Boss's Day:
25 Practical Gift Ideas

Boss's Day has been around since 1958, and we still struggle for ideas on what to buy the boss. But finding the perfect gift for our boss doesn't have to be a nightmare. Nor does it need to cost a fortune. The trick is to take into account your boss's personality, likes, dislikes. Is your boss a practical person? Somewhat exotic? Does she like to be pampered? Is he into sports, hobbies, food?

Here is list of gift ideas to get you thinking. You can keep your costs reasonable by splitting purchases among several (or all) co-workers in your department. Let's honor our bosses this year -- without going into debt! (These ideas can be used for any gifting, including birthdays and the Christmas season, too!)

Food or Homemade Treats

Cheese basket
Mixed nuts basket
Extra-sized basket filled with his/her favorite snack
Lunch out, with all co-workers chipping in to pay for the boss's meal
Case of favorite soda, tea, sparkling water
Favorite coffee: Why not grind a few pounds of your boss's favorite coffee, set the bags in a nice basket, and decorate with a lovely bow around the basket? Your boss can refrigerate or freeze any extra to keep it fresh.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Boss's favorite cookies
Pumpkin bread/muffins/scones (perfect for this time of year)
Pot-Luck Lunch

(Note: Is your boss dieting? If so, be careful! Try not to sabotage it.)

Miscellaneous

Pewter/Stainless Steel Sculptures - There are some really neat ones out there based on occupation. For example, a great one is a psychiatrist's office with a patient on the sofa! How about golfers? Computer junkies? Programmers? Teachers?
Trophy - Find a local shop to engrave "Boss of the Year" on a trophy. Have each person in the department sign a card and list one quality they each admire about the boss. (You can each find just one, can't you?)
Plant/Bouquet/Balloons
Concert Tickets (Make sure your boss and his/her spouse would be available to attend.)
Favorite Sports Tickets

Fun/Sense of Humor

If you're allowed to have a bit of fun at work, it might be the most cost-effective way to go. Here's an example of what I and 30 or so co-workers did one year: We all dressed up like our boss. Everyone wore suspenders (borrowed from co-workers.) We called it Suspender Day in honor of him. (I think he got a kick out of it, too!)

We were honoring him in a unique, creative way. Just be sure your own boss wouldn't be offended or embarrassed by anything creative you might do.

If you capture any photos on your creative day, you could make duplicates or enlarge them -- then give to each participant as a gift later in the year. (Don't forget the boss!)

Gift Certificates

Pet Lovers can't help but buy special things for their beloved pet(s)
Readers might love a certificate for Books, Digests, Magazines
Shoppers usually have a favorite place to shop ... where is it?
Spa, Manicure, Pedicure
Favorite Beauty Shop
Health & Beauty
Movie
Opera
Theatre
Crafts - Is there a special 'craft' your boss loves? A shop he/she frequents?
Volunteer Work - Does your boss need/wear special equipment/clothing?
Sports Shop

Boss with Special Circumstances

If you have reason to believe your boss is in financial need, simply give a certificate for a local discount or grocery store the boss visits often. Perhaps your boss will want to use it for everyday items such as tissues, necessities, etc.

Have co-workers chip in on a ham/turkey that would feed the boss's family for a few days. Arrange for it to be cooked ahead, and boss can pick it up on his/her way home, or at a store near boss's home. (If your boss is married, maybe let the spouse know ahead of time for planning purposes.)

I hope you picked up an idea or two while keeping more of your money in your wallet. Happy Gifting!

Resource Box

Darlene Arechederra is the creator of "Goodbye Boss, Hello Kids! -- A Mom's Guide to Coming Home From The Workplace." Moms who have considered returning home will enjoy her Free Quiz, 'Become a Stay-at-Home Mom'.

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