75 Gifts for Your Boss
Our Best 3 Picks
Popular Gifts for Your Boss
Birthday Gifts for Your Boss
Funny Gifts for Your Boss
Gifts for the Boss Who Has Everything
Personalized Gifts for Your Boss
Retirement Gifts for Your Boss
Thank-You Gifts for Your Boss
Farewell Gifts for Your Boss
Gifts for a Male Boss
Gifts for a Female Boss
Every workplace is unique and only you can know what kind of gifts are suitable to buy for your boss. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a selection of gifts you can choose from.
Is buying Gifts for Your Boss an acceptable practice?
The question of whether or not to give your boss a gift has been found to bedevil many people. There are those who think it is a good show of appreciation and those who are firmly against it saying it can distort the workplace’s power dynamics.
In an attempt to answer this question, we looked at the different schools of thought out there. We found a survey conducted by staffing firm Accountemps that found that at least 58% of human resources managers think it is “perfectly acceptable for employees to give their boss a gift.”
Then we found those who believe anything more than a greeting card is not ideal. They think gift-giving might make an “employee feel pressured to make purchases.” In defending their position, they say “gifts at work should flow downward, not upward (meaning that your boss can give you a gift, but employees shouldn’t be expected to give gifts to their managers).”
While opinion remains divided, we were able to determine that buying your boss a gift remains (and should remain) a matter of choice based on the culture of the organization you work for.
Choosing the best Gifts for Your Boss
Because this area of buying gifts for your boss is such a potential minefield you need to be extra careful. We found that there are some definite no-nos to this that you want to keep in mind and we have highlighted the top three.
Several etiquette and HR experts recommend staying away from items that touch the body so no jewelry, perfume/cologne, and definitely no underwear/lingerie. They also say it’s a bad idea to buy your boss anything weight-related so avoid a gym membership, a weighing scale, or a book about a particular diet. Then steer clear of anything that has religious or political connotations — these tend to be emotive topics that can leave your boss feeling offended.
How we identified the best Gifts for Your Boss
In picking our gift list, we looked at items that will let your boss know you appreciate them and so we selected some personalized gifts such as a journal, card holder, and desk name sign. We also considered that some bosses are also your friends so we included a funny gifts section to cater to this kind of dual relationship.
All in all, we kept our gift selection thoughtful and professional — catering to all the reasons you would be buying a gift for your boss. So whether you want to say thank you, give a farewell gift, celebrate their birthday or retirement, you are bound to find an appropriate gift item from our comprehensive list.
The don’t(s) of getting Gifts for Your Boss
- Don’t ignore company policy
Find out from the organization’s HR department whether or not employees are allowed to give gifts to their boss. You do not want your ignorance of company policy to put your job at risk. - Don’t break the bank
Don’t go too expensive or too cheap in your gift buying; you need to find a middle ground that works. As one resource manager put it: “A $5 gift or gift card says, ‘You mean nothing to me’; a $100 gift or gift card says, ‘I’m a major suck up’. Stick to the $10 to $25 range.” - Don’t send gifts to their home
Sending a gift to your boss’ home might lead to misunderstanding and can be considered a breach of workplace etiquette. Keep the gift-giving professional by handing over your gift at the office.
FAQs
What is a unique farewell gift for boss who’s male ?
We know you are having a hard time determining what would make a unique farewell gift for boss who’s male . How about getting him a gift that has been personalized with a heartwarming farewell message. You could, for example, give an engraved mug to your coffee loving boss or a bookmark — for your book loving boss — that makes special reference of him.
What's a thoughtful farewell gift for a boss?
Even as they leave, you want your boss to know that you care for their well-being and comfort as they undertake their duties. There are a few thoughtful gifts you can consider such as a neck and shoulder massager, an office footrest, a rustic desk lamp, a laptop stand among others. Any of these is bound to make a farewell gift for a boss that he/she will really appreciate.
What’s an appropriate birthday gift for boss who’s male ?
An appropriate birthday gift for boss who’s male is one that does not blur the boundaries of your professional relationship. A laptop bag is a safe option, as is a gift card — preferably one he can redeem with his family, you also cannot go wrong getting him a bag of his favorite brand of coffee or tea.
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