Bosses take a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and a few times a year we get to show our appreciation for the work they do. We sorted through a variety of items to find unique gifts, humorous gifts, and practical gifts to recognize a good boss and a job well done.
Best Gifts Your Boss Will Love
Moleskine Daily Planner
The Moleskine Daily Planner is a versatile gift for the boss who likes to stay organized. The Moleskine daily planner has dates from January to December. This notebook has a page for each day, which gives plenty of room to write in important appointments and reminders. Its elastic band can keep your notebook tidy in a bag or can also be used as a placeholder.
Digital Wood Alarm Clock
You can adjust the sound on this Digital Alarm Clock and dim or brighten the light depending on your style. It allows you to set the alarm to weekday mode, so it will only ring on Monday through Friday and let you have the weekends off. It also keeps track of the humidity level and the indoor temperature and runs on USB so you don’t have to worry about replacing batteries. This can be a practical gift that will easily find a spot on a desktop, nightstand, or bookshelf.
Handheld Desktop Vacuum Cleaner
For the boss who loves to keep a workspace tidy, this Handheld Desktop Vacuum Cleaner can be a valuable assistant. This mini vacuum can clean up crumbs, paper shreds, and dust to leave a clean desk behind. It is made of quality plastic acrylic and runs off batteries or USB charge. Simply hover the vacuum over your desk or keypad and watch this mini helper do its job.
Teabloom Teapot & Tea Gift Set
This Teabloom Teapot Gift Set includes a glass teapot that is stovetop safe, a ceramic warming base, an infuser, and 2 flowering teas. The stand and infuser are covered in delicate cherry blossoms. Watch the tea leaves unfold in a beautiful flower design inside this unique pot. The teapot is also able to brew loose leaf tea and make fruit-infused water. A tea-loving boss will go wild for this unique brewing method and tasty tea.
Instant Happy Notes Calendar
If you want to send some words of encouragement to your boss, but just can’t find the right phrasing, this Instant Happy Notes Calendar can say the words for you! This boxed calendar is filled with 365 quotes to start off your boss’s day with some positive thinking. You can pair this gift with a Desk Organizer Caddy, or the Starbucks Classic Green & White Traveler Tumbler to add some positive energy to your boss’s cubicle.
Scratch Off Art Notes Set
Why write in black and white if you can write in color? This Scratch Art Notes Set allows you to scratch out your important reminders in holographic rainbow hues. This can certainly make your to-do list eye-catching so you are less likely to forget important assignments. The set includes 2 stylus pens write your notes with precision and 150 card stock sheets. This can be a fun gift for the boss who is an artist at heart but is forced to work a day job.
Palomino Blackwing 602-12
The Palomino Blackwing Pencil has had a cult following since they were first produced in the 1930s. Famous writers and artists such as John Steinbeck and Chuck Jones were proud owners of these top-notch pencils. In this set of 12, each pencil is made of genuine incense-cedar wood with a graphite core. You can extend the eraser as needed and buy replacement erasers in different colors. These pencils can inspire your boss with the creativity of famous Palomino fans from the past.
Novelty Art Coffee Mug
Brighten up an office space with this cheery Novelty Art Coffee Mug. This mug is partially ceramic and partially bone material which allows light to pass through it and give it a natural glow. However, it is not lightweight! It can withstand dishwashing and microwaving. Drips of paint fall over the edge of the mug, adding a touch of artistry to the design. A rose gold spoon comes with this mug and is ready to stir some sugar into your coffee or tea. This can be a fun gift for the boss who is an artist at heart.
Echo Dot with The Child Stand
This 3rd Gen Echo Dot has the most compact smart speaker design of its gamut and can easily tuck into even a crowded office space. The durable Mandalorian The Child stand adds an extra layer of protection by holding your device securely. Your boss can voice control his playlist with this Echo Dot for extra inspiration while at work.
S’well Nesting Food Bowls
If your boss packs food to take to work, this S’well Insulated Food Bowl can make his or her life easier. The food bowl is made of BPA-free Tritan. You can safely store this bowl in the fridge or freezer and it is also microwave and dishwasher-safe. The stainless steel outer bowl insulates your food to keep it hotter or cooler for you while you work. The vacuum seal keeps food from leaking into a bag or purse. This bowl set can help to keep lunch or snacks fresh for an energy boost on a busy day.
Desktop Organizer Caddy
This Desk Organizer Caddy has a magnetic base to arrange its different compartments to suit your desk. The caddy has 6 separate caddies to keep pens, pencils, paperclips, sticky notes, and even a space to prop up your phone. This compact design can keep small items handy and won’t take up too much space on a desktop.
Digital Flip Down Clock
This unique Digital Flip Down Clock flips through the minutes and hours and also displays am and pm. For this clock, you will need a carbon-zinc battery for it to function properly. It can be a nice accent piece for your boss’s desk or bookshelf.
Massage Pillow with Heat
This Massage Pillow with Heat can relieve your boss’s neck or back pain after long hours sitting at a desk. It can be plugged into a wall outlet or a car charger adapter for a boss who works on the go. The deep-kneading shiatsu massage nodes loosen stiff muscles and the heat function can be turned on or off as desired.
Handmade Wooden Bookends
These Handmade Wooden Bookends are slender and compact, but they are designed to hold up under the weight of even more solid books. The grain varies in color since they are made from real walnut wood. These bookends can add a sophisticated look to your boss’s collection of books.
Moving Sand Art
If your boss dreams of faraway places, this Moving Sand Art can bring the dream a little closer to home. The sleek round frame can be flipped to create new relaxing art as often as you wish. Watch the sand settle into place to reveal landscapes that are reminiscent of the seaside or a mountainside. This art can add a nice accent piece to an office space.
Boss Lady Scented Candle
This Boss Lady Candle is made by Malicious Women Candle Co. As a brand, they say they “reject all expectations of what a woman or candle should be.” This vanilla-scented candle comes in a reusable apothecary jar and will burn for 40 to 50 hours. It can make a great gift for a strong boss lady that has hustle and drive.
Cute Cat Index Tabs
If your boss is a cat-lover and doesn’t like to take life too seriously these Cat Sticky Note Tabs could be a fun gift. They can be used for marking important points in documents or you can also use them as bookmarks. This set of 360 index tabs come in 8 different patterns and colors to allow you to easily differentiate your marked information.
Water Resistant Key Finder
When you get a late start in the morning, the Water Resistant Key Finder Bluetooth Key Finder can cut down the time you spend looking for your misplaced keys. This key finder can be connected to your iPhone or Android by Bluetooth and will make a loud noise to help you find your missing keys or other items. If your keys are out of range, you can use the Chipolo app to locate on a map exactly where you last had them. This key finder is waterproof and the battery lasts up to 2 years. It can be a practical and time-saving gift for a boss.
Funko Pop Ron Swanson Figure
For a Parks and Recreation fan, the Ron Swanson Figure can be a great desktop tribute to the T.V. personage and his unforgettable quotes. This man stands less than 4 inches tall but his character is larger than life. Just looking at him on a stressful day can remind you to not care so much. This can be a humorous gift for a boss who is a fan of Ron Swanson.
Retro Game Console
The Retro Game Console includes hundreds of games for a step back in time. Your boss can relax and take a walk down memory lane by playing some old favorites. It comes with two controllers and 620 built-in classic games. This gift can provide hours of fun at a decent price point.
Cooluli Portable Mini Fridge
The Cooluli Portable Mini Fridge is ready to travel and be at your service! This fridge is perfect for holding breakfast, drinks, snacks, lunch, medications, and more. It can keep food or drinks cold and under 40°F or it can keep food warm up to 149°F. It can be plugged into your office outlet or in your car. The travel fridge/warmer is compact to keep your food at the desired temperature. This can make a great gift for the boss who is always on the run!
Pocket Notebooks
The Pocket Notebook can be a great way to get your thoughts down on paper or work on your to-do list. Each notebook contains 48 pages of lined acid-free paper. It also comes with a handy bullet-point checklist system for getting work done. This set of 3 notebooks can be paired with a set of Palomino Blackwing Pencils to make a useful gift for your boss.
Mindfulness Flora Knitting Kit
If your boss is looking to find a new hobby this Mindfulness Flora Knitting Kit can be a great option. This kit includes circular knitting needles, and 4 balls of 100% cotton knitting yarn in different colors, and a yarn needle. The set is aimed toward beginning knitters and includes a link to patterns and how-to videos online. Knitting can be a way to wind down and relieve stress after a long day at work.
YETI Rambler Insulated Mug
It can be pretty disappointing when you are looking forward to that first cuppa of the day, you make it hot and end up drinking it cold. Yeti has grown in popularity for its ability to keep hot things hot and cold things cold. The YETI Rambler mug is made of thick gauge stainless steel to be a durable cup that is dent and ding resistant. It is also double-wall insulated to keep the temperature where you want it and dishwasher-safe. This can be a reliable mug that your boss can use to take a coffee-to-go or to keep coffee hot while working on a project in the office.
Starbucks Classic Travel Tumbler
This Starbucks Classic Green & White Traveler Tumbler is a 12 oz travel mug with a lid to take a drink on the go! It is not dishwasher safe so make sure you hand wash it. Drink the taste of Starbucks in your new mug and choose either hot cocoa with miniatures marshmallows or Starbucks’ own Verona blend. This is a great gift to brighten a coffee loving boss any day of the year!
Women’s Rose Gold Spinner Band
If your boss tends to work in stressful situations or has a lot on her plate, this Women’s Spinner Band can be a simple and subtle stress-reliever. When you spin this rose gold ring, you are able to keep your hands busy and your mind is free to focus on important tasks. You can carry this fidget around on your finger all day and it also makes a nice fashion statement. This ring is made out of stainless steel, is anti-allergic, and is also scratch-resistant.
Floating Globe LED Light
This Floating Globe LED Lamp can add light and also an interesting conversation piece to your boss’s desktop. If your boss enjoys travel, his or her favorite places will never be too far away with this unique globe. The globe spins on a magnetic rotation and is lit up with an energy-saving LED light. For the boss who has everything, this can be a unique gift!
PodSkinz AirPods Case
The PodSkinz AirPods Case is designed to protect Gen1 and Gen 2 Airpods. This case is made of silicone, is impact-resistant, and is also compatible with wireless charging. It weighs only half an oz and its compact design can easily slide into a pocket, purse, or laptop case. This budget-friendly gift can be paired with a laptop case or messenger bag to create a nice ensemble for a hard-working boss.
Black Peony Laptop Case
The Black Peony Laptop Case is made of high-quality waterproof canvas and will fit a 14 inch or 15 inch laptop. It is designed with 2 handles as well as a shoulder strap which can be removed and placed in a pocket when not in use. The bag is a slim design but offers 2 pockets for carrying cords, a mouse, pens, a phone, or other items. This sweet bag is functional with a bit of flair and is perfect for the boss who enjoys bringing a bit of color to a workspace.
Vintage Leather Messenger Bag
This Vintage Leather Messenger Bag is a classy gift that also serves a practical purpose. It is spacious enough to hold important documents or a 14 or 15-inch laptop. It is also equipped with handy zipped and open pockets both inside and outside. This bag is 100% handmade and is made of durable, authentic leather. A boss is sure to treasure this quality gift!
NEST Pumpkin Chai Candle
Nothing says fall like the smell of pumpkin spice! This NEST Pumpkin Chai Candle adds a tangy scent of pumpkin spice to the air. This 8 oz candle has a burn time of up to 60 hours and can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere even in a sterile work environment. It is poured into an amber-tinted glass and is a pleasure to look at and also to smell. If your boss gets excited about cozy autumn days, this candle could make a perfect gift.
The Office World’s Best Boss Mug
While Michael Scott was never quite a model boss, he was certainly iconic. Your boss can enjoy the subtle tribute to Dunder Mifflin days with his or her own World’s Best Boss Mug. Michael Scott once called coffee “the great incentivizer in the office” and this 15-ounce mug should hold enough caffeine to “incentivize” and energize your boss for another day at work.
Burt’s Bees Gift Tin
The Burt’s Bees Gift Tin can be a perfect gift to help keep skin feeling fresh, especially in the winter months when skin needs a little extra love. This tin includes Cuticle Cream, Hand Salve, Lip Balm, Res-Q Ointment, Hand Repair Cream, and Foot Cream. Your boss can feel pampered with this gift!
Fit For A Queen Gift Set
This Gift Basket For Her can make your boss feel like royalty on her special day. The British-designed gift includes a coffee mug with a removable crown lid, a notebook, and pencil, a trinket tray, fresh lavender candle, makeup pouch, plus 2 bath bombs and 4 shower steamers, and a greeting card to write a special message. This useful gift can provide a variety of treats to let your boss feel spoiled at the end of a workday.
Blue Q Coolest Guy Socks
These Blue Q Crew Socks keep your feet warm and have a sense of humor. These retro-style socks are made out of a cotton blend so that your feet both feel and look nice. These socks say, “Coolest guy on the conference call,” and can make a perfect gift for the boss who works from home or spends hours every day in virtual meetings.
TESLYAR Wood Docking Station
This Wood Docking Station is made of solid ash wood. It can hold your phone upright for conference calls or to charge your phone. Other belongings such as a watch, glasses, and keys also have a dedicated space on this useful station. Your boss’s important items can remain organized and in easy reach with the Teslyar wood phone docking station.
LED Lamp with Wireless Phone Charger
This LED Desk Lamp can be a great asset to your boss at work or at home. Its compact design can easily find a place on even a crowded desktop. It is designed to adapt to your needs with its 5 color modes and 5 brightness levels. You can set it to automatically turn off after 30 min or an hour, and the no-flicker light is easy on the eyes. This multifunctional lamp also doubles as a wireless or USB phone charging station and can easily fold up to travel to a new location.
Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker
Making a quick cup of coffee could not really get any simpler than with this Hamilton Beach Coffee Maker. This machine has the possibility of brewing with your boss’s favorite coffee grounds, or coffee pods. When you have chosen your grind, simply lower the lid and press the brew button. You can choose to brew directly into a coffee cup or lower the drip tray to fit a travel mug. When you are done brewing, the pot turns off automatically to give you a hassle-free experience. This single-serve coffee maker can make your boss’s first cup of the day a breeze.
Mini Desktop Fan
This Mini Desktop Fan is also known as the “jellyfish fan” and is moldable to fit where you need it. It can sit upright on a desk, hang from a support, or can be held in the hand. The feet can even bend to prop up your phone for easy viewing or conference calls. This bladeless fan has 3-speed settings, which can be adjusted as desired. It charges using USB and it will hold its charge for up to 10 hours depending on its wind setting. The jellyfish fan can make a great gift for the hot-natured boss.
Truly Great Boss Keychain
If you are looking for a simple gift to say thank you to a boss who has gone above and beyond, the Truly Great Boss Keychain could be a good option. The stainless steel pendant is inscribed with a heartfelt quote and this gift can be attached to a set of work keys or to a manbag or purse. It can be a sweet daily reminder to your boss that their hard work is seen and acknowledged.
Happy Birthday Candle
When your boss’s special day is coming up the Happy Birthday Candle can be a sweet way to remember their day. This candle has a white chocolate truffle cake long-lasting scent and is hand-poured in the U.S.A. The glass container is printed with “Happy birthday” with a stylish cork lid to finish the look.
One Awesome Boss Travel Mug
The Boss Gift Travel Mug ostentatiously reads “This guy is one awesome boss.” So when your boss drinks his or her morning coffee, everyone will know whose boss is the most awesome. This insulated, stainless steel travel mug can keep drinks hot for 3 hours or cold for up to 9 hours. The 20 oz. mug also includes a lid to keep your drink from splashing out on your boss’s white shirt, an environmentally friendly stainless steel straw, and a straw cleaning brush.
How Boss Ladies Tell Time Rack
The Time Cup Rack is made of real wood and can be a fun addition to a room. The rack gives 2 hooks to hang mugs for before work and 2 stem holders for after work. This can be a cute and humorous gift for the boss who appreciates a good cup of coffee in the morning and a glass of fine wine when the day is done. You can pair this gift with a Chalkboard Coffee Mugs to make a unique and practical gift.
Insulated Chalkboard Mug with Cork
This Set of 2 Coffee Mugs can be perfect for a boss to share a cup of coffee with a friend. You can use chalk or chalk pens to write an inspiring quote for the day on this mug’s chalkboard finish. Each mug also has a cork bottom to keep the mug from burning your hands or leaving a ring on a table. These coffee mugs should be hand washed to preserve their unique look.
Succulent “Best Boss Ever” Gift Set
This Succulent Pot Set includes 3 pots that when put together read, “For the best boss ever.” Each mini ceramic pot has a drip hole to allow water to escape and a fitted bamboo tray to protect a desktop or table. This can be a cute gift with an encouraging message that a boss can tuck into a bookshelf or desk area. You can also add succulents or airplanes to this gift to start your boss out with a green corner at work.
Island Falls Zen Garden Kit
When you can’t work outside in a garden, you can bring the garden indoors with this Island Falls Zen Garden Kit. This kit uses as many natural materials as possible and includes cherry blossom-look trees, a Shinto Torii gate, pagoda, and bridge, lotus flower, moss, and 6 handcrafted rakes. It comes in a large box so the sand stays contained. You can recreate the garden layout as often as you like and make designs in the sand. This relaxation tool may even free up your thoughts and inspire you with ideas for your next big project.
Yogi Tea Variety Pack
This Yogi Tea Variety Pack offers 5 different kinds of herbal teas including: Calming, Comforting Chamomile; Relaxed Mind; Honey Lavender Stress Relief; and Kava Stress Relief. Relax with these restful flavors and aromas when the day’s work is done. You can add a scented candle or a Burt’s Bees gift set to complete this gift of R&R.
Desktop Pencil Holder with Clock
This stylish looking Desktop Pencil Holder is a piece of art. The Z-shaped black and gold stand holds pens and pencils and the embedded clock face counts out the hours and minutes in roman numerals. This piece can add a touch of elegance to your boss’s desk.
Rosegold Office Supplies Set
The Rosegold Office Supplies Set finds a way to make even commonplace items a work of art. The set includes a stapler, tape dispenser, staple remover, scissors, binder clips, paper clips, push pins, and a set of staples. Each piece is accented with rose gold colors… even the staples! This can be a way to make office supplies easy on the eyes and enjoyable to use.
Quick Brew Coffee and Tea Maker
For the coffee or tea aficionado, this Quick Brew Coffee and Tea Maker offers a simple way to make that perfect cup. This model provides the user with total control over the water flow and brew time of a drink. The filter is made of stainless steel which provides a cleaner taste than a plastic option, and the carafe can hold up to 6 cups of cold brew. You can pair this gift with your boss’s favorite brand of coffee or tea to start his or her day off right!
OH! Nuts Gift Basket
The OH! Nuts Gift Basket can be a sweet gift for the health-conscious boss. This box contains a variety of fruits and nuts to give a pick-me-up when energy begins to wane. Included in the package are dried pineapple pieces, papaya, pear, pistachios, and more. This edible gift won’t take up desk space for long!
Crave Box Care Package
Almost every office has at least one person who has a stock of snacks and treats and is always willing to share. If your boss happens to be the one in the office with a snack stash, a special occasion can be a time to give back to his hoard with this Crave Box Care Package. In this crave box are a total of 45 favorite brand-name treats such as Rice Krispie Treats, Goldfish, Airheads, Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Oreos, and more. You can show your boss you care with this edible and tasty gift.
Luxury Wooden Pen Set
Rosewood and maple wood combine to give this Luxury Ballpoint Pen a vintage look. In addition, this set includes 2 ink refills so your boss can write without worrying about running out of ink. By flipping over the wooden box, you can create a stand to rest the pen when it is not in use. This pen set can turn menial writing tasks into a pleasure.
Tropical Vibes Stationery Set
For a gift that is both practical and beautiful you can consider this Stationery Kit Gift Set. Included in this set are cactus and flamingo clips, decorative push pins, a ballpoint pen, and notepads. This set can be a bright spot on your boss’s desk.
Notepad Sculpture with Pen Holder
For the boss that has everything, this 3D Memo Pad may be something new and interesting. This memo pad creates a sculpture with each page you tear away revealing a cityscape at the end. As the paper sculpture reveals itself, you can turn on the LED light to illuminate the scene. This pad also includes a pencil holder to create a unique desktop writing station. The gift is packaged in a clear plastic box to protect the finished scene.
Tabletop Fountain with Candles
This Tabletop Fountain is like owning a small waterfall on your desktop. The water constantly flows from its interior pump to create a relaxing atmosphere in your office. Tealights rest on the top of each of the three columns to create the effect of warm light and cool water.
Funny Employee Boss Card
Including a card with your gift is a great way to let the receiver know who gave it. It can also add a personal touch when you put your appreciation or well-wishes in your own words. This Cheeky Birthday Card for Boss can add a humorous, light-hearted touch to a gift. This card reads: “I think having me for an employee is gift enough. But I got you this card anyway.” The inside is blank for your to write your own message to your boss.
How We Selected Gifts For Bosses
Thoughtful
When finding a gift for your boss, it really is the thought that counts! By paying attention to your boss’s interests and sense of humor, you can find a gift that will truly show your appreciation. If your boss enjoys a good laugh, you can find a light-hearted gift that will appeal to his humor. You can also give a gift that aligns with one of his or her interests, passions, or hobbies. The more you take note of what your boss does (and doesn’t!) like, the easier it will be to find an appropriate gift for your boss when the time comes.
Practical
When choosing a gift for your boss, you can look for a gift with a practical purpose. Since a boss’s office space is often limited, choosing a gift that your boss can use and won’t take up too much space can be helpful. But, just because a gift is practical, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun! Even some fun gifts also serve a practical purpose, such as humorous socks, mugs, stationery sets, and food items. If you are not sure of your boss’s interests, it is usually a safe choice to steer away from humor and choose simple and/or consumable gifts.
Novel
If your boss is interested in the unique and unusual, you may decide to give your boss a novel gift. Gifts such as the 3D Memo Pad, Floating Globe LED Lamp, Moving Sand Art, or Retro Digital Flip Down Clock are not seen everyday and can add interesting conversation pieces to your boss’s office.
FAQs – Gifts for Your Boss
What are some gift ideas for a male boss?
When choosing a gift for a male boss you will want to consider his interests and pastimes. Does your boss enjoy coffee or tea? Is he a fan of finer things or does he enjoy a good laugh? Will he prefer healthy foods or tasty snacks? Based on the conclusions you draw, you can consider some of the following gift ideas for a male boss: a Luxury Ballpoint Pen and Box, a CraveBox Care Package, these Blue Q Men’s Crew Socks, the Awesome Boss Travel Mug, or a Retro Digital Flip Down Clock. Depending on your boss’s taste and sense of humor, you can decide which gifts would be the most appealing to your boss.
What gift should I get for my female boss?
More important than generalizing gift-giving based on classic gender roles, will be choosing a gift based on your boss’s tastes and personal preferences. While a gift for a female boss doesn’t need to be gender-specific, there are some gifts that may appeal more to women than men. If your boss wears the title of “girl boss” with pride, some nice gifts that may appeal to her would be a Succulent Pot Set, GIFTAGIRL Cup Rack, a Mint Green Stationery Kit Gift Set, a Gift Basket For Her, a Dachee Black Peony Laptop Case, or a Starbucks Coffee Gift Set. These gifts have a feminine flair and many female bosses will appreciate these thoughtful gifts.
What is a good gift for the boss who has everything?
Some bosses are hard to buy gifts for because they already seem to have everything they need! For the boss who has everything, you can choose to give gifts that are small-scale, edible, consumable, or novelty items. These are good options because extra snacks and consumable items don’t take up permanent space in an overcrowded office and can also offer a welcome boost of energy in a busy workday. Gifts that you can consider are the Yogi Tea Relaxation Variety Pack, a NEST Pumpkin Chai Candle, Palomino Blackwing pencils, a OH! Nuts Gift Basket, the 3D Memo Pad, or a Burt’s Bees Classics Gift Tin.
Should I get an expensive gift for my boss?
How much or how little you spend on your boss will really depend on what type of wage you earn. For upper-level wage earners, you may consider spending $50-$100 on a gift, while average wage earners may spend in the ballpark of $25. The rule of thumb is not to buy gifts that are over-the-top expensive because this may seem like a bribe. But, at the same time, you don’t want to spend too little and come off as a cheapskate. Finding the happy medium is key and each workplace will vary on the price range of “acceptable” gifts. It can be a good idea to take note of the gifts you see going around the office, then find an item in a similar price range when the time comes to give your boss a gift.
Is it appropriate to give my boss a gift?
While you are under no obligation to get a gift for bosses, a gift can be a way to show appreciation for the work your boss does day in and day out. There are a few days a year such as boss’s day, a birthday, and Christmas when a gift can be appropriate and give a spark of joy. Before choosing a gift for your boss, it is a good idea to check your work policies as there may be guidelines on which gifts are, or are not, appropriate. some stricter workplaces may prohibit gift-giving altogether. While giving your boss a gift before an anticipated promotion is unwise, most workplaces will allow employees to give bosses a gift for birthdays and other major holidays a few times a year.