‘Tis the season! The holidays are around the corner. Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for your boss? Yes, your boss. In today’s modern business world, it’s possible to buy your boss a holiday gift without appearing desperate – or worse, if you consider a few tips. 

At Spencer Crane Etiquette, we show the young professional how modern business etiquette can boost her confidence and give her an edge over the competition.

Before deciding what to buy your boss, consider if you should buy your boss a gift. Many organizations frown upon or forbid giving gifts to superiors. 

Even if your organization doesn’t forbid you from giving your boss a gift, you should still consider the optics.  What impression are you going to create when you saunter into her office, a gift in hand, while your colleagues look on? Exactly.  A group gift solves this problem. You can buy your boss a gift and be a team player. Win! (Just be sure everyone agrees to the spending limit before the gift is purchased.)

Great group gifts include anything that celebrates the season or enhances your boss’ experience at the office. A few suggestions are offered below, but be sure to follow your organization’s customs and guidelines. 

  • Fruit basket. A fruit basket offers a delicious alternative to sugary holiday treats.  
  • Water bottle. If your boss is a minimalist, a sleek, stainless steel travel bottle will look good on-the-go and on her desk.
  • Correspondence cards.  A boxed set of correspondence cards is an excellent gift for the retro boss who loves the art of the handwritten note.
  • Chocolate truffles. A sharable, classic gift. Done.

Happy gifting!

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Stayce Wagner is the author of Modern Business Etiquette for Young & Fabulous Professionals, available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, the iTunes Store, and other major outlets. Stayce is the founder and CEO of Spencer Crane Etiquette, LLC, where business etiquette and authenticity are partners, not rivals. Our many services are designed to help you to achieve success on your terms. We invite you to contact us today to discuss how we can help you with your business etiquette needs.