Choosing a gift for your employer may seem like a tricky assignment, but if you pay attention, you will be able to pick up on some hints here and there to help you in choosing a gift that is appropriate for them. The gift you choose will also depend on the relationship you have with your boss, and you should choose the gift accordingly.

If you have no clue where to start finding a gift for your boss, do some research – is she always bringing in homemade leftovers for lunch? If so, chances are she cooks a lot at home, and you might consider a cookbook. On the opposite end, if you know she dines out a lot, you and some co-workers might want to pitch in for a gift certificate to a new restaurant in town.

If you don’t have a personal relationship with your boss, but feel obliged to purchase them a Christmas gift, you have plenty of options. Just make some simple observations: is she a neat freak, and has everything in his office organized within an inch of its life? A gift certificate to a home organization store may work, as would a subscription to a magazine such as Real Simple. If they have photographs in their office, a picture frame that ties into the theme of the existing are a great gift idea. There are plenty of generic-type gift options that seem thoughtful and don’t cross the line of inappropriateness, if you don’t necessarily have a friendship with your boss.

If you’re lucky enough to be friends with your boss, choosing a gift may be even easier. You’ll probably know his interests, and be able to buy accordingly – does he like golfing? Fishing? Hiking? There are plenty of stores, catalogues and magazines that can help you in choosing a gift that he’s sure to love – whether it’s a new putter for his set, a set of flies for his next fishing trip, or new backpack for that hike he has coming up.

Maybe your boss is overworked, stressed and highly strung. In this case, you could contemplate giving her a spa certificate or a gift basket with soaps, lotions and candles to help soothe her frazzled nerves. If you know she enjoys wine, she might also enjoy a nice bottle of Shiraz, a subscription to Wine Spectator, or a fancy corkscrew.

You are the best person to judge what sort of gift would be suitable for your boss. Gag gifts may seem like a funny idea, but you should only give that sort of gift if you know it will be received with a sense of humor. Be sensitive to the fact that this person, although you may be friends, has a direct say in your employment. Anything that could be construed as inappropriate or in poor taste could have a detrimental effect on your career. Just be smart and thoughtful, and you shouldn’t have too much trouble making the right gift choice for your boss…and a job to go back to next year.