31 work-appropriate gifts for your boss - all under $50

A fun desk toy

Speks Unblocks, $14.95, available at Speks

The makers of our favorite magnetic desk toy have a new way to reduce stress and keep your boss entertained. With these colorful magnetic blocks, they can take a mental break or use the opportunity to refocus their mind as they build creative sculptures. 

A gift card to a popular women's workwear shop

Gift Card, from $50, available at MM.LaFleur

Popular women's workwear brand MM.LaFleur makes excellent pants and blazers that are definitely an investment, but worth the price. Its Bento Box contains these stylish and comfortable wardrobe staples to take the headache out of getting dressed in the morning. 

Enjoyable, sustainable seafood and meat

Check out Crowd Cow's gift bundles

Crowd Cow specializes in environmentally conscious seafood and meat that doesn't sacrifice quality, all the way down to its 100% carbon-neutral packaging. If you're not sure which gift bundle is best based on your boss' dietary preferences, stocking stuffers like jerky and rubs also make great choices.

*Sponsored by Crowd Cow

A set of notebooks with a bullet journaling system

Word. 3 Pack Lined Pocket Notebooks, $10.99, available at Amazon

These small books are the perfect size for jotting down quick notes and to-do lists. Each page is printed with circles to help them set up an efficient, organized bullet journal. 

A kit built for the work-from-home lifestyle

Pinch Provisions Work From Home Survival Kit, $20, available at Bloomingdale's

If they're getting tired of their office being in their living room, they'll appreciate this kit that takes a bit of the strain out of working from home. A conference call bingo card, desk yoga guide, and fidget cube are just a few of the quirky, yet useful items they'll find in this set.

A desk sign with a hint of humor

Desk Name Plates, from $14.99, available at Etsy

If you and your boss have a humorous rapport going, they could get a kick out of this witty take on the everyday office signage. Plus, the sleek wooden and gold design let the sign speak for itself without appearing as overly kitschy. 

A healthy snack subscription

Gift a Love With Food subscription, from $7.99/month

Love with Food delivers organic, all-natural, or gluten-free snacks that serial snackers won't feel guilty about eating. The better-for-you chips, candy, and bars come from new and trending food brands, so they'll always be excited to fuel their work day. 

A comfortable travel-sized pillow

Nap Pillow, $32, available at Casper

Not that we're encouraging sleeping on the job, but this mini pillow does make spontaneous naps very tempting. It's the smaller but equally comfortable and supportive version of one of our favorite pillows and even has its own pillowcase and travel bag. 

A leather business card holder

Business Card Case, $45, available at Leatherology

First impressions matter, which is why they should be pulling out business cards from a handsome leather case. It has a no-fuss, invisible magnetic closure and can hold up to 20 cards. Choose from pebbled or smooth leathers in a variety of colors, or upgrade to a premium leather. You can also add a monogram for an additional $10. 

A soft throw to fight freezing office temperatures

Eddie Bauer Sherpa Throw, $19.49, available at Kohl's

Owners of this large, cozy throw only have good things to say about it. It's plush and warm, with one side made of micro-fleece and the other made of sherpa fleece.

A phone dock that also holds flowers

Bedside Smartphone Vase, $32, available at Uncommon Goods

It's a pretty vase that pulls double-duty, holding both the fresh bouquet that brightens their day and the electronics that keeps them productive. There's a groove at the bottom of the stand to keep unsightly charging cords out of the way. 

Their new favorite way to make delicious cold brew

Hario Cold Brew Bottle, $35, available at Blue Bottle

If there's anything that can power them through a long workday, it's cold brew. Just combine water and ground coffee (not included), and stick the bottle in the fridge for a refreshing caffeinated treat. 

A box of Korean sheet masks

Seven Lux 1 Month Gift Subscription, $19.90, available at FaceTory

The Korean sheet masks in this box are sure to bring some much-needed relief to any stressed-out boss. The brands, which often use out-of-the-ordinary ingredients, are usually difficult to find outside of Korea, but FaceTory makes them both accessible and affordable. 

A delicious and unique food gift

Make-Your-Own Four Preserve and Butter Sampler, $27.99, available at Harry & David

Mix and match jars of fig preserves, triple berry preserves, apple butter, pumpkin butter, and more to create a sweet breakfast starter kit. The size is also perfect for their desk if they ever want a small and sweet afternoon pick-me-up. 

A leather luggage sticker

Monogram Sticker, $0.99, available at West Elm

These sophisticated, thick faux leather stickers are certainly an upgrade from the stickers you slapped all over your small carry-on as a child. Get them in your boss' initials to help them add personality and a distinctive look to their suitcase, laptop case, or planner. 

A key cable they can bring anywhere

Native Union Key Cable, from $29.99, available at Amazon

This portable cable charges up Apple devices quickly and claims to be six times stronger than the standard lightning cable, boasting a 10,000-bend lifespan. The knotted cable also looks great and makes it easy to fish out the charger from their bag. 

A versatile toiletry bag to bring on their travels

Small Hunter Toiletry Bag, $35, available at Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover's durable and quick-drying neoprene most notably features in its popular backpacks and gym bags, but it's also well-suited for this small bag that organizes their life on the go. It includes a removable air mesh pouch and is available in a range of dusky colors and two camo patterns. 

The Mini, $45, available at Away

Away's highly popular mini versions of its internet-famous suitcase are back for the holiday season. The light and stylish polycarbonate accessory can store and protect your boss' essentials like jewelry and accessories — and it's nowhere near as expensive as a real suitcase. 

A way to celebrate the end of Q4

Moose Munch Premium Popcorn Classic Tin, $44.99, available at Harry & David

Send them this assortment of sweet and savory popcorn to get the new year started. This particular edition contains four decadent flavors of Moose Munch: classic caramel, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate s'mores. 

A sleep mask to match their email auto-reply

Out of Office Sleep Mask, $8.40, available at Etsy

Is there anything more satisfying than setting your OOO message live as you leave the office  (or home office) for some well-deserved time off? Slipping on this sleep mask could top that feeling. 

Desk cable clips that keep cords neat and organized

Shintop 6-Piece Cable Clips Set, $5.99, available on Amazon

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. 

An insulated tumbler

Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Travel Tumbler Cup, $39.95, available at Hydro Flask

The ergonomic comfort of a classic tall cup plus Hydro Flask's signature double-wall vacuum insulation make this a coffee or tea vessel they'll always keep on hand. It keeps their beverage hot for up to six hours and includes a press-in lid to prevent spills. 

A luxurious candle

Otherland Candles, $36, available at Otherland

With its beautiful packaging, unique scents, and special matchbox messages, Otherland turns the otherwise ordinary candle into a cherished gift. Take advantage of its limited-edition scents while they last, or find a suitable match in its diverse Core Collection. 

A simple cashmere scarf

SilverHooks Cashmere Scarf, $39.99, available at Amazon

Gifting clothing or accessories to your boss can be tricky if their personal style is difficult to pin down, but we can bet they won't complain about a soft and warm cashmere scarf. This style is also available in other color combinations. 

A decorative trinket tray

Jonathan Adler Hollywood Tray, $47.99, available at Bloomingdale's

A sturdy and stylish stoneware tray from Jonathan Adler comes in handy for holding jewelry, accessories, and stray trinkets. 

A protective cover for their AirPods case

PodSkinz AirPods Case Protective Silicone Cover, $4.95, available at Amazon

Apple AirPods: incredibly convenient, but also incredibly easy to lose and scratch up. A silicone cover is a cheap and attractive way to protect the case protecting their beloved earbuds. 

A calendar to infuse some office humor into the day

Dilbert 2021 Day-to-Day Calendar, $15.99, available at Barnes & Noble

The iconic comic wouldn't be so funny if it didn't hit the nail on the head of work culture. The days will fly by with the help of these daily cartoons. 

The newest smart home device

Echo Dot (4th Gen), $29.99, available at Target

Amazon's newest version of its 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 Dot can keep up. 

A desk-friendly succulent garden

Hoya Heart Plant, $28, available at The Sill

This heart-shaped succulent provides the perfect touch of greenery to any space. The miniature plant is pet-friendly and thrives in bright direct light. 

A lightweight portable keyboard

Logitech K480 Bluetooth Multidevice Keyboard, $34.99, available at Best Buy

With a slim Bluetooth keyboard, your boss can leave the laptop at home and still get work done while traveling. We like this one because it's comfortable to type on and quiet. 

A reusable utensil kit that helps them cut down on waste

Utensil Kit, $24, available at United by Blue

When they leave the office to grab lunch (or if they're into camping and hiking), they can use these stainless steel utensils instead of plastic or paper options. It folds up conveniently so it can go with them anywhere.