Christmas Gift Ideas for a Boss, Manager or Principal

Finding the perfect Christmas gifts for your boss or manager can be a nightmare that keeps you awake at night. You know you have to give something, but it has to be just the right gift for your boss or you're going to feel embarrassed or not up to pair. You don't want to spend too much, but you can't insult your boss by spending too little either. The Office isn't exactly the ideal workspace, but if anyone remembers the Christmas episode of The Office when Michael's gift in the gift exchange ends up being a homemade oven mitt made by Phyllis, Michael is very unhappy, since his contribution to the exchange was an MP3 player that he meant for Ryan but ended up going to Pam. Don't be like Phyllis: homemade gifts are wonderful, but make sure that your gift is appropriate to the person receiving it. Here are 5 great Christmas gift suggestions for your boss or manager that won't be a disaster.

Gift Certificates for Dinner

Okay, it's not the most personal of gifts, but it's a sure bet: everyone likes to eat out, and everyone enjoys a free meal. If your boss has special dietary considerations, try to make sure that the restaurant you choose can accommodate his or her requests, but otherwise, most restaurants have at least one menu item that everyone can enjoy. If you work for a restaurant, don't be a smart aleck and give a certificate for the restaurant where you work together. It will not be appreciated.

Gift Certificate for Bookstore

Again, it's not specially tailored to your boss, but it's still a sure winner: Even if your boss doesn't enjoy reading, she might love a new CD of her favorite band, an instructional DVD on her choice of topic, or even some coffee from the bookstore café.

Cuff Links

Need something extra fancy for your boss? How about a pair of cuff links? You can buy a pair of cuff links in just about any retail store, but to truly impress, why not get a pair from Brooks Brothers? Brooks Brothers offers a fantastic selection of cuff links made from vintage coins. Whether you select the Buffalo Nickel Cuff Links ($195) or the Handpainted Indian Head Penny Cuff Links ($195), both made from genuine vintage coins, or the less expensive Replica Mercury Dime Coin Cuff Links ($125), your gift is sure to please and to remind him of you whenever he wears them. If you've given him so many pairs of cuff links that you think he's overloaded with the nifty little guys, how about a Cuff Links Box ($165)?

Luxury Bath Products

For the female boss, how about a set of luxury bath products? Choose all natural products for the least chance of allergic reaction: LUSH stores nationwide carry an amazing selection of all natural bath products, and some of the products are specifically designed for those with sensitive skin, if you are worried about that. Burt's Bees is another great line. If you don't want to risk buying her products she won't use, either do some quizzing to find out what she likes or get her a gift certificate to the local mall so she can choose her own.

Gift Basket

Finally, create a personalized gift basket based on your boss's hobbies, likes, or interests. If you know he's into NASCAR, collect related items to add to the basket. If she's always talking about how she loves The Office, create an Office-themed gift basket with jellybeans (like on Pam's desk), a bobble-head doll (like Dwight loves), and some weird Office knickknack that Michael would love. If you've listened to your boss and look around his or her office, you can probably come up with an appropriate theme and create a fun gift she will love.