What Should You Give To Your Boss For Their Birthday?

As the leader of your team, your boss plays a crucial role in steering your company in the right direction. They do this while motivating and encouraging teams to achieve beyond their best. While they differ in many ways,one thing they all have in common is achieving the organizational vision.

And while they look after the well-being of the team, is there a way for you to show your boss appreciation? The answer is yes. And it involves getting a boss birthday gift on their special day. Of course, you may wonder if it is even appropriate to do so? And if yes, what should you get your boss for their birthday?

In short, it is a great idea to spoil your boss for their birthday. And as for what to get your boss for his birthday, we’ve outlined some awesome ideas below that you may consider.

Importance of Getting a Birthday Gift for Your Boss

A birthday is a special occasion and it’s usually celebrated by close loved ones. However, what’s the protocol when it comes to your boss’ birthday and getting them a gift? The answer is simple.

Giving them a gift of appreciation shows that:

• You respect them as a professional role model
• The team is behind them, which strengthens professional relationships
• You value them as a leader
• Creating fond memories together can strengthen team cohesion

Tips for Picking Birthday Gifts for Your Boss

Because you don’t want to cross the line between professional and overly-personal gifts, think about these key considerations as part of your gift preparation process.

Quick tips for choosing a birthday gift for your boss

Make the process easier with these simple tips:

• Review company policies: Double-check any workplace restrictions on gifting.
• Stick to a budget: Avoid anything overly extravagant or cheap. Aim for $20–$50.
• Consider their personality: Tailor the gift to their preferences—practical, creative, or foodie!
• Go as a team: A group gift eliminates concerns about favoritism and shows unity.

Review company policies

Although every workplace is different and different rules will apply to gift giving, always speak to your HR team before preparing your gift as there may be restrictions on the type of gift your boss may receive due to being deemed inappropriate. Examples include alcoholic beverages and cash, among others. 

Find the balance between cheap and expensive

Both cheap and overly expensive gifts may send the wrong message. Either case is not a good situation to place yourself in. That’s why finding a middle ground is the best idea.

Consider their personality and interests

Every boss is different. Some are lighthearted while others are more serious. Some may have established routines while others are more flexible. Either way, getting a serious boss a humorous gift may not be appropriate in some situations while a lighthearted boss may enjoy a joke. 

Think about your professional relationship

Do you communicate with your boss frequently or do you only encounter them from time to time during meetings? Whatever the case may be, an overly familiar gift with a boss you don’t speak to often will not go down well. So pay attention to your relationship with them and try to establish a middle ground. 

Join efforts with your team

When a birthday gift for your boss comes from the whole team, you’re likely to receive a much more favorable outcome than if you were the only person giving the gift as it may appear in the latter case that you are seeking favors. That’s why it’s always a good idea to join efforts with your coworkers. Speak to them and find out what they’ve given your boss as a gift before and try to stick to the same theme in the future so that you don’t send the wrong message.

Gift ideas for your boss’ birthday by personality type

Thoughtful birthday gift ideas for your boss

And now, as promised, we reach the list of actual appropriate birthday gifts for your boss so that you don’t have to worry about what to give your boss for her birthday.

1. Gift cards: gift cards are great birthday gift ideas for bosses. This can not only be a great way to stay within budgetary limits, but it’s also an important way to show thoughtfulness while letting them choose something they really like on their own.
2. Gift basket: a gift basket is a medley of goodies that can be thematically selected. For example, you can choose a chocolate birthday gift, wine and cheeses with nuts and jams, or even a gardening gift bag. Discover Why Chocolate Makes the Perfect Birthday Gift!
3. A mug or a drink holder: most bosses enjoy a cup of coffee or tea so why not get something with a catchy design or a thoughtful statement? These gifts for boss birthday are thoughtful and practical.
4. Specialty coffee or tea: these come in a variety of different flavors and with different hints of various beans and varieties from all over the world. If your boss enjoys their warm beverages, trying something unique can be a great way to go. 
5. Plants or flowers: getting a birthday gift for managers like a plant or a bouquet of flowers is also thoughtful. Plants, for example, can contribute to the greenery in the office, creating a much calmer working environment. 
6. Notebook set: a calendar, a personalized notebook, and a pen are an excellent gift for those bosses who love to write things down and stay well organized. 
7. Business card holder: if your boss is someone who has a lot of contacts, getting them a business card holder to stay organized is another excellent gift idea. 
8. Humidifier: this is not only a thoughtful gift, it’s also quite practical and has positive health implications. 
9. Throw blanket: throw blankets are the staples of many homes and they can even be used to place on one’s lap in the office when the temperatures outside are freezing. They come in a variety of materials and colors and you can pick one that’s personalized for your boss. 
10. Book: many bosses love to read enlightening books about the business world so that they stay on top of their game. Getting them a business book or something more personal from an author you know they love is another great way to say you appreciate them. 
11. Bookends: these are a wonderful way to ensure a space looks neater and more organized and it’s not only practical, it’s also a stylish decor piece. 
12. Mini Zen garden or a bonsai tree: these extremely relaxing mini-plants and gardens can do wonders for stress relief. That’s why they can make for a stylish and calming gift at the same time.
13. Chocolate sampler: if your boss loves chocolate, you may want to get them specialized and personalized happy birthday chocolate. With our wide selection of 1 and 2 lb chocolate bars made of premium chocolate with a variety of different flavors, chocolate ensembles, or even cookie sets, your gift will not only be enjoyed by your boss, it’s also going to make for a highly personal birthday present for your boss, which will make it even more memorable. 
14. Office accessories: whether you get a trinket dish, a desk organizer, office accessories such as stapler or tape dispenser, you can easily help create more order on your boss’ desk while helping them to stay organized and efficient. These make for an excellent gift for your boss’ birthday, too.
15. Gadgets: still wondering what to get your boss for their birthday? If they like to tinker with things, then a Swiss army knife can be a great idea because they come with a whole set of additional tools such as a magnifying glass, bottle opener, scissors, etc.

Need More Gift Ideas?
Explore our related blog post, Why Chocolate Makes the Perfect Birthday Gift, to discover thoughtful and universally loved gifting options, ideal when you aren’t sure what to gift your boss on his birthday.

And That’s a Wrap

And there you have it! A lovely list of 15 gift ideas when you don’t know what to get your boss for her birthday. We know how difficult picking a gift within a reasonable price range can be. That’s why, to make this daunting task lighter on you, we highly recommend a selection of Totally Chocolate chocolate bars, ensembles, and cookie sets. Of course, each of these can be personalized and engraved with your unique message, making for a highly memorable and extremely delicious chocolate birthday gift to get your boss for their birthday.

Surprise your boss with Totally Chocolate’s Premium Birthday Collection—featuring custom chocolate bars, luxury gift boxes, and elegant chocolate ensembles. Personalize your gift with their name, a heartfelt message, or your company logo for a memorable touch. Perfect for team gifting or individual appreciation! Shop Now →

FAQ: Common Questions About Gifting Your Boss

Q: Is it necessary to get a birthday gift for my boss?
A: It’s not mandatory, but it’s a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation and build rapport.

Q: Should I give the gift individually or as a team?
A: A group gift is usually the best option. It feels inclusive and avoids any perception of favoritism.

Q: What’s an appropriate price range for a boss’s gift?
A: A reasonable range is $20–$50. This keeps the gift thoughtful without being extravagant.

Q: What if I’m unsure about their gifting preferences?
A: When it comes to what to buy your boss for his birthday, consider our boss birthday ideas above. Stick with universally appreciated options like a gift card, chocolate sampler, or office accessories.