Boss's Day Gifts: 10 Gift Cards Your Boss Will Put to Use
The best Boss's Day gifts show appreciation without overstepping, and a gift card does exactly that: professional, thoughtful, and easy to get right even when you don't know your boss well. Boss's Day lands on Friday, October 16, so here are Granny's favorite gift cards to say thanks, grouped by who you're shopping for.
A quick word from Granny before we start: you'll find all of these at Gift Card Granny, and on select brands there's a discount or a little cash back going. The brands and rates rotate, so check what's live before you buy. (Discounts and cash back never apply to Visa or Mastercard.)
Gourmet Treats to Share
Cheryl's Cookies
Nothing says thanks at the office like something to share. A Cheryl's Cookies card gets your boss a box of buttercream-frosted cookies or a gourmet treat tin they can keep at their desk or pass around the team. It's warm, classic, and never feels like you overdid it, which makes it Granny's top pick for the day.
Buy a Cheryl's Cookies gift card
Harry & David
For a step up in the gourmet department, Harry & David does the fruit, chocolate, and snack towers that feel like a real gift. It's a strong choice for a boss you want to impress, and a natural fit for a group gift the whole team chips in on.
The Daily Coffee
Dunkin'
If your boss runs on coffee, and whose doesn't, a Dunkin' card covers the morning run for weeks. It's easy, useful, and there's a Dunkin' on nearly every corner, so it works no matter where they grab their cup.
For the Office
Staples
A good boss keeps things together, and a Staples card helps them do it. Think a nicer desk setup, a new planner, printer ink, or whatever keeps their workspace running. It's practical, and it shows you pay attention to what they need.
Instacart
For the boss who never stops long enough to eat lunch, an Instacart card covers a grocery run or stocks the office fridge for the team. It's a thoughtful one for a manager who's always taking care of everyone else.
A Well-Earned Break
Sephora
Boss's Day is a good excuse to nudge your boss toward a little self-care. A Sephora card lets them pick skincare, a fragrance, or whatever treat they've had their eye on, with no guessing on your end.
Fandango
After the quarter they just pulled off, your boss has earned a night off. A Fandango card covers movie tickets or a rental for a well-deserved break away from the inbox. (Fandango redeems online at fandango.com, not at the box office.)
Everyday Essentials
CVS
Sometimes the kindest gift is one less errand. A CVS card handles the everyday stuff a busy boss never has time for, from the pharmacy run to the odds and ends, in the store or online at cvs.com. Low-key and handy.
For the Hands-On Boss
Michaels
Got a boss with a hobby or a good eye for their office? A Michaels card covers crafts, framing, and decor to make their space feel a little more like theirs. A nice fit for the boss who's always the one decorating the break room.
When You Can't Decide
Visa or Mastercard
Can't pin down what your boss would like? A Visa or Mastercard gift card spends almost anywhere, so they can put it toward whatever they want. It's the safe, always-welcome pick when you're buying for the person who signs your paycheck, and you can load it with any amount that fits your budget.
Buy a Visa gift card or a Mastercard gift card.
How Much Should You Spend on a Boss's Day Gift?
For Boss's Day, most employees spend $10 to $25 on an individual gift, which keeps it thoughtful without feeling over-the-top. If the team is going in together, a group gift card of $50 to $100 lets you get something nicer, like a gourmet tower or a bigger Sephora haul. When in doubt, a smaller amount given sincerely beats an expensive gift that feels like too much.
Is It Appropriate to Give Your Boss a Gift?
Yes, a modest, professional gesture on Boss's Day is perfectly appropriate. The trick is keeping it thoughtful rather than personal, which is exactly why a gift card works so well. If you're unsure, a group gift from the whole team is a great way to show appreciation without putting any one person on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good Boss's Day gift?
A gift card is the safe, professional pick. Coffee (Dunkin'), gourmet treats (Cheryl's Cookies or Harry & David), office supplies (Staples), or a Visa card they choose from all show appreciation without overstepping.
Is it appropriate to give your boss a gift on Boss's Day?
Yes. A modest, professional gesture is appropriate and appreciated. A gift card is ideal because it's thoughtful without being too personal, and a group gift from the team is always a safe option.
How much should you spend on a Boss's Day gift?
Most people spend $10 to $25 on an individual Boss's Day gift, or $50 to $100 for a group gift the whole team pitches in on.
When is Boss's Day 2026?
National Boss's Day is Friday, October 16, 2026.
What gift card is best for a boss you don't know well?
A Visa or Mastercard gift card is the easiest safe bet, or a universally liked brand like Dunkin' or Cheryl's Cookies. All three are hard to get wrong.
Where can I buy Boss's Day gift cards?
Gift Card Granny carries Cheryl's Cookies, Harry & David, Dunkin', Staples, Sephora, and hundreds more, all in one place. On select brands you can find a discount or earn cash back, and the lineup rotates.