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16 Gift Ideas for Your Boss To Make Them Smile

16 Gift Ideas for Your Boss To Make Them Smile

March 29, 2024 by Giving Assistant Editorial Team

A boss you want to buy a gift for is a gift all its own. Having a great boss is the difference between a great job and one that you’d love to move on from. It only makes sense that you want to celebrate them.

Knowing what to get your boss for the holidays, an anniversary, birthday or other special occasion is not the easiest thing in the world. No matter what industry you work in or what your budget looks like, there is a gift here that any good boss will appreciate.

So stop stressing and start scrolling to see our top gift ideas for your boss!

The Best Gift Ideas for Your Boss for 2023

1. Bamboo Keyboard and Mouse

Keyboard and mouse made by bamboo

A handcrafted wireless bamboo mouse and keyboard isn’t on every boss’s desk, and because of that, your boss is definitely going to feel special. This gorgeous combo also comes with a smart tech touch pen for an added bonus.

Strong and durable, it is healthy and comfortable for regular use.

There’s nothing like gift ideas for your boss that make them feel like a boss.

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2. Whiskey Stones

Glass with whiskey stones

If you can safely assume that it’s okay for birthday gift ideas for your boss to reference alcohol, these whiskey stones are going to be a beautiful addition to their birthday celebration.

Specially designed for whiskey, wine and bourbon, they provide the perfect recommended temperatures by major beverage companies.

Stainless steel, they keep drinks chilled and undiluted and make your boss look classy.

Savings Tip: Get AliExpress promo codes for the best deal.

3. Antique Leather Journal

Genuine buffalo leather

When in need of gift ideas for your boss for Christmas, keep it simple with this leather journal. Every boss needs a place to collect and organize their thoughts before they tackle their day; now they can do that in style.

Its rustic style, complete with asymmetrical cover flaps and genuine buffalo leather has been naturally tanned with special oil that allows your boss to scratch up to create their own design.

When they want a new design, they can simply rub the leather and the marks fade.

Savings Tip: Find Redbubble promo codes for the best deal.

4. Wooden Docking Station

Handmade docking station

Christmas gift ideas for your boss should be unique because they probably have enough funny plaques and mugs. This docking station is handmade, and designed to declutter their desk while adding elegant flair.

It can be used as a cradle as the phone charges and has convenient, easy access slots to avoid having to feed chargers through a hole.

An all-in-one, it has a holder for keys, pens, rings, watches and wallets.

Savings Tip: Get Overstock promo codes for the best deal.

5. Decision Maker and Paper Weight

Decision maker

Sometimes gift ideas for your boss’s birthday give you the opportunity to show your humor without overstepping the line.

Multifunctional, this paper weight can keep the stack of files on their desk from flying all over, but it can also give them a break from the hundreds of decisions they make every work day.

Fun and functional, this practical gift with a flare will give your boss something to smile about in those indecisive moments.

Savings Tip: Find Houzz promo codes for the best deal.

6. Mindfulness Journal

Book about mindfulness guide and journal

Your boss is always improving and working on ways to make your day better too. Giving them a creative mindfulness journal and guide will show them that you understand the amount of pressure they may be under and how much you appreciate their efforts.

Savings Tip: Get Walmart promo codes for the best deal.

Good gift ideas for your boss that let them improve their mindfulness skills will be an unexpected surprise and they’ll remember you for being one of the deeper minds in the office.

7. Rosewood Ballpoint Pin

Elegant fancy pen from Woody Boyd

This fancy pen is an example of ideas for a gift for your boss that can be elegant without breaking the bank.

Handcrafted from antique wood, the pen has a vintage feel that oozes luxury. The pen’s construction has natural marks when writing that really make it feel like a one-of-a-kind item.

When they use this pen to sign papers, they will feel as if they are taking care of executive level business.

Savings Tip: Find the best AliExpress coupon codes for great savings.

8. Flaviar Gift Set (for the Whiskey lover)

Flaviar Gift Set

Create an unforgettable gift for your Boss especially if he or she appreciates tasting spirits. Enjoy whiskey, bourbon, rye, vodka, and more. Flaviar’s themed Tasting Boxes come with a carefully selected array of drinks that showcase the flavor range of each category and make it even easier for your Boss to try even more. Flaviar has a unique and lengthy selection which makes it easy to find a gift for any spirit aficionado.

Savings Tip: Use code “givingassistantgift” to get $15 off your gift

9. Customized Business Electronics Accessories

Business electronics accessories

Get it at Amazon.

Useful thank you gifts for your boss can fall flat, but this gift set is specifically designed for the hardworking business professional. It includes a rechargeable wireless mouse, micro USB and supporting flash drive, stylus ballpoint pen, a cable organizer and portable power bank.

It’s beautifully designed and can be customized with their
name or a message. Personalized thank you gifts for bosses never fail to make
an impression. 

10. Personalized Rosewood Single Wine Box Set with Tools

Wine box set

Get it at Amazon.

Know for a fact they love wine? This is a good thank you gift for bosses who know their way around a bottle of wine. A silver plastic foil cutter, and a stainless steel stopper, corkscrew and decanting pourer are fitted into the lid’s foam underside and luxurious red satin lines the bottom of the gift box to transport a bottle safely.

To make this a truly a unique gift, choose from four design
options to engrave their name on top of the box for free.

11. Wood Docking Station

Ash wood docking station

Get it at Amazon.

Thank you gifts for female bosses can be the same as those for their male counterparts. This ash wood docking station is perfect next to the night stand or on their desk and has a built-in wireless charger for smartphones.

One of the best gifts for organization junkies, it can hold
sunglasses, pens, watches and anything else they want to keep within in arm’s
reach.

12. Token of Appreciation Gift Tower

Gift basket filled with goodies

Get it at Amazon.

A gift basket is a great thank you gift for your boss that can help them refuel during a rough day or delight them at night. Five boxes filled with pretzels, caramels, cookies, and popcorn are stacked to create a nice tower of kosher goodies – all wrapped in a bow.

Wonderful for Boss’s Day, it’s a cute thank you gift for
bosses known to munch.

13. Watches Box Travel Case

Watches box

Get it at Amazon.

Good thank you gift ideas for your boss can show how well you’ve paid attention to them.

For watch-loving bosses, this high-quality travel case will
make an impact. It can hold up to 8 watches, bracelets or any small treasure
they want to keep near at all times. With the padded leather divider and
zippered closure, everything inside will remain safe from loss, dust or damage.

14. Boss Lady Gold Coffee Mug

Mug for boss lady

Get it at Amazon.

Cute thank you gifts for boss ladies don’t get much more literal than this mug which says “boss lady” in large gold letters. Made from fine bone china, this 16 oz. mug has a handle embellished with real gold and the sides have real hand lettering.

Classy, chic, and completely modern, she’ll know you think she’s a great boss. Simple, funny thank you gifts for bosses should not be underestimated.

15. Good Day, Bad Day Glass

Good day bad day wine glass

Get it at Amazon.

The best thank you gifts for your boss should bring a smile to their face. As long as you know their humor, this 11 oz. rocks glass will do the trick.

The perfect gift for Boss’s Day too, show your appreciation for them with this sly wink at their out-of-work activities. Etched into the glass are three markings indicating what kind of day they’re having. Even if they never use it, you can bet they’ll love displaying it. 

16. Ethel M Box of Chocolates

Ethel M Chocolates

Create your own personalized chocolate assortment just for your boss! Pick Up to 6 Varieties (24 Total Pieces), then Select Your Chocolate Flavors to create your own signature assortment. Each gift box contains 24 chocolates. Maybe if you are lucky, your boss with share with you.
Endless possibilities! Create a personalized chocolate assortment from over 30 chocolate varieties available.

Savings Tip: Use an Ethel M Chocolate code to help save the most.

Tips For Buying For Your Boss

As the search for the perfect gift rages on, make sure you keep these tips in the front of your mind. They will keep you from buying an inappropriate gift for your boss – the last thing you want to do.

1. It’s not a competition

Trying to one-up someone, whether that is the boss or another coworker, by getting your boss a nicer, fancier gift does not make you look good. In fact, it makes you look less sincere.

2. See what other employees are doing

Being new on the job, you may assume that gifts are the norm, when they actually aren’t. Ask around before you show up to the holiday party with a gift for the boss. If gifts aren’t typically a part of the office culture, you can easily come across as a suck-up.

3. Take stock of the relationship

How close are you and your boss? Do you see each other only inside of the office or do you frequently spend time outside of the workplace?

Measure the nature of your relationship and let level of familiarity be your guide as to whether a personal touch will be appreciated by your boss.

4. Be appropriate

You’ve probably noticed how many gifts are available that are far too inappropriate. It’s important to set some time aside to be sure the gift you’re considering isn’t going to ruffle any feathers.

If you’re even half a percent unsure if it’s going to be an issue, skip it altogether.

5. Be 100% sure before buying alcohol

Popular gifts bosses receive are nice bottles of wine, but your boss may not drink at all. You have to figure this out. Don’t just risk offending them either. If you aren’t sure that they drink, find a better-suited gift.

6. Consider a gift for the office

Start paying attention to your boss’s surroundings and see if they could benefit from an office gift. Practical gifts like notepads, planners, and pens are great options. They are useful and appropriate.

7. Present the gift at the office

Please don’t send a gift to your boss’s home address. That can come off feeling very personal and may be considered intrusive depending on the relationship.

Instead, bring it to the office party or straight into the office and give it to them when others are doing the same.

Thank You Gifts for Boss FAQ’s

Taking the time to figure out what your boss needs and what is appropriate is important. The last thing you want to do is offend or overspend. Here are some common questions regarding gifts for bosses.

What gift should I give to my male boss?

There are many gifts available you can give to your male boss, but please make sure it is appropriate. You can choose a fun candle, water bottles, tech gifts, and gift cards, to be safe. Steer away from alcohol (especially if you don’t know if he would appreciate it or not), religious or political gifts.

Is it appropriate to give your boss a gift?

Unless there is a specific reason why gift-giving is not acceptable in your workplace, there is no reason not to show your appreciation for your boss with a gift.

How much should I spend on a gift for my boss?

Keep your gift within a minimal range such as $20-$40. It is not a good idea to spend more than this and it is not necessary. The idea is to show appreciation, not how much money you have.