Christmas Gift for Boss - $20 Limit

Updated on December 02, 2008
T.G. asks from Houston, TX
32 answers

Each year, my co-workers and I do a Secret Santa gift exchange. The limit is $20. This year, I've pulled my boss' name...he's mid-40s, technologically challenged, pretty laid back, has 5 kids (triplets-11 yrs and twins-6 yrs). I thought about maybe a fun game that the whole family could play, but everything I've thought of is pretty old, and I'm afraid they will already have it. Any ideas for anything else?

1 mom found this helpful

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.H.

answers from Houston on

I once worked for a man who traveled a lot so when I drew his name I got him a nice folding umbrella that would fit in his briefcase so he'ed always have it with him. If you really want something his kids can enjoy, how about one of those big M&M dispensers (the round ones like a bubble gum maching). Does he have a table or shelf in his office where a good Coffee Table book could be displayed? If he' technologically challenged, how about a book to read or a new CD release of his favorite singer? His wife could help you out there.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from San Antonio on

How about a girft certificate for Blockbuster videos to entertain the kiddo's while he and his wife make up their own entertainment in the other room.(wink, wink)!

1 mom found this helpful

D.F.

answers from San Antonio on

You have gotten some great ideas! How about a gift card to BORDERS or Half Price Books. He probably does not get very many gifts that are just for him. It will make him feel special and he won't have to SHARE! LOL!

1 mom found this helpful

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Austin on

You could get them a decently nice set of dominos, backgammon board or a cribbage board. Even if they have one already, that's something that they might want another set of.

1 mom found this helpful

K.N.

answers from Austin on

Is he so techno challenged that he can't figure out a digital photo frame for his desk?

Otherwise, I once gave a male boss a coffee table book on sailing (he was a fan of boats and sailing; found in Borders bargain bin for $15!) If he has any interests or hobbies, you might be able to find a nice picture book like that.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.W.

answers from Austin on

Our family always has fun playing Cranium. It's not that new but less likely to have.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Houston on

You could make a personalized DECK OF CARDS through Heritage Makers using a photo of each of the employees. It is so cool! You can make face cards, old maid, memory, rook, uno or whatever you want with your photos!
The website is www.CreateHeritage.com. Be sure to browse through the Template Gallery for pre-designed (and editable) projects. So easy!
Have fun!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Houston on

I just bought Trivia Pursuit for the Family edt. It was $20 at Target.(on sale) Also the game Planet Earth DVD game is also really fun. ($20) I think a game is a great idea. There is also those Think games. Some of them are only for 1 player & they are under/around$20. Those are really fun if you need a break from reality.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.L.

answers from Houston on

I vote for a collage frame too, with that many kids I am sure you can't have too many frames to put pictures in!!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.M.

answers from Houston on

The games is a great idea, if they have what you might buy, its ok, sometimes game pieces get lost. Other thought was a nice crystal paperweight, like a sports ball. I have seen them at Tuesday morning. Do you know what sport he likes? Best wishes and Merry Christmas!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Houston on

If he is a Golfer, you can get him a nice engraved golf ball marker and/or divet. For fun, how about a singing Christmas Character? A really nice personalized ornament? Good luck!

Merry Christmas!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.H.

answers from San Antonio on

Pictionary is always fun for us. At every family gathering thats what we play. All different age groups involved. There is a kids pictionary too.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from Houston on

To help him get to the 21st century, get him a USB Christmas Tree or Snowman. I've ordered from www.thinkgeek.com and they have good service. Go to the search bar on that page and search for Christmas or Snowman or USB. You'll see several cute things. These items just plug into the USB port of your computer and activate when the computer is on.
For about $5, grab an "Easy Button" from Staples. Every boss needs one of those. Go to www.staples.com and search for "easy button". When you press the button, it says, "That was easy." Very cute. It comes in a gift box, too. Add that to anything else you get-- since it's so cheap.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.G.

answers from Austin on

Does he like coffee? Maybe a Starbucks gift basket. Or tea...you can make your own gift basket at World Market.

Good luck:)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.H.

answers from Houston on

try Things Remembered in the mall,

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Austin on

Frames for their own family photos are nice gifts and since he has a lot of kiddos he probably has a lot of photos he could display.

Or An Assortment of special candies from Lammes or Gourmet something is always a nice idea.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.F.

answers from El Paso on

Get a frame with enough slots to put in each of his kids,wife to hang in his office - better yet get photos from his wife to add to it!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.T.

answers from Victoria on

They have new games all the time check again and ask a sales clerk. 3-d puzzels are also pretty neat. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.B.

answers from Corpus Christi on

Get some help from his wife, get her to pull some of the old family pictures and have a calendar made for him alone with all the birthday's annv. etc. on it. This is something that he in his busy day may forget, but this will also be a reminder. Along with the pictures to remember and go through. Not expensive and something that he will love to have.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.B.

answers from Houston on

We purchased Pictureka during Hurricane Ike. The kids love it and it can be scaled down for the younger ones, but I'm thinking with the age group of your bosses kids, it would be fine. We are going on a family ski trip for Christmas with the in-laws and we are bringing this to play in the evening--as well as "Eat It". I haven't played "eat it" yet, but I think it is something similar to trivial pursuit but about food ie. what color was not an original m&m color, ect. Both are at Target.
Have fun!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.F.

answers from College Station on

I always give gift cards for office parties. Like a coffee cup w/a Starbucks gift card. Or a tub of popcorn and candy w/a Blockbuster gift card.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.V.

answers from Austin on

The Mexican Train Domino game is a fun game that all ages can play.. We have given it to many as a gift.. and have taught many to play...

Fun Fun.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from College Station on

Hi T.,

It sounds like your boss has his hands full at home, like most men they don't get enough pampering lol.... Get him a 20 min chair massage. Some therapist charge less than a 1.00 a min. so you might even be able to get him a 30 min. one. Therapist are always running specials during the holiday. You can have them come to the office, home, or he can go to their office to get away and relax. You cant go wrong with relaxation. Good Luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.H.

answers from Houston on

How about a gift certificate to some place fun but not very expensive like one of those fun places that has games & go-carts or mini-golf, etc. That's something everyone can do & the admission is usually not too expensive. You can always find out from the fun place what the prices are then go from there. If it adds up to over $20 then just get a $20 certificate towards the admission. Good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.H.

answers from Killeen on

Hi T.,
Make it easy on yourself and give him a gift card for $20.00 they have cool boxes to put them in
good luck L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.E.

answers from Houston on

what aabout a gift certificate to Ohmaha steaks or a dinner out ?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.F.

answers from San Antonio on

A gift card for he and his wife like to the movies or dessert & coffee at a nice restaurant

A.W.

answers from Houston on

You can get him a nice bottle of wine. With triplets & a set of twins, he & his wife might be able to enjoy that on "date night". Or they can serve it at a dinner party.
Another idea is a travel coffee mug & Starbucks gift card. Just about anyone will appreciate that.

L.A.

answers from Austin on

This may not be appropriate if he does not drink, but we love to give a bottle of sparkling wine inside a "Happy New Years" Top hat with a crown and noise makers (from a party shop).

Or a nice bottle of wine, use a metallic pen to write a message on the bottle and put a giant bow on it.
Central Market, Grapevine Market and Whole Foods can help you find an excellent bottle in any price range.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.C.

answers from San Antonio on

Apples to Apples or Apples to Apples Jr. is a really fun game for the whole family, and very easy to play. I think it's around $20.
Good Luck & Happy Holidays!
D Cohrs

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Austin on

I recently found a great website that has some pretty crazy gifts. They are perfect for the office. And there are plenty in the price range that you need. Some of them can get a little racy but there are some greats ones too. It's like Spencers Gift store without the porno section and all the teenagers. Perfect for a secret santa. Check it out. Stupid.com I just added their link on my website since I thought they were worth me advertising for them, if that tells you anything.

Happy Holidays!
Jen
http://www.mommysjoy.com

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from San Antonio on

What about a gift card to the movies or a mini-golf place?

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches