If the new phrase for the office BFF is the "work wife," then is a good boss or mentor your "work mom" or "work dad"? Part authority figure, part dispenser of advice, part sympathetic ear, your boss has always been there for you. So when it comes time to show your appreciation — whether it's for a birthday, life event, or just because — you want to find a gift that goes beyond just a "World's Best Boss" mug.
Ahead, we've rounded up 21 gifts that will show you care without breaking the bank.
You've witnessed your boss fail to keep desktop succulents alive — so give her one she'll never have to water.
West Elm Felt Cactus Object, $24-29, available at West Elm.
At this price, you can afford to add some fresh flowers to the gift, too.
World Market Copper Laser-Cut Glass Vase, $8.48-9.98, available at World Market.
Only recommended if you and your boss share the same sense of humor.
Fish's Eddy The Customer Is Always Wrong Mug, $14.95, available at Fish's Eddy.
Gray Malin's larger-than-life photograph of the slopes in Deer Valley make this Swell water bottle feel even more one-of-a-kind. Perfect for the boss who loves outdoor adventures — or just pretty things.
Swell Deer Valley 17 oz, $42, available at Swell.
Hopefully your boss likes to share.
Pipcorn Sample Set, 19.50, available at Pipsnacks.
Cork never looked so chic.
Anthropologie, $20.00, available at Anthropologie
A desktop succulent will brighten your boss' desk with minimal effort.
Bloom That, $30.00, available at Bloom That
Beautiful packaging coupled with a yummy fragrance makes this gift irresistible.
Barr-Co, $24.00, available at Pigment
Give her a reason to think fondly of you all day long.
Palais des Thes, $27.00, available at Palais des Thes
So much better than a pack of Post-Its.
Cavallini & Co., $14.95, available at Paper Source
A cheery vase will perk up your boss' desk — even without the flowers.
Uncommon Goods, $11.99, available at Uncommon Goods
Clearly, this sleek card organizer means business.
COS, $25.00, available at COS
A hand-cranked paper shredder makes getting rid of sensitive documents more fun — and takes up a lot less space than an electric one.
Muji, $11.79, available at Amazon
Now, your boss can explore the world without leaving his office.
Phaidon, $33.97, available at Amazon
Don't be surprised when she takes these color-coordinated bookends home with her.
Hiroaki Watanabe, $24.99, available at The Container Store
This pretty desktop bauble doubles as a paperweight.
Bower, $35.00, available at Horne
We only recommend this if you share your boss' taste in music.
SpeakerBlock, $34.00, available at Etsy
Leif's hand-poured candles smell amazing and last forever — or at least longer than your average work week.
LEIF, $44.00, available at LEIF
Tired of picking up your boss' complicated orders? Try gifting a reusable lunch box.
Onyx Containers, $13.00, available at The Tickle Trunk
Want to give your boss the warm fuzzies? Donors Choose allows you to pick a deserving teacher and classroom in need of supplies. Choose a project yourself or give a gift card so your boss can decide.
A set of three ingenious "cord tacos" will keep various chargers, headphones, and USB cords corralled.
This Is Ground, $29.00, available at This Is Ground
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
My Boyfriend Makes $500,000 — & I Make $75,000