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Boss's Day: 25 Practical Gift Ideas
© 2003 Darlene Arechederra
Have you ever wondered how Boss's Day got started? In 1958,
an Illinois woman named Patricia Haroski chose October 16
to honor her father as 'boss.' It was her father's birthday,
and she actually worked for him.
While we're not all fortunate enough to work for our
fathers, finding the perfect gift for our boss doesn't have
to be a nightmare. Nor does it need to cost a fortune. The
trick is to take into account your boss's personality, likes,
dislikes. Is your boss a practical person? Somewhat exotic?
Does she like to be pampered? Is he into sports, hobbies,
food?
Here is list of gift ideas to get you thinking. You can
keep your costs reasonable by splitting purchases among
several (or all) co-workers in your department. Let's
honor our bosses this year -- without going into debt!
==Food or Homemade Treats==
- Cheese basket
- Mixed nuts basket
- Extra-sized basket filled with his/her favorite snack
- Case of favorite soda, tea, sparkling water
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Lunch out, with all co-workers chipping in to pay for the
boss's meal
- Boss's favorite cookies
- Pumpkin bread/muffins/scones (perfect for this time of year)
- Pot-Luck Lunch
- Favorite coffee: Why not grind a few pounds of your boss's
favorite coffee, set the bags in a nice basket, and decorate
with a lovely bow around the basket? Your boss can freeze or
refrigerate any extra to keep it fresh.
(Note: Is your boss dieting? If so, be careful! Try not to
sabotage it.)
==Miscellaneous==
- Pewter/Stainless Steel Sculptures - There are some really
neat ones out there based on occupation. For example, a great
one is a psychiatrist's office with a patient on the sofa!
How about golfers? Computer junkies? Programmers? Teachers?
- Favorite Sports Tickets
- Trophy - Find a local shop to engrave "Boss of the Year" on
a trophy. Have each person in the department sign a card and
list one quality they each admire about the boss. (You can
each find just one, can't you?)
- Plant/Bouquet/Balloons
- Concert Tickets (Make sure your boss and his/her spouse
would be available to attend.)
==Fun/Sense of Humor==
- If you're allowed to have a bit of fun at work, it might be
the most cost-effective way to go. Here's an example of what
30 or so co-workers and I did one year: We all dressed up
like our boss. Everyone wore suspenders (borrowed from
co-workers.) We called it Suspender Day in honor of him.
(I think he got a kick out of it, too!) We got some really
nice photos that day.
We were honoring him in a unique, creative way. Just be
sure your own boss wouldn't be offended or embarrassed by
anything creative you might do.
If you capture any photos on your creative day, you could
make duplicates or enlarge them -- then give to each
participant as a gift later in the year. (Don't forget
the boss!)
==Gift Certificates==
- Pet Lovers can't help but buy special things for their
beloved pet(s)
- Spa, Manicure, Pedicure
- Readers might love a certificate for Books, Digests,
Magazines
- Favorite Beauty Shop
- Shoppers love to shop. What's your boss's favorite store?
- Health & Beauty
- Movie, Opera, Theatre
- Volunteer Work - Does your boss need/wear special equipment
or clothing?
*Sports Shop
- Crafts - Is there a special 'craft' your boss loves? A shop
he/she frequents?
==Boss with Special Circumstances==
If you have reason to believe your boss is in financial
need, simply give a certificate for a local discount or
grocery store the boss visits often. Perhaps your boss will
want to use it for everyday items such as tissues,
necessities, etc.
Have co-workers chip in on a ham/turkey that would feed the
boss's family for a few days. Arrange for it to be cooked
ahead, and boss can pick it up on his/her way home, or at
a store near boss's home. (If your boss is married, maybe
let the spouse know ahead of time for planning purposes.)
I hope you picked up an idea or two while keeping more money
in your wallet. Happy Gifting!
~September 2004
Darlene Arechederra is author of Rat Race Blues-How to Break
the Stranglehold. Do what you love to do for a living, not
what you have to do! Darlene offers hope and help in
finding money, time and energy to support your dreams.
Free weekly newsletter. http://www.RatRaceRemedies.com
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