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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!
from girlposse.com | 
