Let’s have a giggle about those quirky, sometimes questionable items cluttering desks in tech offices. You know the ones—they make you raise an eyebrow or stifle a laugh. Your desk is your tech sanctuary, whether you’re coding, managing projects, or sneaking a quick scroll. But some decorations scream “cringe” louder than a dial-up modem. 😄
Why Your Desk Vibe Matters
Your workspace is where tech magic happens. It’s for brainstorming, debugging, and maybe a sneaky scroll. However, certain desk items can make colleagues double-take. From outdated to over-the-top, these goodies might need a rethink.
Like, adding a splash of colour with fire engine red from Belkin.

Cringe Desk Items to Ditch
Take a look at these desk decorations that might be past their prime:
• Solo award photo: A single framed snap of you shaking hands with the mayor after an award. No other photos, just that one stiff moment. Awkward.
• Framed IT mission statement: A printed, framed copy of your department’s mission statement. It’s like your desk joined a corporate cult.
• Carlton AFL mouse pad and cup: A worn-out Carlton mouse pad with a matching coffee-stained cup. Mad footy fan? We respect it. But this combo’s stuck in the 2010s.
• Novelty USB drives: USB sticks shaped like pizzas or minions. Cute a decade ago, now they’re just clutter.
• Mini desk zen garden: A tiny sandbox with a plastic rake that’s never been touched. It’s less “zen” and more “dust collector.”
• Branded swag overload: A pile of logoed pens, stress balls, and lanyards from every tech conference since 2008. Time for a clear-out!
• Fidget spinner collection: A pile of dusty fidget spinners from their 2017 heyday. They’re not spinning anymore – just collecting cobwebs.
• Old conference badge lanyards: A tangle of lanyards from every tech event since 2010, draped over your monitor. Time for a declutter.

Tips for a Cringe-Free Desk
Want a desk that’s cool, not cringe? Go for simple, personal touches. A small pot plant, a quirky mug, or a neat notebook from Kikki-K can show off your style without going overboard. Your desk should feel like you, not a shrine to outdated swag or a footy season long gone.
Got a Cringe-Worthy Desk Story?
Have you spotted something wild on a tech desk? Maybe a mate’s got a footy shrine or a collection of crusty conference swag? We want the goss. Share your stories in the comments or hit us up on socials with #TechDeskCringe.
Let’s keep the laughs coming and spark some desk makeovers.