9 Frugal Gifts to Give Your Boss on Boss's Day
Boss's Day is on Oct. 16, and you can give your boss a thoughtful and memorable gift to show your appreciation -- even if you're on a budget. Whether you're shopping for your supervisor or a team of executives, you can impress the boss with a practical and afford gift for the office or otherwise. Here are nine frugal gift ideas for Boss's Day.
1. USB Portable Charger
If your boss is a busy executive and travels often, she will make use of a USB portable charger. These handy gadgets fit inside a pocket and provide extra power for smartphones, tablets, iPads and other mobile devices. They're a must-have item for any business traveler, and you can find a variety of models starting around $45.
2. Homemade Treats
If you're a baking enthusiast, put those skills to use by baking up some of your favorite cookie and dessert recipes. Home-baked treats are sure to be appreciated by the boss and co-workers. Baking up a batch of cookies, brownies and other sweet treats is a simple and affordable way to show you care. Consider making batches of cookie dough or batter ahead of time so you can just bake few trays of treats the day before Boss's Day. The average cost of ingredients may range from $20 to $30, depending on quantity.
3. Desk Organizer
Maintaining a clutter-free office and work space is a high priority for the super-productive types. Gift the boss a desk organizer to keep office stationery, gadgets and other everyday essentials in order. You can find a variety of functional organizers in different sizes suitable for any work space. These run about $25 to $30 and up, depending on the brand and type.
4. Miniature Terrarium
Give the boss a reason to decorate the office with some greenery. These miniature collections of exotic plants and shrubs can be a welcome addition to a sparsely decorated office. Miniature plant terrariums on Amazon start around $20, and some come as customizable kits with different themes.
5. Oversized Coffee Mug
Whether you pick out a mug with a clever saying or one with a more simplistic design, an oversized coffee mug is sure to be appreciated by any coffee or tea lover. Consider the boss's personality and sense of humor when picking out a mug emblazoned with a quote or creative message. Alternatively, turn to sites like CafePress to customize a mug for the boss with your own idea. Coffee mugs on CafePress start at $12.99.
6. Personalized Desk Clock
From cube clocks to sculpture-like designs, give the boss an attractive clock he can place on a desk or shelf in the office. Personalized gifts with the boss's name, an inspirational quote or even a memorable message are an affordable gift option -- average prices run from $30 to $50 and up -- and are sure to be well-received.
7. Coffee Blend or Tea Gifts
If you know what your boss's favorite flavor of coffee is or what type of tea she drinks on a regular basis, consider buying an oversized bag of coffee grounds in his favorite flavor or a sampler pack of tea from her favorite brand. Companies like Starbucks and Tazo tea offer a variety of attractive gift sets and individual bags starting at $12.99. Alternatively, you could buy a three-month Starbucks subscription of your boss's favorite roast.
8. Gourmet Chocolate
Unless the boss has explicitly shared a distaste for chocolate, a box of chocolates or a gourmet gift basket filled with sweet treats is sure to please. You can put together your own assortment of truffles, chocolate bars and candy items from your boss's favorite chocolate shop or local chocolatier. You'll also find plenty of pre-made baskets on Amazon and other online gift retailers, ranging in price from $20 to $40 and up.
9. Fruit Arrangements
If your boss is the health-conscious type or you just want to do something a little different this year, set up a delivery of a fruit basket, bouquet, sculpture or fresh fruit platter arrangement for the office. Having the gift delivered on Boss's Day can add that extra special touch. Gourmet fruit gifts start around $20 to $30 at online gift companies such as Shari's Berries and Harry & David.
Sabah Karimi is a columnist for the blog Wise Bread, where you can find consumer tips like how to select the best balance transfer credit cards.
