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Showing appreciation for your hard-working second hand is an essential component of a healthy boss-assistant relationship. When you express your gratitude for their labor, they’re more likely to care about their work (and it’s just a nice thing to do). This can be as simple as a verbal thanks at the end of a long day, or with a gift to celebrate their birthday, a major holiday or after a big team win.
The best gifts for your executive assistant, secretary or administrative professional is one that’s tailored to the occasion, their tastes, and feels like a treat. To get your gifting juices flowing, we’ve got seven can’t-go-wrong gift ideas for assistants of all stripes.
For more last-minute present ideas, check out The Hollywood Reporter‘s holiday gift guides here.
1. A Handsome Work Bag
A gift that enhances your assistant’s work life is a no-brainer. Upgrade their daily schlep with an impressive briefcase, tote or backpack.
Bottega Veneta Hydrology Intrecciato Leather Briefcase
Bottega Veneta Hydrology Intrecciato Leather Briefcase
Beis The Large Work Tote
Beis The Large Work Tote
Chloe Sense Textured-Leather Tote
Chloe Sense Textured-Leather Tote
Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag
Tory Burch Lee Radziwill Double Bag
2. An Off-Duty It Bag
If you have a good grasp on your assistant’s personal style, consider a high-end handbag from a favorite designer. For the eco-conscious giftee, a gift card to an online designer consignment retailer is also a great choice.
Gucci GG Ophidia Mini Shoulder Bag
Gucci GG Ophidia Mini Shoulder Bag
Saint Laurent Lou Matelassé Leather Camera Bag
Saint Laurent Lou Matelassé Leather Camera Bag
Fendi Fendigraphy Small Bag
Fendi Fendigraphy Small Bag
3. Anything Cashmere
Cashmere is a no-brainer and can be scaled to a variety of price points — think winter accessories, wraps, or blankets. Especially prescient if your workplace is chronically over-air-conditioned.
Cuyana Recycled Cashmere Scarf
Cuyana Recycled Cashmere Scarf
Everlane The Cashmere Beanie
Everlane The Cashmere Beanie (reg. $75)
NakedCashmere Socks
NakedCashmere Socks
Burberry Giant Check Cashmere Scarf
Burberry Giant Check Cashmere Scarf
4. Designer Sunglasses
A sharp pair of shades from a top label is an easy way to impress. Select a silhouette similar to the pair they wear daily to ensure the frames will be flattering and suited to their style.
Prada Rectangular Sunglasses
Prada Rectangular Sunglasses
Tom Ford Aviator-Style Gold-Tone Sunglasses
Tom Ford Aviator-Style Gold-Tone Sunglasses
Dior Eyewear DiorPacific Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
Dior Eyewear DiorPacific Cat-Eye Acetate Sunglasses
Celine 58mm Square Sunglasses
Celine 58mm Square Sunglasses
5. Caffeine
What do you think fuels your hardworking assistant, a passion for being CC’ed on email? Hook them up with hot tea, cold brew, espresso, and more on-demand with an elevated single-serve machine — bonus points for selecting one with biodegradable pods.
Bruvi Bundle
Bruvi Bundle
De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Espresso Machine
De’Longhi Magnifica Evo Espresso Machine (reg. $900)
6. A Spa Day
Send them off to a fancy spa for a relaxing day of treatments. A generous gift card that lets them pick a service (or two) is a safer bed than scheduling a seaweed wrap or oxygen facial on their behalf.
Spa Finder Gift Card
Spa Finder Gift Card
7. High-End Skincare
If they’re into skincare, treat them to a set from a Hollywood-loved luxury line, like La Mer.
La Mer Restored & Refreshed Collection Set
La Mer Restored & Refreshed Collection Set
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Serum House Set
Dr. Barbara Sturm The Serum House Set
Augustinus Bader The Winter Recovery Kit
Augustinus Bader The Winter Recovery Kit