40 Clever Gifts for Your Boss That Show You’re Paying Attention
Updated: Jun. 03, 2022Even the people in charge like to feel appreciated, and these gifts for bosses will brighten their day—and their office.
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Show them who’s 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.
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 men, last-minute gifts, and easy-to-order Amazon gifts. Buy extras as gifts for coworkers, Secret Santa gifts, or white elephant gifts. Your office pals will thank you.
CurioPress Personalized Note Card Set
Best for: The boss who likes to make it personal
A set of custom note cards is one of the best personalized gifts you can give someone, and CurioPress has an extensive selection, so you can pick the font, color, and design that fits your boss. Can’t decide? Don’t worry. You can’t go wrong with this simple style, which works for everyone and is likely to result in a lovely, handwritten thank-you note.
Pascacoo Passport Holder
Best for: The boss who travels internationally
Available in ten colors, this vegan leather holder protects passports and identities, thanks to its RFID-blocking shield. Roomy and well designed, with dedicated pockets for credit cards, cash, SIM cards (it even comes with a metal pin to open the slot on a phone), boarding passes, and vaccination cards, this practical gift is likely to go everywhere with them. Here are some more gifts for travelers.
By Amber and Rose Recycled Newspaper Photo Frame
Best for: Bosses who surround themselves with photos
This colorful picture frame is made from 100 percent recycled newspapers and is a conversation piece in itself. It’s eco-friendly and unique, and you’ll have to resist presenting it with a photo of the two of you at the company holiday party.
M.M. LaFleur Leather Pen Holder
Best for: The boss who still takes notes by hand
Bosses for whom writing utensils are essential will love this beautiful pen and pencil holder. Made of luxurious Italian leather, it comes in a rich, caramel color that will add a touch of sophistication to their desk. These aren’t just great gifts for bosses—they’re also great gifts for best friends who are settling into a work-from-home life.
Malicious Women Candle Co. Boss Lady Candle
Best for: Boss ladies
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 get her through at least a couple days of work.
Plant Proper Monstera Deliciosa
Best for: Nurturing bosses
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 indirect light and only requires moderate care and water, so like your boss’ favorite employees, it’s not too high maintenance. Buy one as a gift for Mom while you’re at it.
DavidsTea Iced Tea Press
Best for: The boss who lives on iced tea
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.
Graf Lantz Bierfilzl Square Felt Coasters
Best for: The boss who always has a drink nearby
These beautiful coasters are made from water-resistant merino wool felt and brighten up any desk. Best of all, they come in sets of four, so there’s a good chance you’ll be offered a drink, too, when you sit down for a meeting. They also make great hostess gifts for any occasion.
The Happiness Project Canvas Pouch
Best for: Bosses who tote their supplies
This cute canvas pouch goes from desk to conference room to home or hotel with ease. It holds work essentials (think pens, highlighters, and more) and is stamped with a motivational quote that will keep them going on tough days. Keep shopping with these gifts for husbands.
Galison Faith Ringgold The Sunflower Quilting Bee at Arles Jigsaw Puzzle
Best for: The boss who loves doing puzzles
This gorgeous, 1,000-piece puzzle features renowned artist Faith Ringgold’s painting of eight African American women who changed history: Madam C. J. Walker, Sojourner Truth, Ida B. Wells, Fannie Lou Hamer, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Ella Baker. Add 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.
Illume Balsam and Cedar Soy Candle
Best for: Bosses who burn the midnight oil
This Amazon’s Choice candle is a best seller because it 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, this soy candle gives any space a festive feel.
Lavley I’d Rather Be Socks
Best for: The boss who’d rather be somewhere else
Even though they may have to conform to a dress code, you can help them express themselves through silly socks. The fun patterns look great, but the message really comes across when bosses put their feet up at home, revealing they’d rather be at the beach or with their dog or playing golf or… They’re also good gag gifts for everyone on your list.
Erin Condren Metallic Mid Century Circles Designer Schedule Pad
Best for: The boss who likes to stay on schedule
This old-school pad from master organizer Erin Condren allows your boss to see her whole week laid out in front of her and features plenty of room for adding notes and making lists. The 10-inch-by-10-inch pad comes with 52 perforated sheets, and the pretty pattern makes a daunting schedule a little easier to deal with.
Pedco UltraPod 3 Lightweight Tripod
Best for: The boss with an Instagram following
The UltraPod tripod is a popular tech gift for a reason: It’s lightweight and compact for travel—just four inches when folded. It also comes with a Velcro fastener that lets users attach the device to objects like trees and railings. Your boss will appreciate it for video conferencing and selfies alike. Be prepared to ooh and aah over new photos.
Naturally London Refuge Foot Soak
Best for: Bosses who are on their feet all day
Here’s a gift for bosses that will encourage them to take a load off. The rejuvenating grapefruit and mint foot soak is designed to soften and detoxify. Mindfully made of herbal and essential oils, it’s a treat for tired feet.
Lasko Compact Space Heater
Best for: The boss who’s always cold
Bosses who are always walking around with their jackets on will appreciate a compact space heater designed to keep them—not the room—warm. Perfect on their desk, it will also warm their heart that you care about their comfort.
Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator Fan
Best for: The boss who’s always warm
Heaters are great and all, but 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 fan. It can be placed on a table or floor, or mounted on the wall, and it’s an Amazon’s Choice product with more than 60,000 five-star reviews.
Together Textiles Take Me with You Hand Towel
Best for: Hands-on bosses
This lovely towel is hand-spun in Turkey from 100 percent organic Turkish cotton and can be used in the kitchen or bathroom—or even as a table runner. Available in half a dozen Mediterranean-inspired hues, it’s soft, lightweight, and absorbent. Bosses will admire your good taste in selecting it. The towels would make wonderful gifts for Grandma, too!
Stojo Food Storage Box
Best for: Bosses who bring their lunches
This clever container keeps 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.
The Little Market Bath Bomb
Best for: The boss who could use a little “me” time
This invigorating handmade bath bomb is rich in herbs, oils, and Himalayan salt, but the only thing bosses will care about is the amazing peppermint scent. They just have to toss it in the 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: The company helps to empower women and close the global poverty gap.
Ili New York Leather Eyeglass Case
Best for: The boss who’s always losing her glasses
Whether she tends to misplace her readers or her sunglasses, this eye-popping case will ensure they stand out and stay protected. Available in more than a dozen vibrant colors, it is made of soft, pebbled leather and will become one of her favorite things—just like it’s one of Oprah’s.
Faber-Castell Grip Pearl Fountain Pen
Best for: The boss who collects pens
A Faber-Castell fountain pen is a noteworthy gift, and this classic—available in rose or turquoise—features a soft grip, nib design, and superior ink formula. Faber-Castell has been creating high-quality writing instruments since 1761, and this elegant pen will be considered a treasure. Keep it in mind as a stocking stuffer idea for women.
FriendlyFoxCo Personalized Leather Luggage Tag
Best for: The boss who travels
Make it easy for your boss to spot a suitcase at baggage claim with this leather luggage tag, customized any way you’d like. Handcrafted and available in 10 different colors, it’s a practical yet personal gift.
Dylan’s Candy Bar Chocolate Bar Bundle
Best for: The boss with a sweet tooth
Bring on the sugar rush with four chocolate bars from the legendary Dylan’s Candy Bar. Choose from 17 varieties of Belgian milk or dark chocolate, filled with everything from potato chips to cookie dough to imitation bacon bits. Just looking at these will make bosses happy. Your boss isn’t the only one who’ll go gaga for this chocolate, so order extras as gifts for teens.
SLD Awards Leather AirPod Case
Best for: The boss who’s always plugged in
This sleek case ensures your boss will never misplace another pair of AirPods. Available in four rich hues (which can be personalized), the vegan leather is wrapped around a hard case for maximum protection. It comes with a carabiner metal clasp that makes it easy to clip onto a backpack, belt loop, or key fob.
American Landscapes 2022 Daily Planner
Best for: The nature-loving boss
Give your boss a glimpse of the outdoors even while they’re in the office with this planner featuring some of the country’s most picturesque landscapes. It’s as beautiful as it is practical, and it might just inspire them to pencil in some vacation time.
The Whisker Dam
Best for: The boss who sports a mustache
Show him you’ve got his back with this clever little design, which saves mustaches from the embarrassing foam of frothy drinks. Handmade from 100 percent copper, it’s fun and functional. Order a bunch as gifts for dads, brothers, and any other mustachioed men in your life.
Burgers for Dinner Seasoning Kit
Best for: The boss who lives on burgers
Elevate your boss’ fast-food habit with prepacked spices that transform boring barbecue. There’s enough to make four each of Burger au Poivre, Spicy Sichuan Burger, Lebanese Kafta Burger, and Garlic and Herb Butter Burger. This just might earn you an invitation to dinner.
Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer
Best for: The caffeinated boss
Talk about a great gift for coffee lovers! This Amazon’s Choice item can quietly sit on a desk, keeping coffee warm while bosses go about their business. It fits mugs and cups of all sizes and shapes and will save them lots of time and frustration since they won’t have to reheat their beverage every time they get interrupted.
Lenrue Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Best for: The boss who loves music
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.
EYQ 64-Ounce Leakproof Water Bottle with Motivational Time Markers
Best for: The boss trying to stay hydrated
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? Buy this as a self-care gift for them too.
UCO Switch Spork Integrated Camping Utensil Set
Best for: The boss who likes to eat out(side)
A must for camping, this featherlight set includes a full-size fork, full-size knife/spoon combo, and a reusable tether for attaching to a backpack. The utensils can be connected to use as a prep and serving piece, and your boss can even leave a set in the office for take-out lunches.
Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life by Sutton Foster
Best for: The DIY boss
This just-released memoir is perfect escape reading for the boss who goes home and gets creative. Actress Sutton Foster shares her stories of cross-stitching, crocheting, painting, and more, providing patterns and recipes—and lots of inspiration. Browse more gifts for book lovers.
RockLadyMichelle Vases with Attitude
Best for: The boss who loves fresh flowers
It’s always helpful to have a vase handy, and these best sellers are a hoot. Handmade in a variety of colors, they look just as decorative—and sassy—without flowers as they do filled with them. These gifts for bosses make it clear you know head honchos can have a sense of humor.
Bushwick Kitchen Weak Knees Peach Mango Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce
Best for: The boss who likes it hot
Inspired by Angry Orchard’s Peach Mango Cider, this tangy hot sauce makes everything from butternut squash to fish tacos more flavorful. It’s a great way to add spice to life—or at least lunch.
Felt Succulents Kit
Best for: The crafty boss
This artist-designed kit comes with everything your boss needs to make 18 colorful felt succulents. It’s both relaxing and empowering to create a faux garden that will continue to look beautiful—no green thumb necessary.
Oster Cordless Electric Wine Bottle Opener with Foil Cutter
Best for: The boss who likes to raise a glass
Everyone needs a good wine bottle opener, and this one is worth toasting. An Amazon’s Choice item with more than 26,000 five-star reviews, it can open up to 30 bottles on a single charge. With this gift for wine lovers, it’s time for an office party!
Bosmarlin Large Ceramic Coffee Mug
Best for: Bosses who start the day with a hot beverage
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 size will keep them happily caffeinated.
BrownAspirations Rose Gold Ball Head Pen
Best for: The boss who’s all about the written word
Handmade from metal and crystal, this gorgeous pen is one of the best gifts for bosses when it comes to making a fashion statement. Elegant in rose gold, it’s likely to inspire words that flow like poetry—or at least make compiling a long to-do list more palatable. Browse more gifts from Black-owned businesses.
ParacordJanka Climbing Key Chain
Best for: The boss whose free time is spent climbing
This best-selling climbing nut key chain is an ideal 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.
Bedsure Fleece Throw Blanket
Best for: The boss who works late into the night
With more than 82,000 five-star reviews, this throw blanket adds a cozy touch to the office, where bosses spend so many long hours. Made of soft flannel fleece and available in two dozen colors, it’s one of the best gifts for bosses who like to curl up in comfort when they’re working late.
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