43 gifts to get the boss who has everything

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The best gifts for bosses. Left: Wool coasters on a wooden table top. Right: A desktop hand massager.
Below we’ve curated the best gifts for every type of boss, whether they’re your work bestie or a more formal manager.

Quarter four is wrapping up soon, so it’s time to start thinking about what gift to buy your team’s fearless leader. When picking out the best gifts for your boss, consult with your colleagues about what they might actually enjoy. Are they a no-nonsense jet-setting manager? Or a work-from-home warrior that takes meetings in their slippers?

To make things easier, we’ve rounded up our favorite gifts for bosses— practical, office-friendly picks that suit a range of personalities. These ideas cover multiple budgets and management styles, so you can show appreciation without overthinking it.

A trendy tumbler to help them hydrate
Two Stanley tumblers in car cupholders.

Bosses spend so much of their day bouncing between meetings and emails that staying hydrated can be surprisingly difficult. A tumbler like the Stanley Quencher H2.0 keeps water cold for hours, so it’s ready whenever they finally get a breather—and it works just as well for hot drinks like coffee or tea. The sturdy handle and rotating lid make it easy to carry from room to room, and it comes in a slew of fun colors so you can match it to their style.

A set of pens that doubles as a desk game
A desktop golf pen game.

Although it may seem trivial, a small desk game can serve as a welcome break during long workdays, and this mini golf set doubles as a trio of pens your boss can actually use. The “clubs” are real pens, and the tiny putting green is a quick way to take a breather between tasks. All in all, an excellent pick for bosses who appreciate a touch of humor.

A leather business card holder
Two Leatherology Business Card Cases, one shown open with business cards inside, and one closed showing a monogram on the outside.

Leatherology Business Card Case

First impressions matter, which is why their business cards deserve this handsome leather case. It has a no-fuss, invisible magnetic closure and can hold up to 20 cards. Choose from pebbled or smooth leather in a variety of colors, or upgrade to premium leather. You can also add a monogram for an additional cost. 

An affirming mini calendar to brighten their workspace
A frog calendar against a yellow background.

Authored by Maybell Eequay, this fashionable little frog leaps from month to month leaving webbed footprints and positive messages in her wake. Find a colorful assortment of other mini calendars from Friends NYC for the boss who enjoys all things whimsical.

A hand massager to soothe carpal tunnel symptoms
A hand and a white hand massage machine on an orange tabletop.

Comfier Wireless Hand Massager with Heat

“The hand massager has beads that compress around the pressure points in my palm,” writes senior associate editor Gabrielle Chase. “It also massages around the sides of my knuckles, which is an area I usually forget to tend to. After I take my hand out, I can flex my hands open and shut more easily.”

Read more in her full Comfier Hand Massager review, and check out our guide to the most useful desk accessories our editors use to stay comfortable and focused.

A wireless charging station for their desk
A wireless charger station.

GUSGU 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station

Instead of fumbling with tangled cords, they can toss their phone, AirPod case, or Apple Watch onto this wireless charging station. It also serves as a low-light desk lamp for when they need to dim the overhead lights and take a screen break.

A pocket fan for instant cooling
A navy blue mini fan is sitting on top of a desk.

Jisulife Portable Small Pocket Fan

This portable fan is perfect for frequent travelers, a post-workout cooldown, and days when your boss just needs a breath of fresh air.

“The handle folds back so that the fan can sit flat on a surface and provide you with blissfully cool air,” writes Insider Reviews’ deputy editor Lauren Savoie. “I’ve used it at work, and I always take it with me when I travel to use as a bedside fan in a pinch. That way, I never have to worry about whether the sleeping accommodations will be as frosty as I prefer.”

Read more in her full Jisulife Mini Fan review.

The best socks they’ll ever wear
the author wearing Bombas Ragg Half Calf Socks

Bombas Chunky Ragg Half Calf Socks

Bombas makes the best socks that have ever graced our top drawer. We’ve been vocal supporters of the brand for years thanks to its durability, comfort, superior materials, and charitable mission.

The company donates a specifically designed pair of socks to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased. Our men’s style editor Amir Ismael likes his Chunky Ragg Half Calf Socks because they last for years and complement his extensive sneaker collection. “I’m definitely more particular about socks than the average person, and Bombas has always met my expectations,” says Amir.

An all-games newspaper for the news junkie
A game newspaper on a tabletop with a coffee mug and glasses.

Sunday Club Standard Bundle

Remember pulling out the funnies from your parent’s newspaper on a Sunday morning? That’s what Sunday Club delivers with its colorful comic strips and relaxing paper-and-pencil games, including a crossword, Sudoku, Word Blossoms, Search & Find, and much more. This kit includes three issues, three collectible postcards, and a Sunday Club pencil and sharpener set.

A cushion to make their desk chair more comfortable
Person sitting in a chair with Purple Royal seat cushions on the seat and back of the chair while working on a laptop computer at a desk.

Purple Royal Seat Cushion

“I was influenced to try this seat cushion after occasionally stealing it from my former boss, who was influenced to buy it after reading our Purple seat cushion review,” writes Insider Reviews’ executive editor Sally Kaplan. “Its signature GelFlex Grid design makes sitting at a desk all day a lot more comfortable and even helps me to maintain my posture. (This is the same stuff the brand uses on its mattresses to relieve pressure on your back.) It’s also very breathable, and it comes with a washable cover in case you spill anything.”

A portable waist fan for the boss that runs hot
A portable waist fan.

Chapjoy Cooling Waist Fan

“I fell victim to an Instagram ad that influenced me to buy this waist fan, and it really works to dry pit stains. You can clip it to your your pants and it sends a wave of cool air up your shirt,” writes senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. “It’s not too noisy and keeps me comfortable when I overheat in a clingy white button-down.”

A reusable bag that can hold everything, and then some
A blue plaid Baggu.

Standard Baggu

For lugging all of their belongings to the office and back, stocking up on groceries, and so much more. This reusable bag may not look like much, but it’s made of durable, ripstop nylon and can hold up to 50 pounds worth of stuff. Plus, it comes in over 30 fun colors and patterns. 

Relief from stress-induced headaches
A headache hat.

Headache Hat Wearable Ice Pack

Clear some space in the office freezer and plant this cooling, compressing headband inside. When they feel a headache coming on, they can pull it out and put it on for some targeted pressure on their pain points.

Delicious chocolate for a sweet pick-me-up
A box of chocolate bars with colorful labels and the text Compartes is on a white background.

Compartés Nostalgic Chocolate Bar Gift Set

Assuming your boss has a sweet tooth, you really can’t go wrong with the gift of chocolate. This set of four chocolate bars is unlike any other and includes tasty concoctions like donuts and coffee and chocolate chip cookies.

A dedicated mug for their ice cream
dash my mug ice cream maker

Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine

Sure, your boss would appreciate a nice mug for their tea or coffee, but you can take things up a notch with this gift. If they love to indulge in a frozen treat, this is the mug they need. The personal ice cream maker is great for making soft serve, classic ice cream, sorbet, and gelato.

A desk sign with a hint of humor
Gifts for boss office sign

Lasercrafting Desk Name Plates

If you and your boss have a humorous rapport, they could get a kick out of this witty take on everyday office signage. Plus, the sleek wooden and gold design lets the sign speak for itself without appearing overly kitschy. 

A towel designed like their favorite city or hometown
Claudia Pearson illustrated City Tea Towels with designs themed around different US cities.

Claudia Pearson City Tea Towels

If they’re a big fan of their current home or the town they grew up in, you can pay homage to that aspect of them with a cool, functional, and sentimental tea towel illustrated with city maps. 

A mini lunch bag filled with their favorite snacks
Multicolored lunch bag.
This cute, lightweight lunch bag comes in a variety of bold patterns.

Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag

We tested the best cute lunch bags for adults and found that this mini Baggu pouch is the perfect size for toting snacks. “This small lunch bag weighs less than a pound, and its insulated interior can hold one small food container comfortably,” writes freelancer Camryn Rabideau.

A versatile toiletry bag to bring on their travels
A Dagne Dover dopp kit full of beauty products.

Dagne Dover Seoul Dopp Kit

Dagne Dover’s durable and quick-drying neoprene is most notably featured in the brand’s popular backpacks and gym bags, but it’s also well-suited for this small bag that organizes your boss’s travel toiletries while they’re on the go.

“My favorite space-saving feature is the gusset pockets located on both sides of the bag. Above, you can see one of these pockets stuffed with tampons on one end. Containing items this way allows them to bulge outward rather than take up internal room, saving so much space,” writes style editor Samantha Crozier.

Read more in our full Dagne Dover review.

Fresh and funny sticky notes
Knock Knock To Accomplish Stick Notes Packet

Knock Knock To Accomplish Stick Notes Packet

Office supplies may not sound like the most exciting gift around, but these sticky notes are anything but boring. From lighthearted and humorous to straight-up sassy, you’re sure to find a set of these sticky notes that will make your boss laugh— and help keep them organized. 

A box of snacks from around the world
Italy Yum Yum snack box with assorted Italian snacks including airy amarettini almond cookies and hazelnut chocolate.

Universal Yums Yum Yum Gift Box

Level up their desk snack situation with a curated box of snacks from a country across the globe. Universal Yums creates snack boxes inspired by different cultures so they can taste-test their way around the world.

A subscription that delivers the best teas or coffees to their door
indonesia atlas tea club gift subscription of two teas, tea cup, and a photo of indonesia set against a white background

Atlas Tea Club Subscription

This subscription sends them delicious, unique single-origin teas or coffees from the best regions in the world for three months. It’ll make each day just a little more pleasant.

Their very own “The Office” mug
A white mug with a blue star and a photo of someone's face, inspired by "The Office"

“The Office” Mug

Remember when Kelly threw a party in “The Office,” gave out mugs like these as party favors, and quietly exacted revenge against Dwight and Jim for missing it? Well, if your boss is a fan of “The Office,” they’ll appreciate having their very own version of one.

Stylish coasters to protect their desk
A coffee mug is resting on a brown felt wool coaster beside three more coasters, an alarm clock, and vase.

Graf Lantz Bierfilzl Felt Coasters

This set of four merino wool coasters strikes the balance between practical and decorative. Choose from eight colors or a set of different-colored coasters.

A set of fancy olive oils
Graza 'Drizzle' & 'Sizzle' Extra Virgin Olive Oil on a table surrounded by silverware and plants.

Graza ‘Drizzle’ & ‘Sizzle’ Extra Virgin Olive Oil

If your boss is always talking about the delectable dishes they whipped up over the weekend, this set of high-quality olive oils from Graza will be a winner. The finishing and cooking oils, named Drizzle and Sizzle respectively, are made from fresh Picual olives in Spain and come in squeezable bottles for ease of use. 

A mini humidifier to make their space more comfortable
Pure Enrichment MistAire cloud-shaped humidifier set on top of a cabinet releasing mist into the air.

Pure Enrichment MistAire Cloud Mist Humidifier

Dry air can make any workspace uncomfortable. This cute cloud-shaped humidifier will make their workspace more pleasant with a constant mist that runs for 24 hours, making it easier to breathe all day long.

A mug that keeps their drinks hot
The self heating Ember Smart Mug2 on a counter surrounded by tea making supplies.

Ember Smart Mug2

When you want a hot cup of coffee, finding out yours has gone cold is always a bummer. What if we told you you have the power to help your boss keep their coffee or tea as warm as they’d like all day long? No, we’re not taking about magic, we’re talking about the Ember Smart Mug2. 

A classic Moleskine notebook
A stack of closed notebooks in various colors, including red, peach, green, purple, and black, sits on a wooden surface with ribbon bookmarks hanging over the edges.

Moleskine Classic Hard Cover Large Notebook

There’s a reason Moleskine notebooks have been so popular for so long: They’re quite durable and great quality. Whether your boss always needs paper on hand to take notes during team meetings or is known to keep a log of all of their genius business ideas, a new notebook is sure to get plenty of use. 

A personalized video message from their favorite celebrity
Cameo personalized videos from Tom Felton, Nathalie Emmanuel, and deadmauS.

Cameo Video Message

If your workplace is less formal, you could get them a personalized message from their favorite celebrity. Whether they love a certain musician, reality TV star, comedian, or actor in a show you’ve both bonded over, there’s a good chance you can find them on Cameo. The price will depend on the star, but there are plenty of options.

A sweet surprise delivered right to their inbox
Red, yellow, green, and blue striped boxes with different Sugarwish candy and snacks in them.

Sugarwish Treat Boxes

Sugarwish’s business model is simple: You pick the number of treats they receive, the recipient gets an email inviting them to select their favorite treats, and their selected treats are shipped directly to them. It’s a practically foolproof gift for a boss because everyone loves candy, and you don’t have to go through the awkwardness of figuring out their address. 

A tool to relieve muscle tension
The Buddy Back Buddy Elite plastic S-shaped back scratcher.

Buddy Back Buddy Elite

After hunching over a computer all day long, most of us could use something to get rid of all those knots and muscle tension. This handheld massaging tool will give them some quick relief, whether at home or at their desk.

A custom pet portrait
Custom Pet Portrait of a black and white cat named Denzel.

PrintAndPawStudio Custom Pet Portrait

For the boss whose pet is their pride and joy, what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a custom portrait of their furry family. They can hang it up at work or at home, and it’s sure to make them smile everytime they see it. 

The newest smart home device
the amazon echo spot on a wood nightstand

Amazon Echo Spot

Amazon’s bestselling smart speaker has an improved sound and look. Whether they want to coordinate a smooth-sailing smart home experience or enjoy music out loud, the Echo Spot can keep up. 

A desktop game to play when they need to let off steam
Portable Tabletop Air Hockey Arcade Table

Portable Tabletop Air Hockey Arcade Table

When they need a break from the stress of the work day, this tabletop air hockey game will do the trick. It’s a fun, portable way to spend their lunch break.

A mini space heater for cold days
AmazonBasics Mini Space Heater on top of a desk next to a cup full of writing utensils.

AmazonBasics Mini Space Heater

If a desk blanket is not enough to combat the office freeze, go for this personal space heater. The mini size is perfect for keeping their hands toasty while they type.

A nourishing hand cream
Pile of tubes of Nécessaire Hand Cream

Nécessaire The Hand Cream

Luxurious hand cream is always a great gift — especially when it’s this one from Nécessaire. It’s small, fragrance-free, and has an elevated feel as an everyday essential. 

Custom stationery designed by independent artists
Floral custom stationery including a card and envelope

Minted Happy Dream Custom Stationery

Beautiful, unique stationery is great for thank you cards or random “thinking of you” messages sent to loved ones. But few of us think to buy it ahead of the moment in which we need it. This gift is thoughtful, appropriate, and functional. 

A mystery box of mini plants
Rooted Baby Mystery Jungle Book

Rooted Baby Mystery Jungle Book

Spruce up their desk setup with the gift of plants. These ones are adorably miniature, so they can really be placed anywhere to add a pop of vibrant color. 

A custom leather luggage tag
Leatherology Luggage Tag gifts for boss 2022

Leatherology Deluxe Luggage Tag

These leather luggage tags are available in a variety of colors and come gift-wrapped. You can add a debossed personalization.

An audiobook subscription
the audible logo on a smartphone with earbuds plugged on next to a book
Audible Premium Plus gives you access to a huge library of titles with extra perks.

Audible Subscription

Whether they’re commuting to the office again or not, audiobooks are a useful way to pass the time no matter what they do. As a bonus, it’s a gift that can be delivered to them day-of.

Read our full review of Audible here

Three months of great hardcover books delivered to their door
Hand holding a Book of the Month subscription box in the air.

3-Month Book of the Month Subscription

Book of the Month has been around for more than 90 years — and it’s credited with hand-selecting and helping popularize books that range from Ernest Hemingway’s “The Sun Also Rises” to J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye.” With your gift, your boss will get to choose between five new hardcover options the book club suggests every month.

Desk cable clips that keep cords neat and organized
Two USB cables secured on the edge of desk by Shintop Cable Clips

Shintop 6-Piece Cable Clips Set

This small but practical gift will sort out their jumble of cords for good. If you’re worried that the set doesn’t look significant enough, you can pair a few of these cable clips with a nice card and some candy. 

A way to celebrate the end of the quarter
Moose Munch Premium Popcorn Classic Tin on a table and served into small bowls.

Moose Munch Premium Popcorn Classic Tin

Send them this assortment of sweet and savory popcorn to get the new quarter started. This particular edition contains four decadent flavors of Moose Munch: classic caramel, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate s’mores. 

Read the original article on Business Insider
Scroll to Top