by Katerina Nikolas

Created on: September 09, 2010   Last Updated: September 15, 2010

It really can be considered terribly tacky to give your boss a gift and make you appear like the office suck up. Still there may be the odd occasion when a gift would be appropriate particularly if you are having an office romance with the boss. Other good reasons to give a gift really involve a touch of bribery, such as just before you are being considered for promotion; when you need some extra time off and wish to soften the boss up; or when you realize you have just committed some ghastly work related mistake and don’t want to be shouted at or fired.

Your boss will not be expecting a gift so will probably view one with great suspicion and presume you have ulterior motives which you probably do. It is never a good idea to spend a lot of money on a gift for your boss or they will think that you are over paid, so it is best to think cheap. There are a number of inexpensive gifts which can amuse you as you hand them over.

1. Robert I. Sutton’s latest book is available now entitled “Good Boss, Bad Boss” and will cause your boss to ponder which category of boss they fall into.

2. Many bosses are stressed out types through dealing with the likes of your good self all day, and some have little vices to alleviate the stress. Bosses may indulge in putting golf balls into their waste bin, or partaking of a secret tipple to cope with their day. If you suspect the latter then a discreet hip flask will let them know that you know.

3. If you do suspect secret office drinking then buy them a bottle of booze to keep in the office drawer or the aforementioned hip flask. If your bosses’ boss catches them you could well end up with their job.

4. Staying with the theme of the overstressed boss then choose an anti-stress sign, marketed as a miracle stress remedy. Your boss will place the sign on a hard surface then follow the simple and concise instructions in the center of the sign which read “Bang Head Here”. They are meant to repeat the action until “anti-stressed or unconscious.”

5. Anti stress toys can also be useful for the boss to have around. An absolute snip at just $2.99 is the foam $100 bill for your boss to take their aggression out on, instead of on you.

6. Home made cookies in heart shapes for the boss you are romancing or wish to.

7. A hand small robot vacuum to clear up the mess your boss leaves on the desk is both amusing and useful.

8. If the boss can be trusted not to water it with pepto bismol or old coffee then choose a mini Bonsai garden to grow on the desk.

9. A framed photograph of your bosses favourite employee (you) is bound to be appreciated, and even better would be a framed photograph of your boss and yourself together. Of course there is no guarantee the boss won’t simply hit it with the anti stress $100 foam bill.

10.Finally what better gift could your boss ever hope to receive than your resignation letter? Make their day and put it into a scented envelope tied with a ribbon.

These are just some ideas of gifts to give your boss but do remember that your motives will appear suspect and you should expect to receive mockery from your colleagues.

source: www.officeplayground.com/

Learn more about this author, Katerina Nikolas.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.