Annual Holiday Gift Guide
Stuff Those Stockings
By Deborah Quilter
First published November 3, 1998

Here are a few stocking-stuffer ideas for the ergonomically inclined. You'll find affordable gifts for those suffering hands, ailing necks, and sore backs.

Handwarmers. If you use a computer, keeping your hands warm will help them operate properly. If your recipient's hands are icy even at room temperature, glove liners from Damart--made from a specially woven fiber that traps air--may be just the ticket. You can't type with them on, but they sure warm up your hands in a hurry. These unisex glove liners are available in navy, red, black, or brown, and in sizes small to extra large. Machine or hand wash, air dry. List price: $11.95, regular; $13.95, long-style. Money-back, lifetime guarantee. Damart, 800/258-7300, www.damart.com/Damart/uk.

Smooth pens. Fountain pens may seem quaint, but look again. Many people with computer injuries have trouble writing, and pens that don't flow freely or require pressure stress the hand. A smooth-flowing fountain pen can reduce this strain. I tried the Phileas fountain pen by Waterman, and writing became a visceral pleasure. I enjoyed the way the ink flowed on to the page, and the pen seemed to encourage better penmanship. Signing correspondence became an elegant event instead of an afterthought. And it's relatively cheap as fountain pens go. Just remind your loved one to transport and stow the pen nib end up to prevent inadvertent leaks. List price: $37.95. Levenger, 800/544-0880, www.levenger.com.

Editor's desk. At first I thought this handsome product might be too big for most desktops: It's 21 inches deep. But what a delight to have documents held at a comfortable viewing angle on the book stand in the rear, while you're easily making notations on the generous, upward-sloped writing surface in the front. If your recipient has the space, it's heaven to use. The desks are available in maple, natural cherry, dark cherry, or medium oak. Assembly is required: I did it myself with a screwdriver. List price: $139, large editor's desk, 25 inches wide; $99, medium editor's desk, 18 inches wide. A transparent plastic pad that cushions the pen and protects the wooden surface is available for $13 to $15.95, depending on the size of the desk. Levenger, 800/ 544-0880, www.levenger.com.

Portable editor's desk. If you have limited space, share a desk, or work at the dining room table, Levenger's portable editor's desk may be just the thing. Cut-out handles make it easy to move. The desk measures 13 3/4 by 17 1/2 inches and weighs five pounds. The work surface allows you to place two letter-sized sheets side by side, which is perfect for proofreading. It can be adjusted for either writing or propping up a book at a comfortable reading angle. Sturdy rubber feet prevent it from slipping on your desk. This portable desk makes a dandy dictionary stand, too. List price: $99.95, cherry wood. Levenger, 800/544-0880, www.levenger.com.

Book easel. The book easel is a book cover and book stand rolled into one. It's basically a thick, leather slipcover that has a fold-out stand built into the bottom. The easel also reduces hand strain because elastic straps hold the pages open. The book easel works best with books no bigger than 6 by 9 1/2 inches. The easel comes in black, tan, or blue full-grain Napa leather. List price: $79.95. Levenger, 800/544-0880, www.levenger.com.

Note: All Levenger products include a free gift card. Many items can be monogrammed for an additional price.

Back savers. Does your loved one always complain about an aching back but refuse to invest in a good chair? Here are two good solutions.

The high-end choice for working or just plain sitting is the Neutral Posture Model 4505, which has important essentials, such as pelvic tilt, adjustable lumbar support, and seat back angle adjustability. It has a cushy feel, and adjustments are easy: The lumbar support ratchets up in tiny increments so you can position it just where you need it. The backrest can move back to accommodate long thighs. Armrests, which are made of soft polyvinyl, can be moved outward for broad-shouldered people and swivel 360 degrees. Street price: $456 without armrests.

The low-budget option is the Ensign CAW152. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of its higher-end siblings, but it has what it takes: pelvic tilt, adjustable lumbar support and tilt, and short arms. Street price: about $250.

Note: If you are small, short, or large, appropriate seat pans and pedestals can be ordered. Chairs have lifetime warranties (for an eight-hour workday and a 275-pound weight limit). Some parts have a two- or five-year warranty. Neutral Posture, 800/864-8073, www.neutralposture.com.

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