October 14, 2021
Look to TV and the movies to honor the boss in your life.
We've all had a bad boss at some point in our lives, which is why it's important to recognize the good ones on National Boss's Day (October 16).
If you're unsure of what to get the head honcho in your life — or want a way to recognize your own boss-ness — here are a few ideas inspired by some favorite TV shows and movies.
Best Boss? “That’s What She Said…”
Hopefully, your boss isn't quite as clueless as Michael Scott on The Office. But if they bring you as much joy as this classic sitcom show, they may deserve their own "Best Boss" Dundie Award. (The name is taken from Dunder Mifflin, the fictitious paper company that provides the setting for the series.)
The trophy draws its inspiration from an episode in which Scott organizes a Dundie awards celebration at a local Chili's with honors like “World's Longest Engagement" and “Whitest Sneakers."
Bonus points if you treat your supervisor to a Boss Burger at Chili's and bestow the award there!
Cheers to Their Favorites
A bottle of wine is always a hit for a National Boss's Day gift, but why not give yours a pop culture spin?
Pair your gift with your boss's favorite entertainer, movie or TV show or programming source — you can choose a bottle themed to everything from Game of Thrones to Elvis Presley, Star Trek to Turner Classic Movies, and even NPR and WWE.
Executive Watch Party
Poll your co-workers to find out which TV or movie boss most reminds them of yours — or the boss you're glad you don't have — then organize a watch party.
Some options to get you started:
· Logan Roy in Succession (Season 3 premieres on HBO on Oct. 17)
· Santa Claus in Elf
· Chief Wallace Boden in Chicago Fire
· Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street
· Tony Stark in Iron Man
Film Buffs, Unite
For a boss who loves movies, unique gift options are as plentiful as their list of favorite films.
These big screen-inspired ideas will get five stars for sure: Cinephile, a card game designed for “film nerds;" 100 Movies Scratch-Off Poster, the ultimate “did you see it" bucket list activity; Eat What You Watch, a cookbook featuring 40-plus recipes for dishes seen on the big screen (“I'm Sorry" carrot cake from Bridesmaids, anyone?!).
Take-Charge Snacks
If you're a DIY'er, go ahead and load up on some pre-Halloween candy and then customize a basket for your boss. With these printable “Happy Boss's Day" candy labels, you're guaranteed a one-of-a-kind sweet treat they'll always remember — and lots of snacks for their next watch party or movie night.
Little Baby, Big Laughs
Everyone loves a cute baby, even more so when it's as hilarious as The Boss Baby. Inspired by the animated movies and TV series of the same name, an item like a Boss Baby figure, trucker hat or coffee mug is a tongue-in-cheek way to tell your boss they are terrific. Bake some cupcakes for your co-workers and add some Boss Baby cupcake picks for some extra (yummy) laughs.
Cook Up a Memorable Gift
If your boss is also an amateur chef, a winning gift recipe may be merch inspired by two celebrity bosses in the kitchen: British TV chef Gordon Ramsey and Buddy Valastro, aka "The Cake Boss." You'll definitely make an impression by gifting an “It's Raw" cutting board engraved with Ramsey's image, Gordon Ramsey socks, a custom cake from Carlo's Bakery or a recipe book from Valastro's Cake Boss “famiglia."
Get Them Ready to Reminisce
Mix in some retro humor marking one of the most memorable “Boss" moments on TV. This Who's the Boss T-shirt depicts the hit series from the '90s starring Tony Danza and Alyssa Milano. It will no doubt trigger some memories and remind them that the answer to that question is always — respectfully — them.
