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Buying a gift for your boss can be a complete minefield – do you go for something funny (because you share that kind of ‘banter’), something personal or opt for a useful gadget? Whether it’s for a birthday, life event, the holidays or just because you want to say ‘thank you’, you’ll need a gift with the perfect hint of individuality and quality. After all, it is for the person that makes all the important decisions for your career progression.
We’ve pulled together a range of gifts that are sure to impress your boss – no matter how tricky he or she is to shop for. If you’re buying a personal gift, there are super affordable options, but if your whole team is chipping in, there are some fancy gifts you won’t want to skip.
1. Posture corrector cushion
Cheap desk chairs do no favours for our postures. If your boss slumps over their desk all day, get them this posture-correcting cushion that forces you to sit better throughout the day.
2. PhoneSoap 3 UV smartphone sanitizer and universal charger
This cool, little device zaps the germs lurking on your touchscreen while simultaneously charging your phone – perfect for your clean-freak manager that’s always spraying antibacterial and stinking out the office!
3. ‘Reason You Drink’ wine label set
If your boss has a good sense of humour, this funny wine label will surely get them chuckling. Stick it on their favourite bottle of wine and you’re on to a winner!
4. Personalised black leather business card holder
This unique present is the ideal business gift without getting too personal – your boss can store all their business cards in one neat case.
5. World's best boss coffee mug
If your boss is a fan of a hot cuppa in the office, this funny mug will make a great addition to their desk.
6. Godiva hot chocolate and coffee set
There’s nothing better than a steaming cup of hot cocoa during the Christmas period. A lush selection of chocolate truffle coffee, and dark chocolate and milk chocolate hot cocoa, this gift set is the perfect choice for a true chocoholic boss!
7. Coffee sampler set
There’s nothing more appropriate than this sampler set if your boss is a coffee addict. Help them kiss the morning grogginess ‘goodbye’ with six different types of flavoured coffee.
8. PowerCore portable charger
This practical gift is suitable for the bosses that are always on the go. Give their phone some juice with this handy portable charger.
9. Panda Planner
This smart gift is great for those that have hundreds of post-it notes flying around. Help your manager put their thoughts in one tidy place with this planner.
10. Bamboo charging station and device organiser
This all-in-one device organiser and charger is perfect for the OCD boss – it won’t take up too much room and it will even keep their phone charged throughout the day.
11. Amazon Kindle
If your boss is a bookworm and always on the go, what’s better than a Kindle that allows them to read anywhere, anytime?
12. Recipe box
Does your boss like to cook up a storm in the kitchen and is always gathering recipes from your coworkers? If so, gift them this cute recipe box where she can store all her ideas in one place!
13. Silk sleep mask
If your boss travels a lot, this silk sleep mask will save their day. It’ll prevent her eyes from drying out too much on the plane and allow her to get that all too-important beauty sleep.
14. Bamboo cheese board
This fancy cheese and cracker serving board is perfect for those that like to entertain. If your manager is a wino, this gift will be right up their alley.
15. Scratch-off world map poster
If your boss likes to travel and explore different cultures, give them this scratch-off map poster to show where they have been. It’ll encourage them to go to more places to uncover more on their map.
16. LED message board and alarm clock
This clever clock allows you to write reminders and have them light up when the alarm goes off – ideal for the forgetful bosses!
17. PenPower scanner
This smart little gadget allows you to scan a piece of text or take a photo and stores it for later reading, which means you don’t have to carry around heaps of books, newspapers or magazines.
18. Pop-up notes, flag dispenser and photo frame
If your boss uses a lot of post-it notes, get them this unique holder with a frame to keep them happy throughout the day.
19. Bluetooth portable speaker
If you share your boss’s taste in music, gift them this modern speaker block to pump up the volume in the office.
20. Timex weekender watch
If your boss is always running late, gift them this trendy watch to improve their timekeeping.
21. Fitbit Charge 2
This step counter is perfect for the triathletes; it is waterproof and it monitors your sleep patterns, too!
22. Chesapeake Bay scented candle
If your manager needs some me-time to relax, get them these calming aromatherapy candle – it smells great, too!
23. Wireless headphone adaptor
This handy gadget will allow your boss the flexibility to use their wireless headsets without the need for chords; you can even sync up to two headphones. Your boss can use while flying and using the in-flight entertainment system or even for a workout while using the gym equipment audio system; the possibilities are endless!
24. Laptop stand
For the work-from-home boss that could use a little ergonomic support, this laptop stand will help find the most comfortable working angle as they work the day away!
25. Desk lamp
Help protect your boss’s tired eyes with a dimmable desk lamp that they can move from the office to home as their work schedule requires.
26. Portable heater
For the boss that's always cold, no matter what the season, get them an indoor heater to make them more comfortable and increase productivity at work.
27. Cooling fan
This is a great idea for those warmer climates or if you have a boss that is always complaining about the heat. A cooling fan can help your boss alleviate the remote work problem of overheating!
28. NutriBullet blender
For the boss on a health kick, a portable blender can help them prep their smoothies or protein shakes on the go so they don't miss a beat as they are trying to get fit!
29. Passport holder
If your boss enjoys the company's travel perks, get them a passport holder! It’s not only durable, but doubles as a wallet to keep all their essential identification information and cards easily accessible as they enjoy their travels.
30. Amazon.com cupcake gift card
If you are really stuck with a gift idea, an Amazon.com gift card is always suitable. You can choose cute cases, like this cupcake one which is ideal for a birthday.
There’s no doubt that selecting a gift for your not-so-easy boss is an overwhelming task. There really is nothing to stress about, though – just pick an item off this list and you’ll have a gift that shows you’re a thoughtful and impressive employee!
Have you gifted your boss any other items that aren’t on this list but are super cool? Let us know your comments in the section below…
Need gift ideas for your work bestie? Check out our coworker gift guide!
This is an updated version of an article originally published on 1 February 2018 and contains contributions by staff writer Shalie Reich.