52 Best National Boss Day Gift Ideas

 

What Is National Boss's Day?

National Boss's Day every year falls on October 16 (or the closest working day), and it's a special occasion to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and leadership of bosses and supervisors.

The tradition of National Boss's Day dates back to 1958, when Patricia Bays Haroski (an employee at State Farm Insurance) registered the holiday with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Haroski chose October 16th to honor her father's birthday, recognizing the positive impact he had as her boss and mentor.

The day has since grown in popularity and is celebrated by employees across various industries who take the time to show appreciation for their bosses. And this celebration can take many different forms:

• Thank-you notes
• Gift baskets
• Gift cards
• Flowers
• Gadgets
• Exclusive wine

And that's just the start.

Below, we'll walk you through some of our favorite Boss Day gift ideas, but let's first look at what separates the perfect gift from the so-so gifts.

 

Great Gifts vs. Not-So-Great Gifts

When it comes to choosing a gift for National Boss's Day, not all gifts are created equal. The perfect gift can strengthen your relationship with your boss, showing thoughtfulness and appreciation. On the other hand, a poorly chosen gift can come across as impersonal or, even worse, inappropriate.

So, what separates a great gift from a blah one? Let’s break it down.

 

Great Gifts

• Personalization: A personalized gift shows that you’ve put thought into selecting something unique. It’s a step beyond generic gifts and can make a lasting impression.
• Relevance: A gift that aligns with your boss’s hobbies or interests demonstrates that you pay attention to who they are as a person (not just as a boss).
• Quality: A high-quality gift, even if it’s small, can be more appreciated than multiple lower-quality items.
• Practicality: Practical gifts that can be used in their daily life or work are often appreciated because they are functional and serve a purpose.
• Experiences: Gifting an experience can create lasting memories and provide an enjoyable break from the routine.

Not-So-Great Gifts

• Generic: Generic gifts can come across as thoughtless or last-minute, lacking the personal touch that makes a gift special.
• Inappropriate: Gifts that are too personal or potentially inappropriate can make the recipient uncomfortable.
• Humor Gone Wrong: While funny gifts can be great, they need to be chosen carefully. Humor that misses the mark can be awkward or even offensive.
• Token Nature: Gifts that feel obligatory or like an afterthought don’t convey genuine appreciation.
• Excessively Expensive: Extremely high-value gifts can make the recipient feel uncomfortable or obligated to reciprocate (which isn’t the intent of a thoughtful gift).

 

52 Boss Day Gift Ideas

Personalized Gifts

Personalized gifts show that you’ve put thought into your choice, making the recipient feel special and appreciated.

1. Customized Desk Accessories: Items like engraved nameplates, personalized pen holders, or custom notebooks.
2. Personalized Mugs or Tumblers: With their name, a special date, or a motivational quote that goes beyond a standard coffee mug.
3. Custom Artwork: A framed print or piece of art that reflects their interests or achievements.
4. Engraved Watches or Jewelry: Subtle and elegant pieces with a personal touch.
5. Monogrammed Leather Goods: Items like wallets, keychains, or bags with their initials.

Practical Office Gifts

Practical gifts that can be used in the workplace are always appreciated, as they combine functionality with thoughtfulness.

1. Ergonomic Office Chair: For added comfort during long work hours.
2. High-Quality Stationery: Elegant pens, notebooks, or planners.
3. Wireless Charging Station: For a clutter-free desk and easy device charging.
4. Desk Organizer Sets: To keep their workspace tidy and efficient.
5. Noise-Canceling Headphones: Perfect for focus and productivity in a busy office.

Relaxation and Wellness Gifts

Help your boss unwind and take care of themselves with gifts focused on relaxation and wellness.

1. Spa Day Package: Gift certificates for massages, facials, or a full day of pampering.
2. Aromatherapy Diffusers: With a selection of calming essential oils.
3. Yoga or Meditation Kits: Complete with mats, instructional books, or app subscriptions.
4. Personalized Fitness Gear: Custom yoga mats, water bottles, or gym bags.
5. Subscription Boxes: Monthly deliveries of wellness products, gourmet snacks, or teas.

Experience-Based Gifts

Gifting an experience can create lasting memories and offer your boss a delightful break from the routine.

1. Cooking or Baking Classes: For the culinary enthusiast boss.
2. Tickets to a Show or Concert: Based on their musical or theatrical tastes.
3. Wine or Beer Tasting Tours: For a relaxing and enjoyable outing.
4. Adventure Experiences: Activities like hot air balloon rides, zip-lining, or a weekend getaway.
5. Virtual Experience Classes: Online classes in areas like art, dance, or photography.

Gift Baskets

A Boss's Day gift basket can be tailored to your boss’s preferences, making them a thoughtful and enjoyable present.

1. Gourmet Food Basket: Filled with artisanal cheeses, crackers, chocolates, and fine wines.
2. Coffee Lover’s Basket: Premium coffee beans, a stylish mug, biscotti, and flavored syrups.
3. Spa Retreat Basket: Luxurious bath products, scented candles, a plush robe, and a loofah.
4. Fitness Basket: Healthy snacks, a water bottle, resistance bands, and a fitness journal.
5. Book Lover’s Basket: Best-selling novels, a cozy blanket, bookmarks, and a gift card to a bookstore.

Tech Gadgets

For the tech-savvy boss, these gifts can boost productivity and add some fun to their daily routine.

1. Smart Speakers: Like Amazon Echo or Google Home for easy voice control.
2. Fitness Trackers: To help them stay on top of their health goals.
3. Portable Chargers: Stylish and functional power banks for their devices.
4. Bluetooth Earbuds: For hands-free calls and music.

Gourmet Treats

For the boss with a refined palate, gourmet treats can be a surefire way to show you care.

1. Artisan Chocolates: High-quality chocolates from boutique chocolatiers.
2. Specialty Coffees and Teas: Exotic blends and flavors.
3. Gourmet Popcorn: Unique flavors like truffle or caramel pecan.
4. Premium Olive Oils and Vinegars: For culinary enthusiasts.
5. Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: Curated selections of cheeses and meats.

DIY and Craft Gifts

Handmade or DIY boss's day gifts can add a personal touch and show extra effort on this special day.

1. Custom Scrapbooks: Filled with memorable photos and notes from the team.
2. Handmade Candles: Personalized scents and designs.
3. DIY Gift Kits: Kits for brewing beer, making cheese, or crafting.

Eco-Friendly Gifts

For the environmentally conscious boss, these gifts promote sustainability and show you care about the planet.

1. Reusable Water Bottles: Stylish and sustainable bottles for daily hydration.
2. Eco-Friendly Office Supplies: Recycled notebooks, bamboo pens, or solar-powered gadgets.
3. Sustainable Gift Sets: Collections of eco-friendly products like organic skincare or zero-waste kits.
4. Plants: Indoor plants that improve air quality and brighten up the office.
5. Composting Kits: Easy-to-use kits for starting a compost bin at home or in the office.

Humor and Fun Gifts

For the boss with a great sense of humor, these gifts can bring a smile to their face.

1. Funny Desk Signs: Quirky or humorous quotes to brighten up their workspace.
2. Novelty Mugs: Mugs with funny sayings or images.
3. Office Pranks Kits: Light-hearted prank kits for some office fun.
4. Personalized Caricatures: Fun and whimsical drawings of the boss.
5. Board Games or Puzzles: For some light-hearted office competition or relaxation.

Luxury Gifts

Sometimes, you want to go all out and choose a high-end gift that makes a statement. Luxury gifts can be awkward when gifted by a single person, but they're perfect for when you want your whole team (or another collective group) to all go in together on a gift.

1. Designer Accessories: Luxury wallets, belts, or handbags.
2. High-End Tech Gadgets: Premium smartwatches, laptops, or headphones.
3. Exclusive Experiences: Private wine tastings, VIP concert tickets, or luxury spa days.
4. Fine Jewelry: Elegant watches, bracelets, or cufflinks.
5. Artisanal Home Décor: High-quality sculptures, paintings, or handmade furniture pieces.

Recognize Your Employees with Terryberry

Choosing the perfect gift for National Boss’s Day is just one way to show appreciation and foster a positive workplace culture. But recognition shouldn’t be limited to just one day or just your boss. At Terryberry, we believe in the power of ongoing recognition and its impact on employee engagement and satisfaction.

Our comprehensive recognition solutions help you celebrate every milestone and achievement within your organization. From onboarding new employees to recognizing retirements and everything in between, our platform offers a range of customizable awards and recognition programs that can be tailored to your company’s unique needs.

With Terryberry, you can:

• Implement Comprehensive Recognition Programs: Our platform helps you create and manage recognition programs that celebrate achievements across all levels of your organization.
• Personalize Awards and Gifts: Choose from a wide variety of personalized awards and gifts that resonate with your team members and reflect their unique contributions.
• Measure the Impact: Use our robust analytics tools to track the effectiveness of your recognition programs and make data-driven decisions to improve employee engagement.
• Create a Positive Culture: Regular recognition can boost morale, improve retention, and create a culture of appreciation and mutual respect.

Next Steps

Ready to transform your workplace with meaningful recognition? Schedule a demo with our team today to learn how Terryberry can help you create a comprehensive recognition program