We vetted the best gifts for your boss, considering budget, appropriateness, and functionality. Our selection includes the stress-reducing acupressure mat from WTHN, the wellness-enhancing alarm clock from Loftie, and delicious treats from Sakara.
Here are our editor-approved presents for your boss.
Price at time of publish: $128
Price at time of publish: $60
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Price at time of publish: $149
Price at time of publish: $40
Price at time of publish: $38 for Twelve Notecards
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Price at time of publish: $78
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Price at time of publish: $20
Price at time of publish: $72
Price at time of publish: $58
Price at time of publish: $35
Price at time of publish: $150
Price at time of publish: $60
Price at time of publish: $55
Price at time of publish: $78
Price at time of publish: $84
Price at time of publish: $40
Price at time of publish: $95
Price at time of publish: $20
Price at time of publish: $50
Price at time of publish: $50 for Three Books Per Month
Price at time of publish: $36
Price at time of publish: $6
Price at time of publish: $19
Level of Appropriateness
Whether we like it or not, we have to consider if giving a gift to our bosses is appropriate based on our job and relationship with them. Let’s say you work directly with your manager in a small company. The chances are that giving them a gift might be easier to do than if you work for a conglomerate and are part of a large team. “It can often look like you’re trying to gain favor with your boss,” states Post as she discusses why giving gifts to your boss can be difficult to do. She suggests considering what you do and your relationship with your boss before deciding on giving them something or not.
Functionality
If you give your boss something they will get ample use out of, you are putting yourself in a better position than if you gave something more novelty. Since we typically see gifts given “Down the chain of command instead of up the chain,” reinforces Post, it is best to go with a gift that is functional. The exception to this rule is if you are close to your boss: If familiarity is present, then you can make that functional gift more personal.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Samantha Parsons wrote this article to include gifts that are affordable, appropriate, and functional enough to present to your boss. Hours of research, reading reviews, and analyzing product trends lead her to select the items above. Speaking with the co-president of The Emily Post Institute and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette Podcast, Lizzie Post, helped to solidify these choices. When she is not spending her time writing for The Spruce, Samantha works for a beauty brand and is constantly reading up on the latest product launches and design trends.
