• A thermal mug, which will reduce the number of times you must run to the kitchen for more coffee. A mug with a lid can prevent expensive spills into the computer.

• A set of screwdrivers. For making adjustments to your ancient swivel chair, repairing your eyeglasses or opening your computer tower, so you can do some real damage to what's inside.

• Duct tape has a thousand uses, including emergency hair removal and securing the occasional splint.

• Nail clippers. With no co-workers around, you can do your personal grooming right at your desk. Avoid letting the flying shards land in your keyboard.

• A lobster bib. We work-at-home types tend to eat at our desks.

• A threadbare bathrobe, for pulling on in a hurry when the FedEx driver rings the doorbell.

• A yo-yo, paddle-ball or other time-wasting toy. Because nobody's watching.

• Earplugs, for those times when children are in the house.

• Solitaire, "Tetris" or other computer games. Everybody needs to take a break occasionally, right? Even if those "breaks" last for hours.

• A calendar and/or a "to-do" list. You need organization and goal-setting in a home office. Otherwise, you waste all day watching old episodes of "The Munsters."

• A box of tissues. Using your sleeve is gross, even if no one's watching.

• Notepads, for doodling.

• A music delivery system of some sort, in case you feel like dancing.

• A sharp knife for opening packages. Also handy for slitting your wrists when you realize you've missed yet another deadline.

• Finally, the most important device of all. Your home office needs a door so you can shut out your family and the rest of the world.