Gift guide

Thanksgiving Gifts for Your Boss That Stay Professional

A good Thanksgiving gift for your boss is tasteful, useful at the desk or at home, and not too personal, such as quality chocolates, a leather notebook or a gourmet basket for the team to share. It should read as appreciation, never as an attempt to win favor.

Many people give as a group so nobody feels pressure. Every pick here works from one person or from the whole team.

1
BooksEditor's pick

The Lawyer Who Killed the Judge

A tense psychological thriller set inside the courtroom, written by a practising lawyer. Easy to wrap, hard to put down, and a far better gift than another candle for anyone who loves a twisty read.

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2
Kitchen

Fellow Stagg EKG Electric Gooseneck Kettle, Matte Black

A beautifully designed gooseneck kettle suits the boss who takes coffee or tea seriously and has a little ritual every morning.

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3
Fashion

Moleskine Classic Leather Notebook, Large, Ruled, Black

A leather-bound Moleskine looks sharp in meetings and gets used daily for notes, plans and to-do lists.

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4
Home

LAMY Safari Fountain Pen, Umbra, Medium Nib

A well-made fountain pen with a modern design is a classic office gift that feels considered without being extravagant.

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5
Home

Riedel Vinum Cabernet/Merlot Wine Glass, Set of 2

A pair of fine Riedel wine glasses is a polished choice for a boss who enjoys a glass of wine at home.

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6
Food

Godiva Goldmark Assorted Chocolates Gift Box, 11 Piece

A gold box of Godiva is safe, elegant and easy to share, which keeps it firmly in professional territory.

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7
Food

Wine Country Gift Baskets The Connoisseur Gourmet Gift Basket

A gourmet basket from the whole team is a smart way to say thanks without it feeling personal or awkward.

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8
Tech

Ember Mug 2 Temperature Control Smart Mug, 10 oz

A temperature-controlled mug keeps coffee warm through back-to-back calls, which every busy manager will appreciate.

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9
Home

LEUCHTTURM1917 Hardcover Notebook, Medium A5, Dotted, Black

Numbered pages and a built-in index make this a favorite with planners and anyone who likes organized notes.

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Keep it modest and impersonal: food, desk items and home entertaining pieces are safest. Check your company policy on gifts first, and consider a group gift from the team so it feels like shared thanks. Skip anything to do with appearance, health or humor that might not land.

Add a message: pair your gift with one of our Thanksgiving Wishes for Your Boss.

Frequently asked questions

Should I give my boss a Thanksgiving gift?

It is not required, and in many workplaces gifts flow down rather than up. If you want to, a group gift or a small, professional item like chocolates or a notebook is appropriate.

What is an appropriate gift for a boss?

Desk items, quality food gifts and simple home entertaining pieces are appropriate. Avoid anything personal, such as clothing, perfume or jokes.

Is a group gift better for a boss?

Often, yes. A group gift from the team feels like shared appreciation and removes any impression that one person is seeking favor.

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