As year-end deadlines loom and the office starts buzzing with holiday energy, finding a meaningful gift for your boss can feel like one more thing on a very full to-do list. December is the perfect moment to choose something polished, seasonal, and sincerely appreciative.
When picking out the best gifts for your boss, consult with your colleagues about what they might actually enjoy. Are they a no-nonsense jet-setting manager? Or a work-from-home warrior that takes meetings in their slippers?
To make last-minute gifting easier, we've curated thoughtful ideas your boss will actually use, from productivity upgrades to innovative gadgets to quirky desk accessories.
Our favorite French press we've ever used
My boss is usually on his fourth cup of Dunkin black coffee by 2 P.M. If your boss is anything like him, give them the upgrade they deserve with a surprisingly affordable French press "The filter does a great job of forming a seal and filtering out coarse coffee grounds," writes freelancer Owen Burke.
Read more in our guide to the best French presses.
A footrest for under their desk
If they spend long hours at their desk, this footrest can help improve circulation. Its high-quality foam and two-piece adjustable design let them choose the height that feels best, easing pressure on the legs and lower back while encouraging better posture and overall comfort. The non-slip base keeps it steady, while the zip-off cover makes cleaning easy.
A monocular for scoping out their territory
Whether they're curious about their distant surroundings or simply nosy, this handy tool let's them get a closer look. When we tested the Nocs Zoom Tube, it was easy to travel with thanks to its lightweight design and complimentary protective sleeve. It's also water resistant and was comfortable to use even with sunglasses on.
A trendy tumbler to help them hydrate
Bosses spend so much of their day bouncing between meetings and emails that staying hydrated can be surprisingly difficult. A tumbler like the Stanley Quencher H2.0 keeps water cold for hours, so it's ready whenever they finally get a breather—and it works just as well for hot drinks like coffee or tea. The sturdy handle and rotating lid make it easy to carry from room to room, and it comes in a slew of fun colors so you can match it to their style.
A set of pens that doubles as a desk game
Although it may seem trivial, a small desk game can serve as a welcome break during long workdays, and this mini golf set doubles as a trio of pens your boss can actually use. The "clubs" are real pens, and the tiny putting green is a quick way to take a breather between tasks. All in all, an excellent pick for bosses who appreciate a touch of humor.
A leather business card holder
Leatherology Business Card Case
First impressions matter, which is why their business cards deserve this handsome leather case. It has a no-fuss, invisible magnetic closure and can hold up to 20 cards. Choose from pebbled or smooth leather in a variety of colors, or upgrade to premium leather. You can also add a monogram for an additional cost.
An affirming mini calendar to brighten their workspace
Authored by Maybell Eequay, this fashionable little frog leaps from month to month leaving webbed footprints and positive messages in her wake. Find a colorful assortment of other mini calendars from Friends NYC for the boss who enjoys all things whimsical.
A hand massager to soothe carpal tunnel symptoms
Comfier Wireless Hand Massager with Heat
"The hand massager has beads that compress around the pressure points in my palm," writes senior associate editor Gabrielle Chase. "It also massages around the sides of my knuckles, which is an area I usually forget to tend to. After I take my hand out, I can flex my hands open and shut more easily."
Read more in her full Comfier Hand Massager review, and check out our guide to the most useful desk accessories our editors use to stay comfortable and focused.
A wireless charging station for their desk
GUSGU 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station
Instead of fumbling with tangled cords, they can toss their phone, AirPod case, or Apple Watch onto this wireless charging station. It also serves as a low-light desk lamp for when they need to dim the overhead lights and take a screen break.
A pocket fan for instant cooling
Jisulife Portable Small Pocket Fan
This portable fan is perfect for frequent travelers, a post-workout cooldown, and days when your boss just needs a breath of fresh air.
"The handle folds back so that the fan can sit flat on a surface and provide you with blissfully cool air," writes Insider Reviews' deputy editor Lauren Savoie. "I've used it at work, and I always take it with me when I travel to use as a bedside fan in a pinch. That way, I never have to worry about whether the sleeping accommodations will be as frosty as I prefer."
Read more in her full Jisulife Mini Fan review.
The best socks they'll ever wear
Bombas Chunky Ragg Half Calf Socks
Bombas makes the best socks that have ever graced our top drawer. We've been vocal supporters of the brand for years thanks to its durability, comfort, superior materials, and charitable mission.
The company donates a specifically designed pair of socks to a homeless shelter for every pair purchased. Our men's style editor Amir Ismael likes his Chunky Ragg Half Calf Socks because they last for years and complement his extensive sneaker collection. "I'm definitely more particular about socks than the average person, and Bombas has always met my expectations," says Amir.
An all-games newspaper for the news junkie
Sunday Club Standard Bundle
Remember pulling out the funnies from your parent's newspaper on a Sunday morning? That's what Sunday Club delivers with its colorful comic strips and relaxing paper-and-pencil games, including a crossword, Sudoku, Word Blossoms, Search & Find, and much more. This kit includes three issues, three collectible postcards, and a Sunday Club pencil and sharpener set.
A cushion to make their desk chair more comfortable
Purple Royal Seat Cushion
"I was influenced to try this seat cushion after occasionally stealing it from my former boss, who was influenced to buy it after reading our Purple seat cushion review," writes Insider Reviews' executive editor Sally Kaplan. "Its signature GelFlex Grid design makes sitting at a desk all day a lot more comfortable and even helps me to maintain my posture. (This is the same stuff the brand uses on its mattresses to relieve pressure on your back.) It's also very breathable, and it comes with a washable cover in case you spill anything."
A portable waist fan for the boss that runs hot
Chapjoy Cooling Waist Fan
"I fell victim to an Instagram ad that influenced me to buy this waist fan, and it really works to dry pit stains. You can clip it to your your pants and it sends a wave of cool air up your shirt," writes senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase. "It's not too noisy and keeps me comfortable when I overheat in a clingy white button-down."
A reusable bag that can hold everything, and then some
Standard Baggu
For lugging all of their belongings to the office and back, stocking up on groceries, and so much more. This reusable bag may not look like much, but it's made of durable, ripstop nylon and can hold up to 50 pounds worth of stuff. Plus, it comes in over 30 fun colors and patterns.
Relief from stress-induced headaches
Headache Hat Wearable Ice Pack
Clear some space in the office freezer and plant this cooling, compressing headband inside. When they feel a headache coming on, they can pull it out and put it on for some targeted pressure on their pain points.
Delicious chocolate for a sweet pick-me-up
Compartés Nostalgic Chocolate Bar Gift Set
Assuming your boss has a sweet tooth, you really can't go wrong with the gift of chocolate. This set of four chocolate bars is unlike any other and includes tasty concoctions like donuts and coffee and chocolate chip cookies.
A dedicated mug for their ice cream
Dash My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine
Sure, your boss would appreciate a nice mug for their tea or coffee, but you can take things up a notch with this gift. If they love to indulge in a frozen treat, this is the mug they need. The personal ice cream maker is great for making soft serve, classic ice cream, sorbet, and gelato.
A desk sign with a hint of humor
Lasercrafting Desk Name Plates
If you and your boss have a humorous rapport, they could get a kick out of this witty take on everyday office signage. Plus, the sleek wooden and gold design lets the sign speak for itself without appearing overly kitschy.
A towel designed like their favorite city or hometown
Claudia Pearson City Tea Towels
If they're a big fan of their current home or the town they grew up in, you can pay homage to that aspect of them with a cool, functional, and sentimental tea towel illustrated with city maps.
A mini lunch bag filled with their favorite snacks
Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag
We tested the best cute lunch bags for adults and found that this mini Baggu pouch is the perfect size for toting snacks. "This small lunch bag weighs less than a pound, and its insulated interior can hold one small food container comfortably," writes freelancer Camryn Rabideau.
A versatile toiletry bag to bring on their travels
Dagne Dover Seoul Dopp Kit
Dagne Dover's durable and quick-drying neoprene is most notably featured in the brand's popular backpacks and gym bags, but it's also well-suited for this small bag that organizes your boss's travel toiletries while they're on the go.
"My favorite space-saving feature is the gusset pockets located on both sides of the bag. Above, you can see one of these pockets stuffed with tampons on one end. Containing items this way allows them to bulge outward rather than take up internal room, saving so much space," writes style editor Samantha Crozier.
Read more in our full Dagne Dover review.
Fresh and funny sticky notes
Knock Knock To Accomplish Stick Notes Packet
Office supplies may not sound like the most exciting gift around, but these sticky notes are anything but boring. From lighthearted and humorous to straight-up sassy, you're sure to find a set of these sticky notes that will make your boss laugh— and help keep them organized.
A box of snacks from around the world
Universal Yums Yum Yum Gift Box
Level up their desk snack situation with a curated box of snacks from a country across the globe. Universal Yums creates snack boxes inspired by different cultures so they can taste-test their way around the world.
A subscription that delivers the best teas or coffees to their door
Atlas Tea Club Subscription
This subscription sends them delicious, unique single-origin teas or coffees from the best regions in the world for three months. It'll make each day just a little more pleasant.
Their very own "The Office" mug
"The Office" Mug
Remember when Kelly threw a party in "The Office," gave out mugs like these as party favors, and quietly exacted revenge against Dwight and Jim for missing it? Well, if your boss is a fan of "The Office," they'll appreciate having their very own version of one.
Stylish coasters to protect their desk
Graf Lantz Bierfilzl Felt Coasters
This set of four merino wool coasters strikes the balance between practical and decorative. Choose from eight colors or a set of different-colored coasters.
A set of fancy olive oils
Graza 'Drizzle' & 'Sizzle' Extra Virgin Olive Oil
If your boss is always talking about the delectable dishes they whipped up over the weekend, this set of high-quality olive oils from Graza will be a winner. The finishing and cooking oils, named Drizzle and Sizzle respectively, are made from fresh Picual olives in Spain and come in squeezable bottles for ease of use.
A mini humidifier to make their space more comfortable
Pure Enrichment MistAire Cloud Mist Humidifier
Dry air can make any workspace uncomfortable. This cute cloud-shaped humidifier will make their workspace more pleasant with a constant mist that runs for 24 hours, making it easier to breathe all day long.
A mug that keeps their drinks hot
Ember Smart Mug2
When you want a hot cup of coffee, finding out yours has gone cold is always a bummer. What if we told you you have the power to help your boss keep their coffee or tea as warm as they'd like all day long? No, we're not taking about magic, we're talking about the Ember Smart Mug2.
A classic Moleskine notebook
Moleskine Classic Hard Cover Large Notebook
There's a reason Moleskine notebooks have been so popular for so long: They're quite durable and great quality. Whether your boss always needs paper on hand to take notes during team meetings or is known to keep a log of all of their genius business ideas, a new notebook is sure to get plenty of use.
A personalized video message from their favorite celebrity
Cameo Video Message
If your workplace is less formal, you could get them a personalized message from their favorite celebrity. Whether they love a certain musician, reality TV star, comedian, or actor in a show you've both bonded over, there's a good chance you can find them on Cameo. The price will depend on the star, but there are plenty of options.
A sweet surprise delivered right to their inbox
Sugarwish Treat Boxes
Sugarwish's business model is simple: You pick the number of treats they receive, the recipient gets an email inviting them to select their favorite treats, and their selected treats are shipped directly to them. It's a practically foolproof gift for a boss because everyone loves candy, and you don't have to go through the awkwardness of figuring out their address.
A tool to relieve muscle tension
Buddy Back Buddy Elite
After hunching over a computer all day long, most of us could use something to get rid of all those knots and muscle tension. This handheld massaging tool will give them some quick relief, whether at home or at their desk.
A custom pet portrait
PrintAndPawStudio Custom Pet Portrait
For the boss whose pet is their pride and joy, what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a custom portrait of their furry family. They can hang it up at work or at home, and it's sure to make them smile everytime they see it.
The newest smart home device
Amazon Echo Spot
Amazon's bestselling smart speaker has an improved sound and look. Whether they want to coordinate a smooth-sailing smart home experience or enjoy music out loud, the Echo Spot can keep up.
A desktop game to play when they need to let off steam
Portable Tabletop Air Hockey Arcade Table
When they need a break from the stress of the work day, this tabletop air hockey game will do the trick. It's a fun, portable way to spend their lunch break.
A mini space heater for cold days
AmazonBasics Mini Space Heater
If a desk blanket is not enough to combat the office freeze, go for this personal space heater. The mini size is perfect for keeping their hands toasty while they type.
A nourishing hand cream
Nécessaire The Hand Cream
Luxurious hand cream is always a great gift — especially when it's this one from Nécessaire. It's small, fragrance-free, and has an elevated feel as an everyday essential.
Custom stationery designed by independent artists
Minted Happy Dream Custom Stationery
Beautiful, unique stationery is great for thank you cards or random "thinking of you" messages sent to loved ones. But few of us think to buy it ahead of the moment in which we need it. This gift is thoughtful, appropriate, and functional.
A mystery box of mini plants
Rooted Baby Mystery Jungle Book
Spruce up their desk setup with the gift of plants. These ones are adorably miniature, so they can really be placed anywhere to add a pop of vibrant color.
A custom leather luggage tag
Leatherology Deluxe Luggage Tag
These leather luggage tags are available in a variety of colors and come gift-wrapped. You can add a debossed personalization.
An audiobook subscription
Audible Subscription
Whether they're commuting to the office again or not, audiobooks are a useful way to pass the time no matter what they do. As a bonus, it's a gift that can be delivered to them day-of.
Read our full review of Audible here.
Three months of great hardcover books delivered to their door
3-Month Book of the Month Subscription
Book of the Month has been around for more than 90 years — and it's credited with hand-selecting and helping popularize books that range from Ernest Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" to J.D. Salinger's "Catcher in the Rye." With your gift, your boss will get to choose between five new hardcover options the book club suggests every month.
Desk cable clips that keep cords neat and organized
Shintop 6-Piece Cable Clips Set
This small but practical gift will sort out their jumble of cords for good. If you're worried that the set doesn't look significant enough, you can pair a few of these cable clips with a nice card and some candy.
A way to celebrate the end of the quarter
Moose Munch Premium Popcorn Classic Tin
Send them this assortment of sweet and savory popcorn to get the new quarter started. This particular edition contains four decadent flavors of Moose Munch: classic caramel, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate s'mores.
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Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@businessinsider.com.