55 Thoughtful (and Affordable) Gift Ideas for the Best Boss Ever

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

If you're lucky enough to work with a truly inspiring boss, you might find yourself in a generous, gift-giving mood during certain times of year. And while most employers will let you know that there is never any expectation of gifts in the workplace, there are some leaders and mentors that are just worth going the extra mile for.

Shopping for a gift for your boss or manager can be an enjoyable addition to your shopping to-do list — once you figure out exactly what you're looking for, that is. For example, if you work for a boss that has a big sense of humor or likes uncommon finds, you'll get to spend a lot of time browsing fun and novelty items. For those with bosses who are more serious and like to keep the wisecracking to a minimum at work, you'll want to find a more practical gift (which can mean shopping for items that you yourself may even enjoy!).

Whether you're looking for something to give as a thank you for all the support they've given you, a small token to help them celebrate a big win, or simply something special to give them during the holidays, we’re sure you can find something for your fearless leader on this list of the best gifts for the boss in your life.

Smart Reusable Notebook

An efficient and eco-conscious boss will certainly appreciate this smart notebook, which transfers handwritten notes to the cloud before the pages are wiped clean for repeated use.

Air Purifier

The HEPA filter on this Clorox air purifier claims to help remove 99.9% of mold, viruses, dust, and allergens from their office, helping your boss breath a little easier while they're hard at work.

Wireless Charger Station

Help your boss make sure all their devices are all charged up with this multitasking charging station, which is perfect for someone who's low on outlets (and has devices that are always low on juice).

Money Tree

A symbol of good luck, this money plant will hopefully help your boss on their way to more prosperity. If they don't believe in luck, they'll at least have a stunning little plant to freshen up their office.

Shiatsu Neck and Back Massager

The only thing better than a spa day is bringing the spa to work. This massager can easily fit on your boss' chair to knead out their knots while they finish that dang report.

Portable Electric Lunch Box Food Warmer

Nobody wants a hangry boss, and with this convenient lunch warner you'll never have to worry about whether or not your manager is working on an empty stomach. With three separate compartments and an insulated carrying bag, this is a must for anyone working in (or outside of) an office.

In the Company of Women

This book is filled with great advice from glass ceiling-shattering women, and whenever your boss is in need of some inspiration, they can flip through these pages to find it.

RELATED: The Best Coffee Table Books to Gift Everyone on Your List

Handheld Garment Steamer

Help your boss impress the folks upstairs with this garment steamer that will ensure they're always looking their best. With two continuous steam modes, this portable essential can work on all types of work attire.

"Workplace Shenanigans" Pencil Set

The boss with a sense of humor will appreciate this cheap pencil set embossed with phrases like "let's have a meeting about a meeting" and "welcome to the dog and pony show."

Assorted Rugelach Tin

Have a boss who needs a little kick of sugar around the end of the day? Try gifting this yummy tin of fresh-baked treats. Not only will the 24-pack of bite-size desserts come in handy during those afternoon lulls, but the tasty cinnamon and chocolate flavors are sure to make your boss smile.

Winter Wonderland Candle

Help your boss chase those winter blues away with this seasonally scented candle from Glasshouse Fragrances. The charming jar will help make a great decoration when it's unlit and when they fire up the candle the whole office will get to benefit from the scent of frosted fir and snow gum.

Rough Patch Art Print by Aaron Ricketts

For the boss that needs to spruce up their office, there's this stunning piece from artist Aaron Ricketts. Purchase the print at a discount or splurge and get your boss a copy that has been professionally framed and matted.

Favorite Employee Mug

It's not subtle, but this mug definitely will make your boss laugh out loud... and maybe even help you secure that coveted employee of the month title.

Gunta Wool Blanket by Probst & Rondelli

If your boss is always cold (and if you're looking to really splurge) this Gunta wool blanket is the perfect pick. The warm and cozy New Zealand wool will keep your boss warm and comfortable so they are well-rested when they return to the office.

Moose Munch Trio

You can't beat the combination of salty and sweet, and this popcorn gift trio pack — which includes milk chocolate, classic caramel, and dark chocolate Moose Munch popcorn — is sure to earn you Employee of the Month.

Personalized Engraved Genuine Leather Cufflinks

These embossed, real full-grain leather cufflinks can be personalized with anyone's initials, and they make the ideal gift for a stylish boss.

Personalized Fountain Pen

Your boss will feel oh-so fancy signing important documents with their own personalized fountain pen, which features a brass barrel with stainless steel accents and nib.

Ugandan Vanilla + Ethiopian Honey Beauty Butter

Handcrafted with ingredients ethically sourced from across Africa, this Ugandan and Ghanaian shea butter is sure to make your boss' hands feel buttery-soft.

“Cheers” Sparkling Wine Gift Box

Your boss will have no reason to whine if you get them this truffles-and-wine duo set, which features a bottle of sparkling rosé wine plus a box of dark chocolate truffles and milk chocolate-covered cherries. As an added bonus, this gift comes in a festive wooden crate.

Josephine Luxury Scented Candle

With a clean, fresh scent, this luxury candle packs a punch without being too overwhelming and will make your boss' office smell divine.

Memory Foam Neck Pillow

Made with spongy memory foam, this plush yet firm travel pillow will allow your boss to finally catch some zzz's while they're on the road.

Leather Portfolio Folder

Add instant polish to your boss' desk with this beautiful Italian-made notepad, which has added storage spots for all of your boss' important documents and cards.

Cat Eyeglasses Holder

If your boss is constantly misplacing their specs, then they could probably use this handcrafted wood glasses holder (especially if they're a total cat person).

Convenient Craft Rapid Cold Brew & Hot Coffee Maker

If your boss is tired of spending all their money on iced coffee, then help them out with this cold brew maker. This single serve ground coffee brewer makes single serve cups and can even warm things up when the weather turns chilly.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Save your boss from the harmful effects of staring at a screen all day with these snazzy blue light glasses, which will protect their peepers while boosting their style game.

Digital Picture Frame

This digital desktop frame is compact but equipped with plenty of storage space for photos, allowing your boss to show off pictures of friends and family.

3 UV Cell Phone Sanitizer

A boss who spends way too much time on their phone will get some peace of mind from this UV light phone cleaner, which zaps bacteria and germs within minutes.

Electronics Organizer Travel Case

Your boss can kiss tangled cords goodbye with this genius travel tech organizer, which keeps accessories safe and dry and is made with recycled lining.

5-Piece Circo Cheese Board and Tools Set

Charcuterie lovers will flip for this cheese board set, which includes four stainless steel cheese tools all stored in a pretty wooden swivel board.

Difference Maker Plaque

Show your boss just how much they mean to you and the rest of the staff with this sweet plaque. The acrylic display piece will look great on their desk or a shelf and serve as a constant reminder of how much you appreciate them.

Golf Pen Gift Set

If your boss likes to spend their down time on the links you can help them pass the hours between tee-times with this novelty pen set. This gift is sure to be a hole in one!

Protect the Animals Mug

Whether your boss is a hot drink lover, an animal lover, or both, they're sure to appreciate a handcrafted endangered animal mug, especially since $5 is donated to the Global Wildlife Conservation for every mug sold. Choose between a gorilla, macaw, rhino, hippo, or elephant mug.

15-Inch Laptop Sleeve

This vegan leather sleeve will help your boss keep their laptop protected on the move, and they'll love the magnetic flap that allows them to keep other important info with their computer while they travel.

Shake Strain Done: Craft Cocktails at Home

Your boss doesn't have to be the Don Draper type to enjoy a good cocktail. This approachable, cheeky cocktail recipe book from Milk Street editorial director J.M. Hirsch will take the mystery and stuffiness out of making cocktails.

Benevolent Brownies

These brownies (which include chocolate fudge, vegan fudge, brown sugar blondie with chocolate chips, and snickerdoodle flavors) aren't just delicious — purchasing them can also help social and sustainability programs flourish.

Corporate Nonsense Generator

Whether you have a boss with a unique corporate catch phrase or just one who appreciates a good joke about the C-suite, we're sure they'll love this novelty gift. The spinning bars allow they to generate their own funny sentences that would feel right at home in a board meeting.

Shattered Glass Ceiling Paperweight

Perfect for the barrier breaking boss, this paperweight celebrates the shattering of the glass ceiling and highlights how important it is to have women at the top.

Leather Business Card Holder

Sure, your boss can simply carry around business cards in their pocket, but this compact grain leather carrying case (which comes in several different color options ) does the job a whole lot better.

Unisex Cable Knit Texting Gloves

Available in just about every color imaginable, these cozy touchscreen gloves will keep your recipient's hands toasty as they fire off texts and emails on their way to work.

Table Top Mini Bowling Game Set

This mini bowling game is sure to keep your boss amused as they pass the time during boring work calls or procrastinate on tedious assignments.

2024 Desk Calendar

This dodecahedron calendar is a unique gift for your boss because it's so different than the calendars they may already have. This is an especially fun gift if you have a boss who is into Dungeons & Dragons or any other dice based game.

Wine Decanter and Glasses Set

Your boss can serve wine in style with this wine and burgundy decanter, which can enhance the taste of even the most inexpensive bottle of vino.

Windproof Travel Umbrella

An umbrella might not feel like the most exciting gift, but it's incredibly practical and will definitely come in handy. When it's down-pouring after work, even though the day's weather app showed nothing but clear skies, your boss will be so thankful for this gift.

Leather Valet Tray

This gorgeous organizer trio tray set will help them keep their desk looking tidy and sophisticated.

Water Toddy XL Water Tumbler

Keeping a water bottle at your desk is the best way to make sure you're staying hydrated, and leak-proof, stainless steel bottle (which comes in tons of color options) is the perfect pick.

Stuffed Waffle Iron

If your boss is a breakfast person, then they're sure to love this stuffed waffle maker, which allows you to stuff your homemade Belgian waffles with fruit, chocolate, syrup, cheese, and more.

Back Cushion

Give your boss' chair the extra lumbar support it (probably) needs with this comfy back cushion, which is molded to perfectly fit the contour of the lower back and includes a strap to keep it in place.

Nest Mini (2nd Generation)

Get your boss a little extra help around the office with a mini smart speaker, which comes with Google Assistant built-in and allows the recipient to do everything from dim the lights to check the weather with just the sound of their voice.

Life Q20 Noise Cancelling Headphones

These wireless noise-canceling headphones offer surprisingly decent sound and comfort for an affordable price, and they'll help your boss stay on task without distraction.

Personalized Stationery Note Cards

Personalized stationery is such a thoughtful gift for anyone at any time of year, but it's particularly meaningful come the holiday season. This set, which comes with envelopes, will make your boss feel special as they write letters and thank you cards.

"Biscuits With the Boss" Scented Eraser & Sticky Notepad Set

Pulled your boss for the office Secret Santa exchange? Don't panic — just buy this fun Ted Lasso-themed gift kit.

Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

It's pricey, but if your boss loves sipping tea or coffee while they work, this app-controlled mug keeps their cuppa somewhere between 120°F and 145°F at all times.

Carry-on Garment Bag Duffel With Shoe Pouch

A boss who's always on the move could use this handy duffle bag, which includes a garment compartment for keeping nice clothes wrinkle-free.

AirFly Pro

Perfect for a frequent flyer, this Bluetooth connection gadget allows you to connect your AirPods to the audio on airplane TVs rather than having to buy a set of headphones every time you fly.

Storm Cloud

This neat desk accessory is filled with special liquid that crystalizes in different patterns as the air pressure changes, helping to keep your boss in-the-know about weather patterns (and also endlessly amused).

You Might Also Like

• Oprah’s Favorite Things Of 2022 Is Here—Gift These 20 Amazing Finds This Year

• 40 Best Sentimental Gift Ideas for Loved Ones

• Jennifer Aniston‘s Secret to Glowy Skin On-Screen