46 Gifts for Your Boss They'll Actually Appreciate
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Even more so than your mom, significant other, or best friend, your boss might just be the toughest person to shop for when it comes to gift-giving. Choose something too personal and things might get awkward quickly, but buy something generic, and it might seem like you put no thought into it at all.
Whether you're gifting as a team or just from you, we've researched presents at a variety of price points for you and your co-workers to explore. If your boss is a hardcore foodie, caffeine addict, music enthusiast, or even if you don’t know much about your manager at all, don’t worry. We’ve found 50 thoughtful gifts that'll show your direct report just how grateful you are for all of the guidance and support. By the way, none of them are a new desk nameplate. These gifts are sure to please the head honcho, no matter who they are.
What to Consider
Before shopping for a gift for your boss, it’s a good idea to consider how much you want to spend ahead of time to help narrow down the options. You’ll also want to decide whether you want to opt for a gift that your manager could use around the office, like a coffee mug or a space heater, or whether you want to gift something you know he or she would enjoy using outside of work.
How We Selected
In choosing these boss-appropriate gifts, we were guided by ratings and reviews from shoppers, as well as our own personal experience working in an office environment.
3-in-1 Charging Hub
Busy bosses are perpetually needing to charge their electronics. Luckily, this three-in-one hub will keep all of their Apple gadgets, like iPhones, AirPods, and even Apple watches, juiced up and ready to use. It's compact enough to keep on their desk and perfectly organizes cables, so they won't be scattered across their workspace.
More: These Great Thank-You Gifts Will Make Anyone Feel Appreciated
Mini Fridge
Let's face it, the break room fridge at your office has probably seen better days. Why not let your boss have their favorite soda or energy drink always on hand with this cool compact refrigerator? It has a six-can capacity, which means it also frees up six cans of space in your communal fridge, so it's kind of a win for everyone.
PuriCare Mini
Breathing cleaner air anytime, anywhere is a gift that keeps giving, especially during cold and allergy season, and the LG PuriCare Mini portable air purifier is the perfect gadget for this purpose. Weighing just a tad over a pound, the product has an ultra fine particle filter, as well as a dual inverter motor for powerful airflow.
The Bluetooth-equipped gadget has a companion that can display the air quality and the status of its onboard filter. A battery that can last up to 8 hours between charges and a stylish carrying strap round up its key features.
Temperature Control Smart Mug 2
We love this temperature-controlled mug. In fact, you might even say that we're a little obsessed with it!
Your boss can set the Ember Smart Mug to any temperature they want to keep their morning beverage as warm as when they first poured it. It's hand-washable and can be used for up to 1 hour without the charging coaster — or all day long with it.
Back Massager with Heat
Whether you and your boss work from home or have returned to the office, sitting in a desk chair all day can do a number on your back. This back massager uses deep-tissue massage motions and heat to soothe achy muscles and help ease pain from staring at a screen all day. It’s so helpful at keeping muscle soreness at bay, you might just want to get one for yourself, too.
Business Card Case
Though office life becomes more digital with every passing year, there are still some professions where handing out a business card is the preferred way of exchanging contact info.
If you want to give your boss a personalized dash of splashy presentation, we recommend this wooden business card holder. It can be custom engraved to your specifications, and its magnetized lid makes for a more visually dynamic opening than the standard flip-top card case.
Portable Charger Power Bank
If your boss is a frequent traveler and is always working while on the go, odds are they have a fair amount of portable devices in desperate need of a charge at all times.
What makes this particular power bank such a great gift is that its dual USB ports mean they can charge two devices at once. Plus, if they don't have an outlet nearby to recharge the power bank itself, the solar panels allow sunlight to do the trick.
Collapsible Travel Cup
Like anyone else, your boss likely can't muscle through the morning commute without a hot cup of java to power them through. But disposable coffee cups contribute to waste, and most travel mugs just take up precious console space. That's what makes this cute, collapsible travel cup the perfect solution, making for a full cup of joe when they need it, and a compact puck when they don't.
Lift Vertical Ergonomic Mouse
Sure, it's not as flashy as a fancy watch or bracelet, but for someone who spends the bulk of their day clicking and scrolling, this ergonomically designed mouse is the best gift you can get them for their wrist. This wireless mouse offers great ease of movement, is designed to relieve wrist strain, and makes for a generally smoother user experience.
Bike Phone Mount
Some folks can just never put the work phone down, even as they work out. But, if a bike is your boss’ primary mode of transportation or preferred choice of exercise, texting while biking can have disastrous consequences.
Thankfully, this Roam phone holder for bike handlebars ensures that your boss will never miss a message without ever having to reach into their pocket or take their hands off the bike.
Small Whole Room Air Circulator Fan
Whether your workplace's air conditioning is constantly on the fritz or just plain non-existent, an overheated boss is a cranky one. So ensure they're never sweating at their desk with this cool circulator fan. Small but powerful, it has three different speed settings and uses a vortex airflow to circulate cool air throughout the entire space.
Back Cushion
Sitting slumped over a desk all day may not seem like back-breaking labor, but you'd be surprised how much back strain comes with a nine-to-five office gig. That's where a supportive back cushion can make a world of difference.
But while there are many on the market, not all are created equal. We tested out the Purple Back Cushion ourselves and can attest that this posture-protecting support pillow really does deliver much-needed relief.
InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
Having a job that isn’t physically demanding has its downsides, mainly how little time it leaves you for physical fitness. But instead of letting your boss pace past everyone’s cubicles just to get their steps in, step in with this helpful under-desk elliptical that will allow them to get some pedaling in whenever they have a burst of energy.
It can even keep them occupied during those dull calls from corporate!
InMotion E1000 Compact Strider
Having a job that isn’t physically demanding has its downsides, mainly how little time it leaves you for physical fitness. But instead of letting your boss pace past everyone’s cubicles just to get their steps in, step in with this helpful under-desk elliptical that will allow them to get some pedaling in whenever they have a burst of energy.
It can even keep them occupied during those dull calls from corporate!
Golf Trunk Organizer Storage
A boss with a golfing addiction may be a cliche, but that doesn’t mean many of us don’t have higher-ups who love hitting the green. If your boss is always practicing their swing in their spare time, help them keep their countless pieces of golf accouterment organized with this great case. It has pockets for tees, balls, gloves, and even their favorite pair of sunglasses.
Belt Clip Rod Holder
If your boss is the type who likes to trade the daily grind for a dingy and some fishing line on the weekends, this nifty little gift may be just the perfect gift. The O’Pro Belt Clip Rod Holder is an adjustable holster that offers extra support for any fisher’s rod while they wait to reel in the big one.
Mini Projector 2023
This awesome mini-projector, which can project pristine pictures from any USB or HDMI-connected device like a smartphone or laptop, would be a great gift for just about anyone. But be aware, for a boss, it's a double-edged sword. On the plus side, they'll love being able to stream their favorite shows on their office wall. On the other hand, it does mean that now, an impromptu PowerPoint presentation could pop up anywhere, at any time. So consider carefully!
Portable Campfire
Is your boss the outdoorsy type? If so, he will be overjoyed when they unwrap this portable campfire. With up to 5 hours of burn time, this Shark Tank product is a keeper for camping, backyard bonfires, and even chilly nights at the beach. And because it's reusable, it truly is the gift that keeps on giving!
Personalized Decision Paperweight
Being the boss means making big decisions. But indecisiveness can strike at any time, and when it does, it can help to have something a little bit better than the flip of a coin on hand. This spinning, decision-making paperweight will help give them just the nudge they need to figure out how to proceed with the work on hand.
The Brilliant Ideas Launch Pad by Kari Chapin
This notebook isn't just your average college-ruled pad of lined paper: It's a pad full of cleverly designed pages to help your manager get her juices flowing and bring big ideas to life, using formats like diagrams and workflow charts. Besides, getting your boss to think outside the box will also help break up the monotony of your own workday, so everyone wins.
World's Tiniest Vacuum
If your bosses like to keep their workspaces tidy, they'll get a kick out of this adorable, small vacuum cleaner. They can plug it directly into their computer with its USB adapter and clean anything from the crumbs on their keyboards to lingering desk dust. Dare we say this even makes cleaning fun?
Wine Subscription
There’s nothing like winding down from a long day of work with a nice glass of red or white vino. Gift your boss a month of wine with a Winc subscription. They’ll be able to pick their own wines based on their preferences, so there’s no guessing on your part in terms of gifting dry or sweet wine.
Productivity Planner
Whether your boss is already ultra-organized or needs some guidance to better sort out their day, this handy productivity planner will help them prioritize personal or work-related tasks and stay on top of long-term goals.
The undated daily prompts will encourage you to list out their tasks by order of importance, and after they're all completed, you can rate yourself on your productivity to improve day by day.
In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from Over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney
Any kickass woman boss knows just how hard it is to crack the corporate glass ceiling. Encourage her to celebrate and value every major milestone with this collection of stories, inspiration, and advice from over 100 female entrepreneurs and leaders who have helped shape the world we live in today.
Tie and Pocket Square Gift Set
Offices with a more formal dress code may require your boss to always look his best. This set of three matching ties and pocket squares offers three lovely patterns perfect for any occasion. Plus, they're packaged nicely in a gift box ready to be wrapped up.
Lavender Vanilla Gift Set Spa Gift Set
Give the gift of a relaxing spa day with this soothing self-care kit. It contains a scented candle, handmade soap bar, lip balm, body scrub, bath melt, and matches. While they're taking some time for themselves, your boss will be able to unwind thanks to the lavender's calming and soothing aromatherapy properties.
Gift Subscription
Give your coffee-obsessed boss a caffeinated gift he won’t soon forget! Blue Bottle offers a variety of coffee subscription boxes that start at a reasonable price.
Choose from several sizes and types of coffee, including single origin, espresso beans, blend assortments, and even decaf (for when the boss who’s “always on” could stand to be a little less “on”).
Clip 3 Speaker
We're sure your boss will get plenty of use out of this gift idea! The JBL Clip 3 is one of our favorite Bluetooth speakers, and the affordable price makes it a great go-to gift for when you want to go the extra mile.
Plus, it's waterproof, so your boss won’t have to worry about accidentally spilling coffee on it, and can even take it to the pool or beach on a day off.
Bamboo Laptop Desk
Upgrade your boss’s work-from-home setup with an adjustable bamboo lap desk to help maximize their productivity while they are away from the office.
A tilting tray top features several vents that'll safely dissipate heat, and a storage drawer on the side makes for a convenient place to stash sticky notes, pens, and maybe even some snacks.
Go Travel Coffee Press
Your bosses are always on the go — shouldn't they be able to have their favorite cup of joe on demand, wherever they are?
This AeroPress model brews American, espresso, and cold-brew coffee in just minutes, so as long as they have access to some hot water and their ground beans of choice, they're golden.
Small-Batch Hot Sauce Gift Set
For the boss whose meals always need a little hot sauce kick, this trio of condiments makes for one dynamite gift. Fuego Box's bundle of honey and hot sauces are spiked with just enough delicious heat to properly spice up those bland, desk-bound breakfasts, lunches, and (hopefully not too many) dinners.
Audible Subscription
Whether your boss is a long-time audiobook fan or has only just started listening to their favorite reads, a gift membership to Audible makes for the perfect present for a manager.
Just think: They can redeem the gift immediately and listen to Barack Obama or Mariah Carey narrate their new memoirs in minutes, or, for fiction fans, the latest summer beach read or spy thriller.
Daily Planner Pad
A yearly planner is a nice gift, but sometimes, a daily planner really simplifies things. Not only is this an artsy addition to your boss's desk, but it'll also help break down their to-do list into smaller daily tasks instead of large weekly ones.
Plus, once the week is done, they can recycle the page and start fresh the next week!
Savoy Luxury Candle
Give your boss the gift of a mental escape to a swanky jazz bar, thanks to this luxury candle’s strong notes of sandalwood and amber.
This candle pays homage to the Savoy Ballroom on Lenox Avenue in Harlem, and the glamour its well-known for: crystal chandeliers, marble staircases, and the iconic dance floor.
World’s Best Boss Coffee Mug
The “World’s Best Boss” mug was little more than a cliched, generic gift until a 2005 TV show made it a veritable celebrity all its own. Fans of The Office will instantly recognize it now as Michael Scott’s infamous coffee mug. Gifting it is a nod to one boss and a thank you to another.
Kitchen Essentials
This 12-pack of spices is perfect for both the boss who's just moved into a new place, as well as the frequent cook who just needs a restock. It comes with all the necessities: basil, paprika, oregano, black pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, garlic pepper, thyme, chili powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and ground ginger.
Cantilever Table Light
Even the most chipper boss could use a little help on those dreary office days. Gift your boss something simple to make their office a brighter and more sophisticated place. This dimmable desk lamp has a funky geometric shape with an off-center globe light that'll project an ambient, warm glow.
Personalized Gift Pet Frame
This frame is perfect for the boss who's always sharing pictures of their beloved fur baby. Get the name of their special pup or kitty engraved at the top, and then fill the frame with the most Instagram-worthy picture of the precious pet. A reminder of their four-legged BFF on those stressful days can really go a long way.
Gaming Bluetooth True Wireless Earbuds
A good pair of earbuds is essential, regardless of whether you work at home or at the office. Your boss will thank you for this pair of headphones that will seamlessly connect to a phone and computer for both meetings, listening to podcasts, or even gaming. After all, even a mild-mannered boss can have a double life as a digital warrior!
Recipe Card Box
Does your boss often roll into the office with Tupperware or tins full of homemade tasty treats? This recipe box is a beautiful gift idea for the boss who loves to bake. Shout out Ted Lasso! It comes with 50 blank recipe cards and 14 dividers, plus you can choose from a few different pattern options for the box’s design.
Personalized ID Holder with Lanyard
If you have to wear a badge at work all day, why not do it in style? This customized leather badge holder makes for a thoughtful gift for a co-worker or boss. Available in eight colors, it can even be personalized with a name embossed on the back or on the lanyard.
Glass Tea Cup with Infuser and Lid
If your boss loves an afternoon cup of tea, this elegant glass doubles as both an infuser and a drinking cup — making it perfect for use at the office. It’s also dishwasher- and microwave-safe and comes with a bamboo lid to prevent it spilling during those long walks down the hallway.
Essential Oils Gift Set
This essential oil set features a mix of scents that promise to help you breathe, focus, and lift your mood, and they’re packaged into roller ball bottles that make them easy to dab onto your wrist. This makes them the perfect, non-caffeinated pick-me-up for busy bosses with a lot on their plates.
Corporate Email Lingo Coffee Cup
You can never have too many coffee or tea mugs for the office, and this one is sure to put a smile on your boss’ face. Featuring all-too-common corporate email sayings (and their underlying, much funnier meanings), this 11-ounce mug is also dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
Personalized Pen
If your boss is the type to jot down notes in a meeting or during a brainstorming session, give him a major pen upgrade with this gift. Choose between gold, black, or chrome for the design. Plus, this fancy pen can be engraved with your manager’s name, ensuring no one else will swipe it.
Smart Speaker With Clock
Does your manager have a playlist to pump up your team or a soothing one to unwind to at the end of a day? This smart speaker is a great way to listen to your favorite office-appropriate jams, and its small footprint means that it won’t take up too much desk space. This version of the Echo Dot also boasts a built-in clock, too.
Digital Picture Frame
Rather than overstuff a desk with a lot of photo frames, this digital photo frame allows you to display a constant rotation of hundreds of your favorite photos all in one spot. This makes it great for a boss who’s a photography buff or who has a ton of pictures to show off.
Personalized Succulent Gift
One of the perks of being a boss is often having a nice corner office with sunlight, i.e. a perfect spot for an indoor plant to grow. This adorable succulent gift box fits the bill. Succulents need only a minimal amount of water, making them the perfect office plant. Plus, you can personalize the ceramic planter with your manager’s name.
Desktop Space Heater
Is your office always set to a cool 68 degrees? Does your boss wear layers even in the summertime? If so, this desk-size space heater could make a great gift for a perpetually chilly office environment. This portable heater weighs less than 2 pounds and has built-in tip-over and over-heating safety precautions.
Foot Mask
Many jobs require an inordinate amount of standing or walking. For those managers who work on their feet all day, this Baby Foot exfoliating mask is a delightful way to pamper dry, callused feet. Simply leave it on your feet for an hour, and the mask does the rest. No scrubbing required! The lavender scent also adds to the calming, spa-like experience.
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