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Office

Best Ways to Look Busy During Meetings You Don't Need to Be In

Master the art of strategic presence without actually paying attention

A well-timed nod and furious note-taking beats actually listening every time—budget $0-50 for props.

👑 #1 Pick

Moleskine Cahier Notebook

The ultimate 'I'm taking serious notes' prop—thick pages, prestigious brand, zero one will question your legitimacy.

All 5 recommendations

Est. prices as of 3 Mar 2026

#1 · Moleskine · Crowd Favorite

Moleskine Cahier Notebook

$18.99

The ultimate 'I'm taking serious notes' prop—thick pages, prestigious brand, zero one will question your legitimacy.

✓ Instantly makes you look thoughtful and engaged
✓ Durable enough to survive aggressive scribbling
✓ Elegant enough that nobody suspects you're drawing cats

✗ People might actually ask to see your notes later

#2 · Apple · Premium Pick

Apple iPad (10th Gen)

$349.00

The ultimate meeting theater device—open a spreadsheet, toggle between tabs, look like you're doing six things at once.

✓ Can legitimately work if someone checks your screen
✓ Looks far busier than a laptop
✓ Built-in excuse to seem distracted ('syncing,' 'loading')

✗ Expensive just to look busy
✗ Reflexively checking email/games defeats the purpose

#3 · Lamy · Hidden Gem

Lamy Safari Fountain Pen

$32.00

Upgrade your fake note-taking with a pen that screams 'I'm cultured and detail-oriented,' even if you're writing gibberish.

✓ Makes handwriting look intentional and deliberate
✓ Refillable ink adds to the 'serious professional' vibe
✓ Tactile feedback keeps your hands busy

✗ Can leak in a pocket—professional image ruined instantly

#4 · Anker Soundcore Space A40

Noise-Canceling Earbuds (in pocket)

$99.99

Keep them visible but not in use—suggests you're 'available but prioritizing'—the Schrödinger's cat of meeting attendance.

✓ Visual signal that you're 'in demand' elsewhere
✓ Can legitimately excuse yourself if needed
✓ Passive-aggressive indicator you'd rather be elsewhere

✗ Might accidentally activate—now you're awkwardly leaving the meeting

#5 · Various (Amazon Basics) · Budget King

Desk Fidget Spinner / Cube

$8.99

Keep your hands occupied while your mind wanders—the budget option that screams 'I have anxiety about this meeting.'

✓ Under $10 and actually helps with nervous energy
✓ Keeps you from checking your phone every 30 seconds
✓ Acceptable to fidget in most corporate settings

✗ Reads as 'I'm checking out' rather than 'I'm engaged'
✗ Can be distracting to others (and yourself)