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48 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Bosses to Show Your Appreciation

These unique, personalized and funny picks are guaranteed to impress them.

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gift ideas for boss

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Anyone who's been part of the workforce knows that a good manager can make all the difference in your career. If you're lucky enough to have a boss who is also a friend and mentor, a thoughtful "thank you" gift, no matter how small, is a great way of letting them know they're appreciated. To help you out, we've rounded up unique gift ideas for any boss.

It's not easy finding the perfect present for a manager, especially if it's their birthday or upcoming retirement celebration. You need a gift that reflects their personality, but doesn't feel too personal. For this reason, we've sprinkled in no-fail ideas for the boss who loves coffee, a work-from-home manager you've only met on Zoom or the busy executive who's in desperate need of self-care (a candle warmer lamp and shiatsu massager are just a few suggestions). We couldn't help but to include a couple funny boss gifts, too.

Keep in mind that many of these gift ideas for bosses are under $25. However, if you spot something a little pricey while you scroll, consider asking your co-workers to go in on a group gift. Your boss will be delighted either way!

Looking for even more great gift ideas for bosses? Check out more of our top gift guides:

Best Gifts for Co-Workers| Best Gifts for Friends| Best White Elephant Gifts

1
Upgrade Their Office

Storm Cloud

Best Seller
Storm Cloud

When the atmosphere changes (literally), the crystals inside this glass cloud disperse to represent the windy, stormy or rainy conditions outside. They can stick it on their desk or windowsill to keep a watchful eye on what's happening.

2
You'll Want one for yourself

Portable Espresso Machine

Amazon’s Choice
Portable Espresso Machine

Score major brownie points with this gift, which will allow them to make an espresso just the way they want without ever heading to the office coffee machine.

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3
something the whole office will use

Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon’s Choice
Desktop Vacuum Cleaner

Let's face it: Your boss is likely eating lunch at a desk and snacking throughout the day. At some point, this mini vacuum will come in handy. It'll pick up everything from crumbs to dust. Keep in mind that the AA batteries aren't included.

4
Popular Gift

Candle Warmer Lamp

On Sale
Candle Warmer Lamp

Candle-warming lamps are selling well with GH readers right now and it's easy to see why. They will melt the wax and create a beautiful scent without a flame, which makes it safe to burn candles all night. This one is also especially stylish with its wood bottom and glass lampshade design, so it doubles as a living room accessory.

RELATED: The Best Candle Warmers for a Cozy Feel at Home

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5
Over 17,000 5-Star Reviews on Amazon

Shiatsu Massager

On Sale
Shiatsu Massager

Help them release the stress and tension of a long workday with this shiatsu massager, created especially for necks and shoulders. It has eight different massage options, three speeds and it's even heated.

6
For Any Female Boss Who Inspires

Boss Lady Candle

On Sale
Boss Lady Candle

Each time she lights this creamy jasmine candle, she'll be reminded just how much of a boss she really is. It'll serve as the perfect stress reliever before important meetings and calls, too.

TRENDING NOW: The Best Gifts to Give Her

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7
Over 47,000 5-Star Reviews on Amazon

Cell Phone Stand

Amazon’s Choice
Cell Phone Stand
Now 10% Off

There's no better desk accessory than this aluminum cellphone stand, which features durable hinges and rubber pads to keep the device in place. "First and foremost, its dual folding design is a game-changer. It offers unparalleled versatility, allowing me to adjust it to the perfect angle whether I'm watching videos, video calling, or simply browsing the web," one Amazon reviewer wrote.

8
Personalized Gift For Bosses

Initial Canvas Tote Bag

On Sale
Initial Canvas Tote Bag

Upgrade her office tote bag with this roomy canvas pick that has nearly 12,000 ratings on Amazon. The two-tone design can be customized with her initial and it's large enough to hold her laptop, planner, office sweater and more.

RELATED: 15 Work Bags for Women

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9
SO Delicious

Snack Box

Snack Box

A box of delicious nibbles is the perfect subscription for an overworked boss. Each month will be curated with a yummy assortment of Japanese snacks, candy and tea that'll be a much-needed pick-me-up during the midday slump.

10
The Gift of Comfort

Foot Rest

Amazon’s Choice
Foot Rest

Over 8,000 Amazon reviewers have given this under-desk foot rest five stars. It can help with posture or hip pain from sitting all day — perfect for the boss who's in back-to-back meetings.

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11
Personalized Gift

Retractable Badge Reel

 Retractable Badge Reel

If they always have to show their ID, at least they can do it in style with this personalized holder. Add their initials, names and even their department to making passing through security a breeze.

12
Just a little something

Fidget Toy Pen

On Sale
Fidget Toy Pen

Work is stressful, but fidget toys can help ease some of the jitters. This one is a fully functioning pen that can also be transformed into different shapes and animals.

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13
One Minute of Peace

Mindful Moment Magnetic Sand Hourglass

Mindful Moment Magnetic Sand Hourglass

It takes a whole minute for the magnetic sand to fall from one end to the other. That's just enough time for it to form into a bunch of different shapes right before their eyes.

14
For Bosses Who Pack Their Lunch

4-Piece Stainless Steel Utensil Set With Nesting Case

On Sale
4-Piece Stainless Steel Utensil Set With Nesting Case

If they bring lunch to work every day, this utensil set will make a great practical gift. It features a stainless steel fork, spoon and knife that are all dishwasher-safe. They're full-size, too!

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15

Small Glass Desktop Dry-Erase-Board

Small Glass Desktop Dry-Erase-Board

Every busy boss needs a simple way to stay on track throughout the day. With this dry-erase board, they can jot down reminders, a clever idea, you name it. There's even space for their phone.

16
For the Boss With a Green Thumb

Sitting Indoor Plant Pot with Face

Sitting Indoor Plant Pot with Face

Add a bit of joy to their collection of desk plants with this adorable plant pot. Amazon reviewers have raved that it is "great for smaller plants" and "the perfect windowsill planter."

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17
These Flowers Won't Die

Flower Bouquet Pop Up Card

On Sale
Flower Bouquet Pop Up Card

This gorgeous card doubles as a stylish bouquet that'll add personality to their desk or just about anywhere in their office. It stands at 12 inches tall and comes with a blank notecard to write a special message.

18
Perfect for Constant Password Updates

Password Book

On Sale
Password Book

With phishing and hacking becoming more prevalent now than ever, chances are your place of work has you constantly updating important passwords. Help your boss keep track of them all with this handy book they can leave right at their desk.

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19
Keep Them Organized

ZeroElec Charging Dock

ZeroElec Charging Dock
Credit: Amazon

Keep their work space neat and tidy with this bamboo wood charging station, which has a designated spot for an iPhone, AirPods and smartwatch. It doesn't come with any chargers or cords, so just make sure they have theirs handy.

TRENDING NOW: Cheap Christmas Gifts That Go Beyond Price

20
A Gift That Makes a Statement

Shattered Glass Ceiling Paperweight

Shattered Glass Ceiling Paperweight
Credit: Uncommon Goods

Your boss constantly reminds you that the glass ceiling — as daunting as it may be — can be shattered. With this symbolic paperweight, show her just how grateful you are for everything that's done to make your career journey possible. "Perfect for a statement at the office!" one reviewer shared.

Headshot of Cameron Jenkins
Cameron Jenkins
Staff Writer

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.

Headshot of Cailey Lindberg
Cailey Lindberg
Commerce Editor, Gifts & Lifestyle

Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com. 

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gift ideas for bosses, personalized canvas tote
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