Pen Warmer

Coming in to work on a holiday, I found myself sitting in my office with scarf around my neck and gloves on my hands, the moisture from my breath clouding the air as I worked. But you can't write very well with gloves on.

This gave me an idea to add yet another executive toy to the incredible array of desktop gadgets available from the likes of Brookstone and Sharper Image: the Pen Warmer.

At first I considered a self-heating pen, but inevitable energy requirements and complexity seem to preclude this design, especially since you can always lose a pen.

But - what about an attractive plug-in cradle that sits on your desk and gently warms the pen (or a couple of pens) as they wait for your inspiration to strike. You could market attractive but affordable heat-absorbing metal pens designed to fit the cradle.

Optional attachment possibility - coffee mug coaster. Keep that mug warm while you're writing.

No doubt this is an amenity that nobody needs. But that hasn't stopped people from buying all sorts of stuff like this in the past. And it would have been nice to have yesterday as I sat taking notes and shivering.