30 Clever Gifts for Your Boss That Show You’re Paying Attention
Updated: Jan. 03, 2023Even the people in charge like to feel appreciated, and these gifts for bosses—from fancy pens to homey plants—will brighten their day and their office.
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What is a good gift for a boss?
Buying gifts for bosses can be challenging. You don’t want to give something that’s inappropriate for work or spend too much, which can come across like you’re trying to buy yourself a promotion. But you do want to acknowledge supervisors as people—not just bosses—and show you know and appreciate them. But how do you find gifts for people who are impossible to shop for?
We’ve put together a list of thoughtful, budget-friendly gift ideas for bosses, whether they can’t start their day without coffee, love to craft in their free time or take pride in an organized office. We’ve included gifts for her, gifts for him, last-minute gifts and easy-to-order Amazon Prime gifts. We even found ideas for personalized gifts and gifts for dog lovers. Buy extras as gifts for coworkers, Secret Santa gifts or white elephant gifts. Your office pals will thank you.
For the nurturing boss: American Plant Exchange Monstera Adansonii
There’s nothing like a thriving plant to bring some life into an office, and this lush, leafy Monstera adds a touch of the tropics to even the most corporate environment. It does well in small spaces and is easy to care for, so, like your boss’ favorite employees, it’s not too high maintenance. Buy one as a gift for mom while you’re at it.
For the coffee drinker: Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
Talk about a great gift for coffee lovers! This handy item sits quietly on a desk, keeping coffee warm while bosses go about their business. It fits mugs and cups of various sizes and shapes. Plus, the mug warmer saves them time and frustration since they won’t have to reheat their beverage every time they get interrupted. It makes for a great gift for lawyers, too.
For the puzzler: Jiggy Escape the City Puzzle
This 800-piece puzzle from female-founded Jiggy, which you may remember from Shark Tank, features artwork from a woman artist who receives a percentage of sales. It comes in a lovely glass jar and includes a tube of glue, so your boss can frame it and hang it in the office once it’s finished. For bosses who like a serious challenge, check out the hardest puzzles you can buy on Amazon.
For the eco-conscious boss: Stojo Food Storage Box
This collapsible container is ideal for bosses who bring their lunch to the office. It prevents sandwiches from getting squished while keeping plastic bags out of landfills. It’s spill-proof and dishwasher-safe, and it collapses down to practically nothing, so they can easily toss it in their briefcase or backpack at the end of the day. You may also consider a reusable coffee cup or eco-friendly water bottle to accompany it.
For the boss who loses their glasses: Ili New York Leather Eyeglass Case
Whether they tend to misplace their readers or sunglasses, this eye-popping case will ensure they stand out and stay protected. Available in more than a dozen vibrant colors, it’s made of soft, pebbled leather and will become one of their favorite things—just like it’s one of Oprah’s.
For the boss who still takes notes by hand: M.M.LaFleur Leather Pen Holder
Even in the age of computers, some bosses prefer a classic writing utensil. This beautiful pencil holder is made of luxurious Italian leather and comes in a rich caramel color to add a touch of sophistication to their desk. This isn’t just a great gift for your boss, it’s also a nice gift for best friends who are soaking up the work-from-home life.
For the international traveler: Pascacoo Passport Holder
Available in 10 colors, this vegan leather holder protects passports and identities, thanks to its radio frequency identification (RFID)-blocking shield. It’s roomy and well designed with dedicated pockets for credit cards, cash, boarding passes, vaccination cards and SIM cards (it even comes with a metal pin to open the slot on a phone). This practical gift is likely to go everywhere with them.
For the boss lady: Malicious Women Candle Co. Boss Lady Candle
Show her you respect her accomplishments with one of the best scented candles for busy bosses. Poured by hand, this soy-based candle smells just like the coffee that powered her to the top. Its 45-hour burn time will last through many emails and meetings.
For the one who’s always cold: Lasko Compact Space Heater
Bosses who are always walking around with their jackets on will appreciate a compact space heater designed to keep them—not the room—toasty. Perfect on their desk, this Lasko version provides comfort when the air conditioning is kept on a little too long.
For the writer: Personalized Note Card Set
A set of custom note cards is one of the best Etsy gifts you can give someone. The CurioPress shop has an extensive selection, so pick the font, color and design that fit your boss’s personality. Can’t decide? Don’t worry. You can’t go wrong with this simple style, which is likely to result in a lovely, handwritten thank-you note.
For the photo lover: Recycled Newspaper Photo Frame
Made from 100% recycled newspapers and a conversation piece in itself, this colorful picture frame is a lovely gift for photographers. It’s eco-friendly and unique—just resist presenting it with a photo of the two of you at the company holiday party…
For the boss who needs some PTO: Lavley I’d Rather Be Socks
Even though they may have to conform to an office dress code, you can help them express themselves through silly socks. Available in over 30 sayings, the fun, “I’d rather be” patterns of these socks look great, but the message really comes across when they put their feet up at home, revealing they’d rather be at the beach or with their dog or playing golf. These socks are also great gifts for golfers as well as solid gag gifts for everyone on your list.
For the boss who’s always plugged in: SLD Awards Leather AirPod Case
This tech gift ensures your boss will never misplace another pair of AirPods again. Available in four rich hues (which you can personalize!), the vegan leather wraps around a hard case for maximum protection. The sleek case comes with a carabiner metal clasp that makes it easy to clip onto a backpack, belt loop or key fob.
For the tea drinker: DavidsTea Sunset Iced Tea Press
Bosses appreciate multitaskers, and iced tea drinkers will be grateful for this all-in-one gadget that steeps, ices and lets them sip their favorite beverage at home, at the office or on a trip. Get another as a gift for the sister-in-law who runs on Earl Grey.
For the pet parent: Custom Engraved Pet ID Tag
The way to your boss’s heart just may be through their furry family member, so celebrate their beloved dog or cat with an engraved pet ID tag. Choose from a variety of styles, fonts and designs, then emblazon the creation with a name and phone number to ensure your boss’s fur baby gets home safe and sound if they wander off. Not the right fit? Try one of these other personalized pet gifts.
For the music lover: Lenrue Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Small but mighty, this Bluetooth speaker will improve the workday of bosses who live by their favorite playlists. It features surprisingly high-quality sound and a long-lasting battery, comes in six colors and works with any Bluetooth-enabled device. Don’t be surprised to hear some happy humming coming out of their office. Here are even more gifts for music lovers.
For the holiday lover: Illume Balsam and Cedar Soy Candle
Available in various sizes, this Balsam & Cedar candle evokes the unmistakable scent of the holidays at any time of the year. With its notes of balsam and oak moss mixed with cedarwood, cinnamon and eucalyptus, the soy candle gives any space a festive feel.
For the boss who’s trying to stay hydrated: 64-Ounce Water Bottle with Time Markers
This 64-ounce bottle holds all the water your boss is supposed to drink in a day—along with time markers and motivational quotes. Leakproof and easy to tote, it comes in a variety of colors and works just as well in the office as in the gym. Know someone else who needs more H2O? Check out these other self-care gifts for them, too.
For the boss who runs hot: Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator Fan
If you’re looking for gifts for bosses who are constantly complaining about how hot it is, you’ll get a gold star by gifting this powerful little Honeywell fan. Your boss can place it on their desk, floor or mount it on the wall. Not convinced? It has over 95,000 five-star ratings on Amazon.
For the wine drinker: Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener
Everyone needs a good wine bottle opener, and this one is worth toasting to. With more than 33,000 five-star ratings, it can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge. With this gift for wine lovers, it’s time for an office party!
For the camper: Uco Switch Spork Integrated Camping Utensil Set
A must-have piece of camping gear, this featherlight set includes a full-size fork, full-size knife/spoon combo and reusable tether for attaching to a backpack. The useful utensils can be connected to use as prep and serving pieces, and your boss can even leave a set in the office for take-out lunches.
For the boss who needs some TLC: The Little Market Bath Bomb
This invigorating handmade bath bomb is rich in herbs, oils and Himalayan salt, but the only thing bosses will care about is the amazing floral scent. They just have to toss it in a warm tub, let it fizz and then settle in for a nice, long soak. They’ll come out energized and happy to know that this is a gift that gives back, helping to empower women and close the global poverty gap.
For the boss who’s on their feet all day: HoMedics Bubble Mate Foot Spa
Water jets and raised nodes gently massage and soothe tired, overworked feet, pampering and revitalizing them. This foot spa is even splash-proof, so if your boss really wanted to, they could keep it under their desk for a little lunchtime pick-me-up.
For the old-school boss: Faber-Castell Grip Glam Fountain Pen
A Faber-Castell fountain pen is a (literally) noteworthy gift, and is available in shimmering iridescent silver and violet colors. It features a soft grip, nib design and superior ink formula. The brand has been creating high-quality writing instruments since 1761, and this elegant pen is a treasure. Keep it in mind as a stocking stuffer idea for women.
For the sweet tooth: Dylan’s Candy Bar Chocolate Bar Bundle
Bring on the sugar rush with this quartet of chocolate bars from the legendary Dylan’s Candy Bar. Choose from 17 varieties of Belgian milk or dark chocolate bars that are filled with everything from potato chips to cookie dough to imitation bacon bits. Your boss isn’t the only one who’ll go gaga for this chocolate, so order extras as gifts for teens.
For the boss who works late: Bedsure Fleece Throw Blanket
While we don’t encourage working so late that you need a desk snooze, this fleece throw blanket will be comforting during long hours. With more than 105,000 five-star ratings, this throw blanket adds a cozy touch to the office, especially during the colder months. Available in two dozen colors, it’s one of the best gifts for bosses who could use a little homey element.
For the crafter: Craft Crush Felt Succulents Kit
This kit comes with everything your boss needs to make colorful felt succulents. It’s both relaxing and satisfying to create a faux garden that will continue to look beautiful—no green thumb necessary. DIY gifts are the best, as they provide an activity and awe-worthy end result.
For the climber: Climbing Keychain
This climbing nut keychain is a clever gift for, well, climbing nuts. A handmade replica of the real thing, it just may inspire them to give the team a few hours off to pursue their own passions while they use the time to climb a mountain instead of the corporate ladder.
For the business traveler: Personalized Leather Luggage Tag
Make it easy for your boss to spot their suitcase at baggage claim with this leather luggage tag, customized any way you’d like. This handmade gift is available in 10 different colors and is as personal as it is practical. If you really want to spoil them, pair this tag with an underseat bag.
For the boss who lives on hot beverages: Bosmarlin Large Ceramic Coffee Mug
A ceramic mug is so much homier than a to-go cup, and this one is a stunner that bosses will love to use in their home away from home. Microwave- and dishwasher-safe, its large 21-ounce size will keep them happily caffeinated all day.
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