Don’t want to go empty-handed to your boss’s birthday party or farewell? Well, we get it, it can be tricky sometimes. You don’t want to overdo it, but also want to set a good impression. When in doubt, some of the best books to gift your boss strike just the right balance. Books are the perfect intersection of appropriate and inspirational. They say, “I admire your leadership and want to add something meaningful to your shelf.”
Whether you’re picking out a farewell gift as a colleague or looking for a thoughtful way to show appreciation to your female boss, these 11 books make meaningful, memorable gifts that are just as enjoyable to give as they are to receive. We’ve also included the category of each book and some hard-hitting quotes to give you a taste of the inspiration inside.
1. Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
Category: Leadership & Team Building
This classic from Simon Sinek is one of the best books to gift your manager who values team culture and servant leadership. It explores not just the themes of trust and safety but also empathy while creating high-performance teams.
“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”
This insightful bestseller draws on powerful case studies from the military, business, and government. It challenges top-down approaches and talks about the power of putting people first.
2. Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Category: Emotional Intelligence & Courageous Leadership
Through research-backed storytelling, this compelling book beautifully conveys that true strength lies in vulnerability. It doesn’t just preach abstract knowledge; it has practical tools and exercises to help leaders build resilience.
“You can choose courage or you can choose comfort. You cannot have both.”
It’s a great book to give as a gift to someone who wants to foster deeper emotional intelligence. It blends rigorous science with relatable storytelling. I gave this book to impress a tough boss, a no-nonsense woman who seemed unshakeable. She emailed a week later: “Chapter three? Gut punch. I needed that.”
3. The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo
Category: Management & Career Growth
Written by Facebook’s former VP of Design, this book is candid, funny, and deeply relatable. It breaks down how to grow from a good contributor into a great leader. It has so many personal stories and actionable strategies, told in a humorous way.
“Great managers are made, not born.”
This is an appropriate gift for your manager, whether they’ve just been promoted or are simply looking to sharpen their leadership skills. Zhou’s writing style is approachable, and he makes complex management topics sound really relatable.
RELATED READING: 10 Mind-Blowing Apocalyptic Novels
4. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Category: Productivity & Personal Development
Let’s be real, this one’s on every must-read list, and for good reason! It’s not just about building habits; it goes deep into how our identity shapes our actions, how small changes can eventually lead to big results, and the science behind lasting behavioural change.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
This is the perfect choice for your mentor and boss who thrives on continual self-improvement and appreciates practical frameworks. He’ll surely keep returning to it for daily advice for both leadership and personal growth.
5. Radical Candor by Kim Scott
Category: Communication & Feedback
Drawing from real-life stories from Silicon Valley, this book is the ultimate guide on giving and receiving feedback. According to the author, revolutionary leaders are only made when they create a space of open, honest communication without sacrificing empathy or respect.
“The fastest path to results is through human relationships.”
This is a fantastic choice as a farewell gift or for any manager committed to building a culture of transparency. Gallup data shows that 80% of employees who say they have received meaningful feedback in the past week are fully engaged, highlighting how crucial regular, thoughtful feedback is.
6. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
Category: Organizational Health & Team Dynamics
This insightful and engaging fable talks about why teams are not able to achieve success. It could be a lack of trust, fear of conflict, or even avoidance of accountability. Lencioni uses great storytelling skills to convey the possible dysfunctionalities in collaboration.
| “Remember, teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is to overcome our need for invulnerability.”
To create an extraordinary organization, a leader needs strong, cohesive teams, and this team talks about how to build/strengthen those teams.
RELATED READING: 8 Famous Autistic Authors And Why You Should Read Them
7. Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
Category: Strategy & Decision-Making
This is a heavyweight title for a heavyweight boss. In this book, Ray Dalio, the founder of Bridgewater Associates (one of the world’s most successful hedge funds), shares how he built his empire through radical transparency and systematic thinking.
“Pain + Reflection = Progress.”
If your boss is goal-oriented and thrives on data-driven results, this is the perfect book for them! It’s the perfect combination of analytical and methodical. Pro tip: Since, it’s a hefty book, don’t forget to wrap it well!
8. Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Category: Focus & Mindfulness
Next in the list of best books to gift your boss is this gentle punch in the face of busyness. I gave this to my project head who ran on four hours of sleep, and guess what? He began blocking out “essentialism hours” every week—and even thanked me with a latte!
“If you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.”
This book is especially for the overworked leaders to teach them the power of saying a simple “No”. It emphasises that less can actually be better.
9. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
Category: Executive Coaching & Growth
This book talks about the “success paradox,” i.e., the very habits that made you successful might be the habits holding you back now. Drawing from the experience of coaching top executives, Goldsmith talks about improving leadership style by breaking personal barriers.
“People will do something—including changing their behavior—only if it can be demonstrated that doing so is in their own best interests.”
The book highlights the importance of awareness, feedback, and deliberate behaviour change.
RELATED READING: 5 Lessons From Shakespeare’s Hamlet
10. You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy
Category: Communication & Culture
Quirky and elegant, this book is a hidden gem. It highlights the art of ‘truly hearing’ in a world where everyone is talking and there is just too much noise.
“Listening is about being present, not just about being quiet.”
This book will help your boss become more trustworthy and really effective in collaboration, all thanks to the power of active listening!
11. The Art of Possibility by Rosamund & Benjamin Zander
Category: Inspiration & Creativity
A book for the boss, that’s not just a leadership guide but also an artistic manifesto! What makes it such an unforgettable read? Its ability to blend philosophy with music and possibility.
“It’s all invented.”
If you want to inspire creativity and optimism, go for this! Bonus tip: Include a handwritten note sharing your favorite “possibility” they helped you discover.
Finally, to choose a book as a gift is a wise thought, but make sure you choose the right one! Try to understand his/her vibe…Visionary? Go with Zander. No-nonsense? Try Clear. Heart-centered? Pick Brown. Also, personalise it by underlining your favorite quote.
Remember, books are a form of legacy. Gifting one says, “I respect your leadership and thought you’d enjoy this journey.” We hope that this curated list of the best books to gift your boss has made your decision a little easier, and maybe even a bit more fun. Whether you’re aiming for something practical, thoughtful, or just plain inspiring, there’s a title here that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Good luck and happy gifting!
FAQs
1. What gifts should you never give to your boss?
Avoid perfumes/clothing because they might not like your taste. Also, avoid spending too much money or giving a joke gift. Stay away from gift cards!
2. How do you make a book gift to your boss more special?
Wrap it thoughtfully. To add a nice touch, add a handwritten note or highlight your favorite quote.
3. What is a good book for a manager who has quit work?
The Next Mountain by David Brooks or Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans—both are inspiring reads for someone entering a new chapter.
8 Amazing Books To Read When You Feel Lost And Directionless
