It’s an age-old dilemma and it comes up several times each year. What do you do for that special boss or coworker on their birthday, their company anniversary, their engagement, the birth of their child, or to celebrate the holiday season. Gift-giving occasions are endless – and endlessly challenging.
You want to gift the boss with something special, but you don’t want to be too personal or exorbitant. You don’t want to embarrass the receiver with your largesse, but you don’t want to appear tight fisted in the eyes of someone you like – or your office peers.
You know the person from work. You may have some ideas and knowledge about his personal tastes and interests. But, you are totally unfamiliar with what he already has. You don’t want your dozen golf balls joining another hundred in his garage, the victims of other gift givers who didn’t have a clue.
If you are the designated purchaser for a group of people, the above problems multiply, as you have more people to please. Especially for a group gift, spend time soliciting ideas from others in the group. Some may know the person better and good ideas multiply when people brainstorm together. Another approach is to talk with a friend or family member of the person you want to gift. Sworn to secrecy, she might have several ideas sure to please. These are my favorite gifts for your valued work associate.
Memory Books and Scrapbooks
People appreciate gifts that commemorate good times and successes at work. A memory book in which all staff write comments and share high points of the year is an often appreciated gift. Depending on the individual, scrap books with pictures of staff activities, actual company product advertisements from magazines, positive notes from customers, and memory notes from staff make successful gifts. I have even seen an artistic group create a striking collage.
- Anything Blank Book
- Moon Blank Book
- Autumn Leaves Blank Book
- Circle, Triangle, Square Blank Book
- Everything Notebook: Business Memory Journal
- A Woman's Journal: Quotes by Women
Picture Frames and Photo Albums
Consider a group photograph in an attractive frame for your boss or coworker. You can make the photograph formal or informal, or consider a collage of different staff pictures. A photo album that includes pictures of staff events, product highlights, office happenings, trade show booths, and staff and customer interaction is a particularly winning choice.
Read on for more boss and coworker gift ideas, including gift baskets, chocolate and more.
