How to Thank a Cool Boss (in retro fashion, of course!)
Wine loving boss? Present an inexpensive bottle with this Wine Monkey for a cute gift that lasts.
If you love your boss, you’ll want to show that appreciation on October 16th.
National Boss’s Day was registered with the US Chamber of Commerce in 1958 by Patricia Bays Horoski, a secretary for State Farm Insurance in Deerfield, Illinois. She chose October 16th because that was her father’s birthday. At the time, Horoski worked for her father.
In 1962, Illinois Governor Otto Kerner officially proclaimed the day. Hallmark didn’t start offering cards for the secular holiday until 1979. Ever since, though, greeting card companies have increased production on sentiments for this day. Reportedly Hallmark increased card production for the boss by 28% in 2007.
National Boss’s Day is recognized in many countries, including Australia and Ireland, and cards and inexpensive gifts are common.
How to Choose the Right Gift
Every boss is different. If you aren’t sure what your boss will appreciate, be sure to ask fellow workers for input. If you’re on a budget and think your boss will love a piece of art or a new desk lamp, consider pooling money with others.
Just be aware of the following:
- Even if you’re friends with your boss, avoid gifts that are “way too personal”.
- Be sure to take your boss’s hobbies into consideration.
- When considering a humorous gift, make sure it’s not going too far. In other words, know his or her personality.
- You don’t want to show up others, so be sure to converse with co-workers to determine the best type of gift and budget. A typical cap for a Boss’s Day gift is $25 (but in some workplaces it’s capped at $10).
- A group gift keeps a level playing field among co-workers.
- Any type of gift should be thoughtful. It lets your boss know you’ve taken the time to learn about him or her.
Popular Gifts for the Boss
Is your boss a great thinker? This sketchbook is made from real napkins.
Unless there’s something you know the boss wants, it can be difficult to choose exactly the right item. Here are some of the most popular gifts for the cool boss on this special day:
- Desktop items that are fun, but also functional. Like the Mini Trash Can & Recycle Bin holders or the Vintage Camera Pencil Sharpener.
- A jar of his or her favorite candy.
- A desk clock. I love the Book Set and the Melting Clock.
- An addition to a collection. For example, if your boss is a superhero fan and displays figures in the office, consider a Batman Table Lamp or a Superman Bendable Figure.
- A coffee mug that represents his or her personality. It could be one with a humorous saying or a superhero character (like Wonder Woman).
Have ideas of your own for a great gift for that cool boss? And, if you’re a boss who has received a neat gift from an employee, chime in below. We can never have too many ideas.
