Checklist · 14 picks · 7 categories
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Gifting your boss is awkward, so the goal is simple: useful, professional and not too personal.
I picked these from TODAY's boss gift guide and BuzzFeed's boss gift list, and kept to things that sit on a desk, help with travel or make a break easier. Most are small and low-key on purpose. A thoughtful note matters more than a big spend, and it is worth checking whether your workplace has a gift policy before you buy. If you are chipping in with coworkers, go for the nicer pick and split it.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you are buying for a friendly coworker, and head to the coworker gifts list instead.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WAITIEE Wireless Charger 3-in-1 | mid | $25-50 | a boss with lots of devices | 1 outlet |
| Skylight Digital Picture Frame | splurge | $100-150 | a boss with a big family | 1 outlet |
| Twelve South AirFly Pro | mid | $50-100 | a boss who travels | 1 outlet |
mid wireless charger
Best for a boss with lots of devices
TODAY's pick: a charging station for phone, watch and earbuds that works in portrait or landscape.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$25-50
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splurge digital frame
Best for a boss with a big family
BuzzFeed's pick: lets the recipient show family photos and videos from anywhere, with cloud storage and no SD cards.
Picked by BuzzFeed gift idea for your boss.
$100-150
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mid travel adapter
Best for a boss who travels
TODAY's pick: connects wireless headphones to any audio jack, such as on airplanes.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$50-100
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knock Knock To Accomplish Sticky Notes Packet | budget | under $15 | a list-loving boss | 1 outlet |
| Snail Silicone Tea Bag Holder (10-pack) | budget | under $15 | a boss who drinks tea | 1 outlet |
| OXO Sweep & Swipe Laptop Cleaner | budget | under $15 | a boss with a messy keyboard | 1 outlet |
| Miniature Yoga Meditation Zen Garden | budget | $15-25 | a stressed-out boss | 1 outlet |
| Desktop Glass Dry Erase Board | budget | $15-25 | a boss who writes everything down | 1 outlet |
budget sticky notes
Best for a list-loving boss
TODAY's pick for organized, list-making bosses.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
under $15
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budget tea bag holder · 10-pack
Best for a boss who drinks tea
TODAY's pick for a tea-loving boss, with enough in the pack for home and the office.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
under $15
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budget laptop cleaner
Best for a boss with a messy keyboard
TODAY's pick: a double-sided brush and cleaner for laptops, tablets and phones.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
under $15
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget desk toy
Best for a stressed-out boss
TODAY's pick: a small desk zen garden for a bit of calm.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$15-25
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budget dry erase board
Best for a boss who writes everything down
TODAY's pick: a desk board for jotting down daily reminders.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$15-25
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget planner · 12-week
Best for a boss who loves planning
TODAY's pick: a 12-week planner focused on mindfulness and wellbeing.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$15-25
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
budget book · Book
Best for a boss who reads leadership books
TODAY's pick for new leaders or anyone refreshing their leadership approach.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$15-25
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budget cookbook · Cookbook
Best for a boss who cooks
TODAY's pick: a cookbook of 60 recipes from TikTok creators, for a trend-savvy boss.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$15-25
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid gardening kit
Best for a boss who gardens
TODAY's pick: a starter gardening kit with a spade, cultivator and weeder, for a boss who wants a garden.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$25-50
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mid popcorn set · Set of 8
Best for a boss who loves movie night
TODAY's pick: popcorn kernels with five gourmet seasonings, for a movie buff.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$25-50
Shop on AmazonAffiliate link.
mid golf gift · 7-foot
Best for a boss who golfs
TODAY's pick: a 7-foot putting mat with gravity-return balls for golf fans.
Picked by TODAY gift for the boss.
$25-50
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Spot a mistake? A broken link, a wrong price range or an outdated pick: tell me at hello@allsetlist.com and I'll fix it.
There is no set amount. Small, useful items are safest, and a group gift lets you pick something nicer without any one person spending a lot.
Check your workplace gift policy first. Many offices are fine with small gifts, and a card on its own is a fine choice too.
Guides generally suggest skipping anything too personal, like clothing or skincare, and leaving out alcohol unless you know they would enjoy it.
USPS's recommended last send dates for December 25 in the contiguous US are December 17 for Ground Advantage, December 18 for Priority Mail and December 19 for Priority Mail Express. Retailers set their own order-by dates, so check at checkout.
