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40 Stylish Gifts for the Home Office
Houzz Gift Guide 2010: Gifts That Keep a Workspace Fun, Organized and Looking Good
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Now that more of us telecommute, the office has become one of the most important rooms in the home. We want to help you make sure your friends and family have the best office accessories (for efficiency), desks they'll want to keep clear (for motivation), chairs that let them roll wherever they want (comfort) and desk accessories that make them smile (for sanity). Once we had these basic functions down, we sought out the items that accomplished them with the most panache.
We'd love your great gift finds! In fact, a few of the ideas here came from the Houzz community. Add a link to your best idea for the perfect gift for the home office in the comments section and tell us why you love it. The Houzz member with most creative idea wins a $50 gift card to Pottery Barn. And be sure to come back tomorrow for our next guide to the most stylish gifts of the season!
We'd love your great gift finds! In fact, a few of the ideas here came from the Houzz community. Add a link to your best idea for the perfect gift for the home office in the comments section and tell us why you love it. The Houzz member with most creative idea wins a $50 gift card to Pottery Barn. And be sure to come back tomorrow for our next guide to the most stylish gifts of the season!
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I cannot say enough about how versatile the Parsons Desk with Drawers is. I have one in my home, and as I move things around, it's been my computer desk, a console, a buffet, and currently serves as a dressing table in my room. This is a classic desk that whomever you give it to will hang onto for life.
Wood construction.
Two drawers close flush for a smooth surface.
48"w x 24"d x 30"h.
Simple assembly required
$299
Wood construction.
Two drawers close flush for a smooth surface.
48"w x 24"d x 30"h.
Simple assembly required
$299
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Keren, Houzz friend and author of the design blog chictip, says "The Grassy Lawn Charging Station is artificial grass to cushion your gadgets while they charge. Allow your cameras, phones, MP3 players, etc. to relax while they rejuvenate!"
Artificial Grass on the top, compartment for holding your cables and power adapters underneath
You provide the cables and adapters
Works with any small device with a charging cable
11" x 7" x 4.35"
$24.99
Artificial Grass on the top, compartment for holding your cables and power adapters underneath
You provide the cables and adapters
Works with any small device with a charging cable
11" x 7" x 4.35"
$24.99
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by gelaskins.com
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| Thanks to Houzz community member Poisiraisk for suggesting a GelaSkin for electronics. Here I've picked the pairing of Charley Harper and a 15" MacBook Pro, but you can find them for a range of phones, laptops, and gadgets, and choose from images from hundreds of artists.
Specs for the 15" MacBook Pro Gelaskin: 3M technology for easy application and clean removal Super-thin (less than 1mm) tough scratch protection Doesn't interfere with any laptop cases, laptop covers, etc. Actual laptop skin dimensions: 13.4 x 9.2" (340 x 234mm) $29.95 |
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This set of magnets is a good gift for that person who needs an iPhone intervention. You know who they are—they scroll through screen after screen of apps and never pay attention to anything you say anymore.
Epoxy, magnet
Wipe clean
Imported
Set of 18 magnets, approx .75"W, each
5" W x 9.5"H
$16 for 18 magnets
Epoxy, magnet
Wipe clean
Imported
Set of 18 magnets, approx .75"W, each
5" W x 9.5"H
$16 for 18 magnets
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Face It: The surfaces we touch most (keyboards, phones, PDAs) are the ones we clean the least. Gross! Throw these bright little mitt cleaners in your favorite techie's stocking.
Made from microfiber chenille
Two surfaces for cleaning & dusting or buffing & polishing
Machine washable
$2.99
Made from microfiber chenille
Two surfaces for cleaning & dusting or buffing & polishing
Machine washable
$2.99
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These drawers are a fun alternative to the typical filing cabinet. Each drawer could contain a loose file or several file folders, and yet, they are small enough to use for pens, paperclips, et. al. (organizer inserts for these thing are sold separately). The best part is all of the great colors they come in. I have a vision of alternating light blue and red, or taxicab yellow and green...but I digress. These are also great for organizing tools, screws, bolts and nails in a tool shop.
Solid steel construction
Drawers accommodate letter-sized documents
5 Drawer cabinet
11" x 16" x 13" h
$99.99
Solid steel construction
Drawers accommodate letter-sized documents
5 Drawer cabinet
11" x 16" x 13" h
$99.99
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Stylish and relatively inexpensive are tough criteria when searching for desk chairs. The Polo Desk Chair is a great value. It will add a pop of color and fun to any workspace.
Pneumatic lift allows you to position the chair at just the right height
The seat swivels for added flexibility
Injection-molded, polypropylene seat
Pneumatic lift easily adjusts the height of the seat from 19-1/2" to 27-1/2"
Cast aluminum base
Casters provide easy mobility
$199.99
Pneumatic lift allows you to position the chair at just the right height
The seat swivels for added flexibility
Injection-molded, polypropylene seat
Pneumatic lift easily adjusts the height of the seat from 19-1/2" to 27-1/2"
Cast aluminum base
Casters provide easy mobility
$199.99
by Design Public
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This handcrafted and sustainable set of desk accessories includes a tape dispenser, stapler, envelope opener and pen/card/envelope holder.
Naturally harvested mahogany and sonokeling wood.
$75
Naturally harvested mahogany and sonokeling wood.
$75
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| The perfect gift for those who love all things Union Jack; this clever needlepoint paperweight adds a great dash of British pizzazz to a desktop.
1H x 4W x 3D handmade 100% Wool needlepoint encased in glass Black felted bottom $38 |
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Everyone has magazines, catalogs, samples, ledgers and logbooks that tend to clutter up the desk. This stylish magazine butler will help keep things orderly and attractive, but still close at hand.
Wood construction frame with high-gloss white lacquer finish.
4"w x 10"d x 11"h
$22
Wood construction frame with high-gloss white lacquer finish.
4"w x 10"d x 11"h
$22
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These vintage-modern wire baskets are great for an artist's studio or crafty friend who needs a little help reigning in their supplies.
11 1/2"W x 7 1/2"D x 5 1/2"H
$68
11 1/2"W x 7 1/2"D x 5 1/2"H
$68
by Ballard Designs
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If you've noticed a friend has a depressing old bulletin board in her office, give her this inspirational inspiration board upgrade! Available in brushed silver, white, or brown, it will instantly transform inspiration boards into art.
Choose from brushed silver, Tuscan brown or rubbed white
Made of sisal with pine frame.
54¼"H X 24"W X 1 1/2"D
$179
Choose from brushed silver, Tuscan brown or rubbed white
Made of sisal with pine frame.
54¼"H X 24"W X 1 1/2"D
$179
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Sometimes after a phone call your friend might feel like stabbing something. He can do that, and put his pen away at the same time, by putting it in this hilarious little desktop pen and pencil holder.
Comes in choice of three colors
5.1" L x 4.9" W x 1.8" H
$23
Comes in choice of three colors
5.1" L x 4.9" W x 1.8" H
$23
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In beautiful wood grain this toolbox is more fit to serve as a stylish and unexpected organizer in the office. Luckily, if your giftee wants to bang it up with actual tools, it also comes in metal orange camo print versions.
Metal
Size - 19" L x 6.5" H x 6" D
$60.00
Metal
Size - 19" L x 6.5" H x 6" D
$60.00
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| Hanging onto a slippery smart phone can be tricky. This little plunger serves as a stand while one chats or sneaks in an episode of "Skating with the Stars" while doing busy work. Yes, that's right, I said "Skating with the Stars."
Wood and rubber 1 3/4" L x 1 ¼" $6.95 |
by Fred Flare
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These punctuation-mark stickies are so much more fun than the standard yellow Post-It note. Just warn your giftee that slapping the red ? on memos from the boss and returning them to said boss is not a good idea.
Set of 5 pads
50 pages each
Each pad is about 1"x3"
$11
Set of 5 pads
50 pages each
Each pad is about 1"x3"
$11
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Your favorite design fan will flip over these very accurately colored Pantone tin boxes. They are large enough for standard (8.5"x11") paper storage.
Choose one color or all of them: 186 C Red; 672 C Pink; 377 C Green; 14-0848 Mimosa (2009's color of the year!); 10 C Cool Grey; 15-5519 Turquoise.
11.8" W x 8.7" D x 4.3" H
$28
Choose one color or all of them: 186 C Red; 672 C Pink; 377 C Green; 14-0848 Mimosa (2009's color of the year!); 10 C Cool Grey; 15-5519 Turquoise.
11.8" W x 8.7" D x 4.3" H
$28
by Serena & Lily
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This cute metal caddy from Serena and Lily comes in an array of colors and patterns. Great for the artsy type who has a studio and/or craft room.
15" L x 15" W x 12.5" H
$85
15" L x 15" W x 12.5" H
$85
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There's a certain satisfaction in crumpling up a piece of paper and tossing it into a crumpled up wastepaper basket. Share it with someone whose current wastepaper basket has no style.
Hard polyethylene.
White, Red, Black dia 13.03" h 12.99"
$52.00
Hard polyethylene.
White, Red, Black dia 13.03" h 12.99"
$52.00
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John Derian has the most mind-blowing collection of vintage ephemera, and he uses the lost art of decoupage to share it with the world. Pass one along and share it with a friend. There are endless choices, but we're sharing the charming Fern Spray one with you today.
6" diameter
$60
6" diameter
$60
by Sugar Paper
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While an agenda is a very personal choice one usually makes for oneself, a desk calendar is gifting fair game. This lovely little letterpressed version is printed with gold foil and letterpress-printed with 4 ink colors: grey, raspberry, grass green and capri blue.
Comes packaged in a cigar box with a gold stand
6" x 6"
$52
Comes packaged in a cigar box with a gold stand
6" x 6"
$52
by See Jane Work
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Alright, I know I just implied that picking out an agenda for someone else was not purdent, there is an exception: the Jonathan Adler fanatic. If you know someone who has a needlepoint muscle car pillow and/or a cookie jar that says "Drugs," you're guaranteed they'll flip over this Jonathan Adler agenda.
Coated paper exterior and interior cover pages
Interior graphics that complement the exterior cover page, front pocket
Yearly, monthly and weekly planning pages
Sections for birthdays and occasions, holidays, contacts and notes; clever illustrations, fun facts, or interesting anecdotes at the start of each monthly section
Monthly planning pages have "To Do" lists
Elastic band closure
17-month Agenda begins August 2010 and ends December 2011
5" x 7 ½”
$20
Coated paper exterior and interior cover pages
Interior graphics that complement the exterior cover page, front pocket
Yearly, monthly and weekly planning pages
Sections for birthdays and occasions, holidays, contacts and notes; clever illustrations, fun facts, or interesting anecdotes at the start of each monthly section
Monthly planning pages have "To Do" lists
Elastic band closure
17-month Agenda begins August 2010 and ends December 2011
5" x 7 ½”
$20
by Rare Device
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Houzz team member Lily Gahagan spied this bold tape dispenser. The vertical orientation is unexpected and takes up less real estate on the desktop.
Also comes in black, white, yellow and turquoise
6" x 3" x 2 1/4"
$39
Also comes in black, white, yellow and turquoise
6" x 3" x 2 1/4"
$39
by Smart Furniture
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Ergonomics simplified! Thanks to Houzz community member Cirone for recommending the Herman Miller SAYL Chair! Yes, it's a little bit out of our general gift guide price range, but when you add up all the hours your loved-one's seat will spend here, it's pennies per hour.
The Sayl Chair seat features the Crossing fabric collection, a 100%-recycled polyester that's durable for everyday use. Available in 7 colors.
$399
The Sayl Chair seat features the Crossing fabric collection, a 100%-recycled polyester that's durable for everyday use. Available in 7 colors.
$399
by monoprice.com
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Cirone also has a suggestion for the techy guy who loves his computer space: "My husband recently got dual desk mount brackets for his LCD monitors and it makes his whole workspace look really cool. Well, in a really techy/geeky way :) it's also great for ergonomics."
3-Way Adjustable Tilting DUAL Desk Mount Bracket for LCD (Max 33 lbs., 10-23")
$38.40
3-Way Adjustable Tilting DUAL Desk Mount Bracket for LCD (Max 33 lbs., 10-23")
$38.40
by verbatim.com
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Thanks to Houzz community member Poisiraisk, who says, "A hard drive is either new or full – always good to have some extra storage space."
The always-on LCD continually displays the drive's free space without the need for batteries or computer connection, and automatically updates when the drive is connected and/or safely dismounted.
Compatible with all USB connections, the InSight™ drive includes a USB 2.0 cable, a quick-start guide and Nero BackItUp software that offers full system backup/restore functions and optional password security.
$193.58
The always-on LCD continually displays the drive's free space without the need for batteries or computer connection, and automatically updates when the drive is connected and/or safely dismounted.
Compatible with all USB connections, the InSight™ drive includes a USB 2.0 cable, a quick-start guide and Nero BackItUp software that offers full system backup/restore functions and optional password security.
$193.58
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This office chair is one of most stylish deals around today. It's sleek, it's leather, and it looks like at least a thousand bucks, but it's only $199.
White bonded leather padded seat and back
Chrome plated metal base
Five-caster base gas-lifts and swivels
20"W x 24.5" 32"D 35.5"H (16.5"–20.5"H seat)
$199
White bonded leather padded seat and back
Chrome plated metal base
Five-caster base gas-lifts and swivels
20"W x 24.5" 32"D 35.5"H (16.5"–20.5"H seat)
$199
by Design Public
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Ali, Houzz friend, photographer, and author of the blog Asiz's Child, says "For the sweltering days when you are in an important meeting and can't stop sweating, I'd highly recommend a Swizz Style Stadler Form Otto fan."
Steel, wood, aluminum
3 speed settings
Crafted from fine grain African Sapele wood. High grade steel frame and components
Height-adjustable feet.
Whisper quiet. Complete with 3 settings and adjustable height
14.76 H x 13.62 W x 7.28 D
$220
Steel, wood, aluminum
3 speed settings
Crafted from fine grain African Sapele wood. High grade steel frame and components
Height-adjustable feet.
Whisper quiet. Complete with 3 settings and adjustable height
14.76 H x 13.62 W x 7.28 D
$220
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Elbow task lamps are so versatile, and who wouldn't love receiving one in bright cheery yellow? All this, and it comes with bulbs that will provide 10 years of light.
Steel base with high-gloss green-yellow powdercoat finish
Adjustable arm and swivel head
Includes three 1W LED bulbs for up to 10 years of light (not replaceable)
Bulbs are not replaceable
8" in diameter x 32.5"H
$99.95
Steel base with high-gloss green-yellow powdercoat finish
Adjustable arm and swivel head
Includes three 1W LED bulbs for up to 10 years of light (not replaceable)
Bulbs are not replaceable
8" in diameter x 32.5"H
$99.95
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These spine-like bookshelves are aesthetically pleasing and space-saving. Good gifting candidates include those who have piles of books that they need to access on a regular basis.
Laser-cut steel components
Aluminum-tone powdercoat finish
Lightweight and easy to assemble
Made in Italy
$189
Laser-cut steel components
Aluminum-tone powdercoat finish
Lightweight and easy to assemble
Made in Italy
$189
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Just for fun, this little assignment pad will help forgetful friends keep track of their to-do list. It's a good alternative to a string around the finger.
80 pages, wire bound
Features a grid pattern
Hardback cover
5" x 7"
Printed in USA on paper derived from responsibly managed forests
$12
80 pages, wire bound
Features a grid pattern
Hardback cover
5" x 7"
Printed in USA on paper derived from responsibly managed forests
$12
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Who doesn't love a hedgehog?* This cute little friend will round up pesky paperclips and bring a smile to your giftee's face.
Magnetic hedgehog design
PMMA plastic construction
Available in 3 colors
2"H x 4"W x 3"D
$25
* If you know someone who doesn't love a hedgehog, check out the magnetic stainless steel ball paperclip holder below.
Magnetic hedgehog design
PMMA plastic construction
Available in 3 colors
2"H x 4"W x 3"D
$25
* If you know someone who doesn't love a hedgehog, check out the magnetic stainless steel ball paperclip holder below.
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This little magnetic ball will keep the desk otherwise paper-clip free. It's perfect for someone who prefers more futuristic office accessories.
Stainless steel
3" diameter
$24
Stainless steel
3" diameter
$24
by Ballard Designs
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Help your loved one shed those tacky plastic push pins and replace them with some gold French flair.
Gold-plated pewter
Sold in a matching set of 24
$24
Gold-plated pewter
Sold in a matching set of 24
$24
by Paper Source
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These file folders are so hilarious they actually make you WANT to file stuff. If you have a pal who loves to procrastinate getting organized, these might just spur a little sorting.
11 2/8" x 9" (+ 1/2" tab)
Folders are 3-tabbed
Set includes 6 graduation file folders
$7
11 2/8" x 9" (+ 1/2" tab)
Folders are 3-tabbed
Set includes 6 graduation file folders
$7
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This pop floral grosgrain ribbon board is great for a kitchen desk or in the office of someone who likes bright flourishes more than clean modern lines.
Finished in Vera Bradley™ fabric with grosgrain ribbon
Two sides feature attached hanging hardware to give you the freedom of placement
24" by 18"
$56
Finished in Vera Bradley™ fabric with grosgrain ribbon
Two sides feature attached hanging hardware to give you the freedom of placement
24" by 18"
$56
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A clear desk is a happy desk, and there needs to be a place for everything. Why not help someone mount that Inbox/Outbox on the wall? Bonus: Magnets stick to this two-slot hanging file holder.
Steel with green powdercoat finish
Double file
13"Wx2.25"Dx19.5"HSKU 564659
$24.95 (on sale for $14.95 as we go to post)
Steel with green powdercoat finish
Double file
13"Wx2.25"Dx19.5"HSKU 564659
$24.95 (on sale for $14.95 as we go to post)
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Another gift idea from Ali of Asiz's Child: "No one likes a quiet office, and the Singgih Kartono Magno Radios are always the life of a party."
Ebony wood casing and knobs. Uses AA batteries.
Made in Indonesia, supporting local craftspeople
MP3 player compatible. AM/FM with shortwave reception.
7.5" L x 7.5" H x 4.25" D
$250
Ebony wood casing and knobs. Uses AA batteries.
Made in Indonesia, supporting local craftspeople
MP3 player compatible. AM/FM with shortwave reception.
7.5" L x 7.5" H x 4.25" D
$250
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There are a ton of fancy and expensive modern clocks out there, but really, can anyone top the $19.99 version from IKEA? There's just something about it that will make your giftee remember sitting in the classroom, watching the second hand go around and eagerly anticipating the ring of the bell.
Wall clock
Batteries are sold separately; 1pc LR6 AA size 1.5V battery r
Steel, chrome plated
12½ "
$19.99
Wall clock
Batteries are sold separately; 1pc LR6 AA size 1.5V battery r
Steel, chrome plated
12½ "
$19.99
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Just for fun, give this gift where one can lose oneself in an office culture from a different era—before the internet; heck, before fax machines (remember those?), before conference calls.
Paperback: 96 pages
Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
$9
Paperback: 96 pages
Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.4 x 0.3 inches
$9
Ideabook updated on Dec. 11, 2010.
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Here is my addition to the gift list: the power squid (http://www.powersquid.com/surge3000-surge-protector-p-186.html) It's a power "strip"/surge protector that's so cute you'll want it on your desk top.
This is the first comment I have ever made on the website. Couldn't resist telling you how much I loved your list! So many things that I haven't seen befoe. Next year PLEASE consider posting one earlier....so that I have more time to buy those fun things!
I think.
Vmarria, click on the word in green, LINK, next to the product name and price (right underneath the image - it's a bit tiny).
Momgrides, Thank you so much, and yes, this was a last-minute rush, but I hope that next year we'll be early- we were working on some of the technology to get this together and didn't get rolling until we were already into Chanukah - we figured better late than never.
thanks to everyone else for your wonderful comments, you made my day!
Nikki
as i look around my home office, where i spend most of my waking free-time hours, my favorites thing is my laptop stand. it makes it easy to dock and have all my peripherals at hand, but also easy to move to the living room, kitchen, even the bathtub (i know, a bad idea!) at times. it also kept my previous OLD laptop from overheating.
my other favorite thing in the study is our collection of stools. when we have overnight guests, at some point we seem to congregate in the study to watch the latest youtube video, review recent pictures, or just check email. having stackable stools handy is terrific :) our extra seating is distressed wood because i like that rustic element, but i think these easy ikea ones would do the trick, too. http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50179726