Top Ten Gift Ideas for Your Boss

Buying gifts for your boss is bound to be an agonizing task; if you have a great boss, and want to really impress them, you will probably toil feverishly over the perfect gift. On the other hand, if you can't stand your boss and the thought of giving them anything makes you ill, it is even more difficult to come up with a unique, quality gift that doesn't blatantly say, "I didn't want to give you this, but I had to so there." While keeping in mind that some of these may be above or below your budget, here are ten great gift ideas for your boss that are sure to be a win-win.

#1 Holiday gift for your boss: Countertop Wine opener
A wine opener is a great addition to anyone who drinks wine, even on occasion. Not only is it a convenient tool to use, it is also a very nice addition to any kitchen décor. It's not the type of thing that most people would buy for themselves, so you can rest assure that your boss probably doesn't already own one, but will be impressed and delighted to receive this gift.

#2 Holiday Gift for your Boss: Temper-Pedic brand slippers
Slippers in general, are a slippery slope for gift giving. They don't always come across as a well thought out, quality gift. But Temper-Pedic brand slippers are incredibly comfortable and well known slippers, and while your boss might not jump for joy when he/she first sees them, they will certainly be praising you later one once they start enjoying their comfortable and luxurious feeling. I bought my Dad these slippers one year for Christmas and he sings their praises every time he puts them on.

#3 Holiday gift for your boss: Electronic Golf Score system
There are many different types of electronic golf score cards, so you are sure to find one in your price range. And, don't feel like you have to get the most expensive and high tech device, because there is a slim chance that your boss ever thought about buying him/her self one. It is a very unique and thoughtful gift for the Golf privy boss, and will also impress and empower the occasional golfer because they have a new little gadget to show off to their golfing buddies.

#4 Holiday gift for your boss: Electronic Sudoku Machine
These are very inexpensive and are a great gift idea for the $20 and below budget. Even if your boss doesn't play Sudoku very often, they will be impressed and flattered that your gift implies some level of intellectual creativity. They might even pretend to be excited about such a unique gift. Once they've tried it out a few times, it will be instantly addictive and makes an absolutely fabulous travel companion eliminating the need for heavy books, magazines or scrap paper.

#5 Holiday gift for your boss: Sports Accessories
If they are extremely fond of a particular team or sport, get them a nice collared shirt, frame, flag or jersey from that team. It's a great gift because they probably wouldn't go out and get it for themselves, but they'll be delighted at its thoughtfulness and usability. Every boss I've had holds season tickets to at least one of their favorite teams; get them a nice shirt for that team (not the plain white, cotton tees with a big logo on the front.) Order it online to ensure that it's somewhat unique and aesthetically fits their normal style. By the way, this is the only "clothing" type of gift I would recommend for a boss.

#6 Holiday gift for your boss: Engraved Swiss Army multi-purpose Pocket Knife
These are great gadgets for any male boss, as they are multi-functional, personalized and fun to play with. There are many brands to choose from as far as customizable pocket knives, but impress him with a quality Swiss Army brand knife. You can choose from tools for outdoorsmen, every day use, and more. In that way you can also customize it to suite your particular boss.

#7 Holiay gift for your boss: Tommy Bahama Weekend Shirt
These are a big pricier, but they are great gifts for any male or female boss. The Tommy Bahama brand will speak for itself and shirts are comfortable, recognizable and unbelievably "laid back." It adds some spice and relaxation to a normal holiday gift.

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• The last three suggestions are for a budgeted employee, since I've covered some pricier options up until this point.

  
  

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#8 Holiday gift for your boss: Picture Frame
Don't go to Hallmark and pick out any old generic frame; even though this is the budget item, make up for it by finding a bargain on a frame that is unique to your boss. Check out sports team frames, stores like Ross and T.J. Max in the accessories sections, or possibly even the stands in the mall for a golf frame or hobbyist frame.

#9 Holiday gift for your boss: Coffee Mug
Again, because this is a budget item, don't just go get a plain blue coffee mug from the local Wal-Mart. First, make sure you get a mug that has a very large mouth, and possibly even curves over the top a little. Expensive and quality mugs have this shape because it keeps the coffee warmer. Also, pick out a mug that will entice your boss to hold his chest out a bit more when holding, or maybe give him a funny conversation piece when talking to clients and other co-workers. If he/she fancies him/her self a skier, get a funny ski bunny joke mug…You get the idea. Pick out the perfect, funny, interesting and relevant mug and you could have your boss bragging on it to everyone who sees him hold it. He/She will be thinking of how great your gift was the whole time!

#10 Holiday gift for your boss: Temperature controlled Coffee to-go cup
This is also a great gift, and very reasonably priced. They keep coffee at the specified temperature by adjusting the thermometer on the cup. Also, this gift doesn't require as much "searching" around for the perfect style/brand as the functionality will speak for itself.

Hope these holiday gifts help, I have at one point, given, received, witnessed these gifts during the holiday and they were all a hit. But, make sure you take into consideration your particular boss. If your boss is anti-alcohol don't get him/her a wine opener. If your boss doesn't play golf, ever, don't get him/her the electronic golf score card. Hopefully you can use at least one of these gift ideas in your search for the perfect holiday gift f