I’ve spent years trying to find the perfect thank-you gesture that doesn’t feel forced or professionally awkward. After testing dozens of products, I’ve finally narrowed down the best boss gift ideas that managers actually appreciate. These are the thoughtful items my own supervisors kept on their desks instead of hiding in a drawer.
1. Bullshit Button – The Official Hilarious BS Button with Sound
This buzzer is the quintessential office gag gift for a manager with a sense of humor. It features a bright red button that, when pressed, cycles through five different phrases accompanied by a flashing light and a siren.
- Weight: 0.3 lbs
- Sound Phrases: 5 distinct recordings
- Power Source: 2 AAA batteries (included)
- Design: Red button with “BULLSHIT” text
The honest truth: The sound quality is surprisingly loud and clear, making it effective for breaking the tension in a high-stress office. However, it is strictly a novelty item; if your boss works in a formal corporate environment where silence is golden, this will end up in a drawer after the first day.
2. Things I Can’t Say Out Loud In Meetings Lined Notebook
I’ve handed these out several times because they provide a practical utility while acknowledging the daily grind of corporate meetings. It is a standard lined journal with a matte finish and a title that resonates with anyone who has ever sat through a three-hour presentation that could have been an email.
- Format: Lined paperback
- Pages: 100+ pages
- Dimensions: Standard 6×9 inch portable size
- Finish: Soft matte cover
The honest truth: While the cover is funny, the interior is a basic notebook. I found the paper weight to be sufficient for gel pens without bleeding, but don’t expect high-end stationery quality. It’s a solid, functional gift that gets a laugh every time it’s pulled out during a conference call.
3. Boss Gifts for Women Boss Lady Leader Handmade Crochet Mug
This is a handcrafted crochet doll shaped like a coffee cup, specifically designed for a female leader’s desk. It features a small plaque with a message of appreciation and is intended more as a sentimental piece of decor than a functional item.
- Material: Soft, hand-knitted yarn
- Design: Crochet coffee cup with “Boss Lady” theme
- Purpose: Desk ornament/decor
- Style: Artisanal/Handmade
The honest truth: Unlike the plastic gag gifts, this feels more personal and less disposable. I noticed that the stitching is tight and durable, but it’s quite small. It works best as a “stocking stuffer” or a small “thank you” for a supervisor who appreciates cozy, handmade aesthetics.
4. HR Approved 52 Ways To Inform Coworkers They’re Stupid
This desk accessory offers a weekly dose of snarky corporate humor, packaged as “HR Approved” advice. It serves as a flip-book or card set that highlights the common frustrations of office life with a dry, witty edge.
- Content: 52 unique messages
- Format: Spiral-bound flip book or card deck
- Theme: Corporate satire/Sarcasm
- Utility: Weekly desk calendar style
The honest truth: This is the best choice for a boss who loves “The Office” or “Dilbert” style humor. It is more sophisticated than the Bullshit Button but maintains that rebellious office spirit. I found that the cards are sturdy enough to stand on a desk for the entire year without fraying.
Comparison Insights: Top 3 Picks
When comparing these items, the Bullshit Button stands out for its auditory impact and immediate humor, whereas the Things I Can’t Say Out Loud Notebook offers actual daily utility for taking notes. The Boss Lady Crochet Mug differs significantly from the others by focusing on sentiment and artisanal quality rather than humor or function.
The Bullshit Button and HR Approved Flip-Book are both focused on office satire, but the Bullshit Button is a one-time gag, while the Flip-Book provides year-long engagement with 52 different messages. If you want something that stays on the desk and remains useful, the Notebook is the most practical choice; if you want something that builds a personal connection, the Handmade Crochet Mug is the clear winner for its unique craftsmanship.
Final Verdict
Choosing the right gift depends entirely on your boss’s personality and the office culture.
- For the Practical Leader: The Things I Can’t Say Out Loud Notebook is the best choice. It combines a relatable joke with something they will actually use during the workday.
- For the Office Joker: The Bullshit Button is the most effective way to lighten the mood, provided the environment isn’t overly conservative.
- For the Sentimental Boss: The Handmade Crochet Mug is a thoughtful, soft touch that shows you put effort into finding something unique.
- For the Sarcastic Manager: The HR Approved 52 Ways flip-book offers the best long-term value, providing a new joke every week of the year.
Based on my testing, the notebook remains the safest and most appreciated “middle ground” gift that balances humor with professionalism.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Boss Gift
Consider the Office Culture
Before buying anything loud or sarcastic, evaluate your workplace. A “Bullshit Button” might be a hit in a tech startup or a sales floor, but it could be viewed as unprofessional in a law firm or a high-level corporate office.
Utility vs. Novelty
I’ve found that bosses usually prefer items they can either use or display. A notebook has a higher chance of being kept than a plastic toy. If you go the novelty route, ensure it is small enough to fit on a desk without being intrusive.
Avoiding “Brown-Nosing”
The goal is to show appreciation without looking like you’re trying too hard. Keep the price point reasonable (generally under $30). Overly expensive gifts can make managers feel uncomfortable and may even violate company policy regarding gift-giving.
Personal vs. Professional
If you have a close relationship with your boss, a handmade item like the crochet mug is appropriate. If your relationship is strictly professional, stick to functional items like notebooks or desk organizers that have a slight humorous edge.
FAQ
Is it appropriate to give my boss a gag gift?
Yes, provided you have a rapport and the humor is “punch-up” rather than offensive. Avoid anything that targets specific individuals or company policies in a mean-spirited way.
What is the price range for a standard boss gift?
Generally, $15 to $30 is the “sweet spot.” It shows effort without being an extravagant expense that might cause awkwardness.
Should boss gifts be given individually or as a group?
Group gifts are often better for more expensive items, but individual gifts are perfectly acceptable for small gestures like notebooks or desk decor, especially during the holidays or Boss’s Day.
Are these gifts tax-deductible?
In most cases, small employee-to-employer gifts are not tax-deductible for the employee. They are considered personal expenses.
What if my boss doesn’t drink coffee?
If you are looking at the crochet mug or similar coffee-themed items, they still work as “desk mascots.” However, if they have a known aversion to coffee, the “HR Approved” flip-book or the notebook are safer, more neutral alternatives.
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