*Several weeks ago, I was involved in an [untimely accident with a bus](http://workplace.stackexchange.com/questions/9128/how-can-i-prepare-for-getting-hit-by-a-bus). It was tragic and I can't help but wonder if I would have looked better for that bus had I enjoyed the little things in life more.*

*One of them is a that Swingline stapler - I had always wanted one at my desk. But my boss said no... and my keyboard? why did I have to use the clackety-clack Dell keyboard? I wanted to use a nice Apple keyboard which I enjoyed typing.*

*Would I have been here today had I been able to convince my management to allocate a (relatively) insignificant amount of money to increase my general enjoyment and quality of life? I don't know. But I know I would have loved my job so much more!*

*All that frustration and annoyance over maybe $50 a year? Or even less? Why... I just don't understand.*

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Companies will spend easily $100k+ per year in total compensation but not budget small amounts for employees to get nicer keyboards, mice, or other items for work. These items can however significantly affect how employees *feel* about their workplace.

Assuming a company does not have an official budget/allowance (or precedence) for such things:

 - How should I request a non-essential item (which may be impossible to justify financially but may contribute significantly to "job satisfaction" types of things)? 


Because... however asinine it is, even $40 for an Apple keyboard instead of a @#%@#y Dell or HP keyboard can make a non-trivial difference in overall job satisfaction.