Birthday
HydrangeasA bouquet for a boss is a sign of respect rather than personal affection, so restraint, style and appropriateness matter. Here are the occasions for giving flowers to a manager, which bouquets suit a male or female boss, how to present a gift from the team and what to avoid.
Arrangements for your boss are in our flowers in a box, flower baskets and flowers for him sections.
The main rules
- A gift from the team looks more appropriate than a personal one and raises no eyebrows among colleagues.
- No romance. Save red roses and hearts for other occasions.
- Practicality. A boxed or basket arrangement needs no vase, and a potted plant will brighten the office for a long time.
- No strong scents — in an office, lilies and hyacinths can be overpowering.
Occasions
- Birthdays and milestone birthdays.
- A professional holiday or company anniversary.
- A promotion, appointment or successful project.
- A retirement send-off or a move to a new job.
For a male boss
Restrained single-variety bouquets of deep-coloured roses, anthuriums, chrysanthemums, callas and boxed arrangements with dark greenery and branches all work. A potted plant for the office is a good choice: ZZ plant, snake plant or an orchid. More ideas in "Flowers for men".
For a female boss
Elegant bouquets in pastel or refined tones are appropriate: orchids, lisianthus, peony-shaped roses, hydrangeas, arrangements in a hatbox or basket. Avoid overly romantic presentation and garish colours.
Size and budget
A bouquet from the team can be larger than a personal one but shouldn't look ostentatious. It helps to agree on a budget in advance and put one person in charge of ordering. Aim for a medium or large bouquet, or an arrangement that is easy to place in an office.
How to present it
- Choose a moment at the start of the working day or at a team meeting.
- Include a card signed by the team.
- If your boss is away, order delivery to the office or home at a convenient time.
Gift ideas that go well with flowers are in "Gift ideas for men".
FAQ
Which flowers suit a male boss?
A restrained single-variety bouquet, anthuriums, chrysanthemums or a potted plant for the office.
Is it OK to give a boss red roses?
Better not: they have romantic connotations.
Should flowers come from me or from the team?
From the team — it is more appropriate and avoids awkward questions.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
