The celebration of Boss’s Day began in 1958, and thus the history of Boss’s day gifts is quite succinct. Similar to the origin of Father’s Day, a day started by Sonora Dodd to honor her father (and all fathers) for his dedication as a single parent to his family, Boss’s Day was originated by a woman named Patricia Haroski, who also chose her father’s birthday as the date of observance. Patricia was an assistant at a State Farm Insurance Company in Illinois and her father was her official employer. She registered the holiday with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958 and the Illinois Governor proclaimed the day in 1962.

In 1970, Patricia wrote the following in regards to her creation of this national holiday:  “I had worked for a large company and noticed that they never had a regular date set to pay tribute to our bosses. I made inquiries, and through my network of secretaries, decided to establish a day in their honor. Reflecting on how my father had helped his white-collar daughters and sons many times with their problems concerning their work, I decided to register his birthday, October 16, as 'The Day.'” Taking traditions from other holidays and observances, it is now customary to recognize National Boss Day with more than just a “thank you”.

History of Boss’s Day Gifts: From Hallmark to Appreciation Events

The history of Boss’s day gifts has evolved from a day of recognition at a company in Illinois to a day of celebration observed internationally. Officially known as National Boss Day, it is always celebrated on October 16 unless that date falls on a weekend. In that case, the day is observed on the Monday after or the preceding Friday. Between one third and one half of people hold managerial or leadership position in the workforce, and the number of women in these positions has been increasing. The role of a manager, or “boss”, has also evolved - from one of telling people what to do to one of molding the skills of his or her employees. Lists of qualities that “make a good boss” usually include: good communication and listening skills, good team-building skills, ability to delegate responsibility, and ability to offer feedback and praise when necessary.

Ideas for celebrating National Boss Day vary by individual and corporation. Hallmark creates greeting cards for every imaginable holiday, and you will easily find a card of appreciation that reflects your relationship between you and your boss, as well as one that includes humor versus a heart-felt message and that respects gender. Other ideas include flowers, gift-certificates, framed motivational messages, books on leadership, and stationary, to name a few. Like other holidays, the history of Boss’s Day gifts also includes more elaborate celebrations, including company-wide luncheons or breakfasts, dinners with motivational speakers, and even “boss-of-the-year” presentations, with or without superlative awards for the funniest, best-dressed, or hardest-working boss.