Quick/fun birthday gift ideas for new boss

July 9, 2015 7:37 PM

I need to get a birthday gift for my new boss (I've worked there just a couple of months and this is the first office birthday since I started). I'm told we do gifts around $10 plus lunch for the birthday person. Extra layer of difficulty: the birthday is early next week.

My boss is in her late 60s and likes artistic/creative things. It's a very small office of only 4 regular employees, so even though I haven't worked there long, I do feel like I'm starting to get to know everyone. Even so, I'm a little stumped by the price point and the quick time frame here. Something organization-oriented would maybe work if it's really cool (I'm very tidy/organized and no one else in the office is that way, so I get affectionately teased about that a lot). Our work environment is very casual and pretty fun, so I definitely don't want anything overly serious for this gift, but I don't really care for anything prank-y or too jokey. I'd really like something unique! Hopefully you guys can help me hit the right note.

I have Amazon Prime and don't mind spending maybe up to $20-25 as long as the item can pass for more like a $10-15 item. I'm in San Diego, so I could go somewhere locally this weekend to pick something up, too. Otherwise I feel like online options may not really work unless it's super fast (and preferably free) shipping. Well, maybe Zappos!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions, hive mind!!

posted by hansbrough to Grab Bag (10 answers total)

$10 buys you part of a goat at Heifer, and it would certainly be unique....
posted by bq at 7:39 PM on July 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Something organization-oriented would maybe work if it's really cool - Container store.


I got these wool dryer balls from Amazon, and you can add essential oils. Anything self care is always great :)
http://www.amazon.com/Smart-Sheep-Reusable-All-Natural-Softener/dp/B00GA9P5P0
posted by TRUELOTUS at 7:46 PM on July 9, 2015

If she wears perfume, some nice lotion would be good. This stuff is really nice.

Perhaps a book with blank pages would be good for her to sketch in.
posted by christinetheslp at 8:01 PM on July 9, 2015

A small potted plant for her desk. Someone at my office brought in an orchid recently and it's been the envy of everyone here. Orchids are notoriously tough to keep alive, though, so I'd do a peace lily or some sort of pothos.
posted by mochapickle at 8:06 PM on July 9, 2015 [3 favorites]

Maybe a cool mug?
posted by fancyoats at 8:25 PM on July 9, 2015

Maybe a (oh lord not the expensive one) set of Prismacolor Pencil Crayons?

My mom is around that age and has been having fun with a set of those and an "adult" coloring book - of historical houses.
posted by the uncomplicated soups of my childhood at 8:27 PM on July 9, 2015 [3 favorites]

$20 gift card to a sort of "luxury" place. Sur la Table or a nice local restaurant. Almost any restaurant will do a gift certificate for any amount.
posted by bendy at 9:14 PM on July 9, 2015

How about a small closed glass jar terrarium? They only need misting about once a month (if I remember right) to keep them moist and airing out about once a week to get rid of excess moisture. I've seen some adorably landscaped ones with fake toadstools and animals.

They're perfect for office desks, take up little space and are low maintenance.
posted by whitelotus at 9:52 PM on July 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Great suggestions so far! Especially artsy handmade mug, plant, or coloring book. Along the lines of the coloring book, you could also consider getting a colorful set of fun pens or thin markers. I like Le Pen brand, Flare felt tips, or even just fine tip Sharpies. An art supply store would probably have good options for you (they also usually have little gifty things or fun kits, which might inspire you).

This is kind of out there but I recently heard about these Japanese "science candy" kits where you make candy that resembles things like hamburgers or sushi by adding water to different powders which magically reconstitute into different interesting textures. There are lots of options on Amazon, and they're cheap, but now I'm seeing most of them are not Prime eligible though they claim quick shipping anyway.
posted by dahliachewswell at 10:42 PM on July 9, 2015 [1 favorite]

Slightly different than a mug, how about a mug rug or coaster? You'd probably be able to find something locally at a craft fair, or arty boutique type place.

These are inspiration examples I found on etsy

Mug Rug

Crochet Owl Coaster

Laser Wood Cut Coaster

Also, there are tons of fun post it pads available.

Cupcake Memo Pad

Daisy Notes

Here is a fun office organizers:

MoMa Snap It Up Organizer


I would advise not going much above the $10 limit. You don't want to get stuck spending more on everyone else because you went big on the first birthday. Also, to make it really easy on yourself I would advise picking a theme and sticking with it for presents.

That way you can be on the lookout for things when you're doing your normal shopping. Like, if it's you know you're going to be getting coasters for everyone you can keep an eye open for cool ones.
posted by MadMadam at 5:53 AM on July 10, 2015 [1 favorite]