There are plenty of people you're probably shopping for this time of year, from your immediate family members to your partner in crime, but in the midst of the crazed holiday season it can be easy to forget some of the other important people in your life who also deserve a little extra love — like your boss, for example. Giving your employer a little token of your appreciation will make her feel like all her tireless work hasn't gone unnoticed (and that perhaps your occasional tardiness will). But that doesn't mean you have to go broke on her present; there are actually some stellar affordable boss-friendly gift ideas (under $50!) that will still impress like no other.
As founder of career-focused digital platform and IRL conference company, Create & Cultivate, Jaclyn Johnson is a majorly influential boss lady, which also means she's probably received her fair share of cool gifts from employees in her day. That said, she's an ideal resource to figure out what constitutes both a useful and chic present that will either make your employer's job just a little easier — or help her practice some much-needed self-care in her off-duty hours. Ahead, find Johnson's brilliant ideas for five thoughtful gifts that will surely get you into your boss' good graces.
Dry Bar Gift Card
If your boss is — as Johnson says — "the gal on the go," she's probably no stranger to DryBar, the nation-wide chain of of blowout bars founded by another major boss lady, Alli Webb. Not only is giving the gift of perfect hair priceless for the self-confidence boost, but it's a welcome time saver as well. Standard blowouts start at $45 but gift cards go for any amount between $10 and $500. And if there's not yet a DryBar in your area, find another local spot that offers a similar service and grab a gift certificate for her there.
Boxfox Curated Gift Box
You've probably seen those expertly curated and pre-packaged gift boxes on Instagram and figured they were out of your price range. That's not necessarily the case with Boxfox, a company that lets you build your own version to suit your budget. Johnson loves the idea of getting your boss a box here, which you can stuff with products like travel-friendly cocktail kits, sheet masks, and culinary treats that will totally pamper her.
Moleskine Notebooks
Johnson knows that busy women always seem to be taking notes on everything from big ideas to little daily reminders, which is why Moleskine Notebooks are always a great gift idea for your employer. There are tons of cute daily planners and paper goods brands on the market, but she particularly loves the "classic but amazing" aesthetic of these timeless notebooks, which start at under $15.
Winc Wine Club Membership
Whether your boss is a self-proclaimed wine aficionado or just enjoys the occasional glass, if she's known to imbibe from time to time, she'd probably love joining a club like Winc, which offers monthly selections based on your tastes and delivers to your door. Membership is technically free, but the first minimum order for three bottles is just $39 plus shipping, so you can help her get the ball rolling.
Framebridge Print
Getting a printed photo seems like a lost art these days, when so many people keep the bulk of their images locked in their phones or hard drives — which is why the service offered by Framebridge is so special. For starting at $39 you can sneakily turn one of her cutest Instagram posts (a pet pic, perhaps?) into a framed print she can keep in her office or adorn her walls at home. Johnson loves the way this gift can capture a special memory, which makes it extra thoughtful.