Struggling to Find the Perfect Secret Santa Gift for My Picky Boss – Any Ideas?

Hi,

Every year in our organization, we buy each other Christmas presents as work colleagues. One is required to draw the name of the person (secret pal) they will be buying a present for, and we are not supposed to reveal that name until the last day. This time around, I happened to have picked my big boss, and I have no idea what to buy him as a present. He is a very difficult man because he complains almost every year about what people buy him, so I'm finding it hard to find just the perfect gift that will make him happy.

He is a production manager in a mine, a geologist by profession; that's the nature of his job. He is into sports (football), reserved, and very stingy. Can you please help me in identifying the perfect gift for him?

Thank you,
NEL

Hi Shikha,

What an interesting situation! I suggest you buy him a book on 'The Meaning of Gifts' or 'Count Your Blessings'. At least he won't be caught complaining again.

Good luck to you!

Regards,
Shikha

No, Sachin, I wasn't talking about any particular book. I was just giving an idea. There are lots of such books available.

Hi Nel,

I understand that it's really tough to decide on a gift, but there are two ways to help with that decision. The first way is to choose something useful for him, and the second way is to find out his interests and select a gift accordingly.

Let me share something funny. Our company's CEO has a strong liking for Andhra Pradesh foods such as gongura, pesarattu, ragi chapati, etc. Additionally, I found out from our HR Manager that he has a passion for pens and brings a different one every day. Typically, we have a cake-cutting session for any employee's birthday, including the CEO, COO, VP, etc. However, on the CEO's birthday, we decided to surprise him by providing an Andhra Pradesh food lunch and gifting him a beautiful pen. It was the first time I saw him show all 32 of his teeth while laughing; he was genuinely happy.

Hi Nel,

Is your boss married?

It would be better to purchase a gift that can be used by her, such as a mobile set with 2 SIM card slots. If there is an objection from the boss, we can handle it by saying, "We thought your wife would be delighted to have this, using one SIM exclusively for you and the other one for the rest."

=Lahiri, Kolkata.

First of all, this site is not meant for asking such questions. What gift should you give him? Give him a deodorant so that he does not stink.

Hi everyone,

Lahiri gave a different idea, but it didn't work out in professional matters. So, I think of buying him a tie or a shirt, or something that he can use and remember you whenever he uses it.

Hi,

In our office, we refer to it as Secret Angel. Is there a fixed amount? If not, here are some suggestions:
- Watch
- iPod
- Diary
- Coffee mug
- Calculator
- Branded pen
- Pen stand
- Sunglasses
- Photo frame with his photo (assuming you might have some event photo)
- Shirt
- Ties
- Cufflinks
- Blazer
- Clock
- Table accessories like a paperweight and puzzle cube.

Since it is the Christmas season, you can consider giving wine. If he is into sports, a track suit or a pair of sports shoes could be a good choice.

Simmy

You can give a football sports shoe of a good brand and also introduce new styles coming to the market. This may please your boss.

My Suggestion:

Get a nice and good old book related to his career. It's better to search in old bookshops. See the results. Simple gift, but ever lasts by always being with him.

Good luck.

Hi Nel
We also celebrate our boss's B'day in d office.
I do not recommend giving cloths, ties etc. becs if he wears only a certain brand he will not happy with a different one.
Why not try giving him a full basket of fruits or flowers??????
Good luck

Thank you all,

I bought him a very nice tissue box and an electronic card holder. He can put the tissue box on the desk in his office and store his tissues inside. As for the card holder, he can keep all his cards in it. I hope he will like it.

Once again, thank you all. I really appreciate your advice.