How to Buy a Gift for Your Boss

With a bit of planning, you can present your boss with an inexpensive but useful gift as a token of your respect.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Relaxing CDs Or Tape
• Gift Bows
• Gift Bags
• Plants
• Gift Certificates
• Gourmet Foods
• Wrapping Paper
• Greeting Cards
• Tissue paper
• Gourmet Coffees
• Gift Baskets
• Gift Ribbons

1. Plan to buy something useful, rather than something that will just collect dust on a shelf.

2. Browse through gourmet food or coffee shops. They have a wide selection of delicious merchandise, and it often comes attractively packaged.

3. Plan to give a perennial (multiseasonal) plant if your boss is an avid gardener. Whereas flowers die quickly, a plant will be a longtime reminder of your thoughtfulness.

4. Consider giving a relaxing CD or tape, such as one with sounds of the seashore.

5. Choose a greeting card for your boss that is appropriate for the occasion.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't think you have to spend a lot on this gift. No one expects you to drain your budget.
• Use a gift catalog or shop online if you are short on time.
• Stay away from a food gift if you know your boss is on any type of special diet.
• Avoid even the possibility of an awkward situation. Do not buy personal items, including jewelry and clothing, and do not give an off-color greeting card.

[rtolmach]

on 7/28/2007 A suggestion for gifts.

Many of us don't want any more picture frames, vases, etc. Another way to show your love is doing something meaningful in a friend's name.

A new nonprofit website, www.ChangingThePresent.org makes it more rewarding and easier than ever. You can choose exactly what you want to accomplish: preserve an acre of the rainforest, provide books for children, fund an hour of cancer research, or sponsor cataract surgery to make a blind person see. The site already offers thousands of tangible donation opportunities from hundreds of leading nonprofits, so you’re sure to find something that moves you.

Wish lists and registries let us share our passions with others and ensure the perfect gift. Beautiful, personalized greeting cards include a photo and description of the gift you gave.

http://www.ChangingThePresent.org

on 11/22/2005 Observe his or her office or cubicle: my boss had pictures of family push-pinned to a bulletin board, so I picked a not-too-expensive multi-picture frame that was just the right size for the desk.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of buying a gift, consider pooling the collected money and making a donation to his favorite charity in his name.

on 11/22/2005 A gift certificate to the local coffee spot where your boss gets his or her coffee if always a good idea. It's cheap, easy and thoughtful.