The humble Universal Serial Bus (USB), originally designed as a replacement for a confusing array of incompatible interfaces, has quickly become the standard for connecting computer peripherals, mobile phones, digital cameras and a whole host of other consumer electronic devices. It has also given rise to novelty USB gadgets ranging from the genuinely useful to the utterly bizarre.

Novelty USB gadgets make perfect gifts for work colleagues: they’re cheap, they’re fun, they fit on a standard office desk and can be powered by any PC with a spare USB socket. But more importantly they bring a little bit of joy and novelty to an otherwise boring work day. All kinds of gimmicky USB toys are available, from cute animated owls, parrots and chameleons that attach to your monitor to burly USB bouncers that issue random warnings to anyone that ventures too close.

For more practical USB gadgets take a look at the Freeloader USB battery charger or any of the wide range of USB powered desk fans, drinks can chillers, coffee cup warmers and SIM card readers. The ultimate USB gadget for any office geek however has to be a USB Speedometer. These ingenious devices monitor your typing and display your words per minute on a retro style dashboard display complete with dials!