gift ideas (excerpted from Present Perfect)        

Although intended by the founder, International Association of Administrative Professionals, to be a week of professional development, two in three administrative professionals say a gift or recognition during administrative Professionals Week (formerly Professional Secretaries Week) is at least somewhat important.

What's the worst gift bosses can give for Administrative Professionals Week? Absolutely nothing! Three out of four administrative professionals cite getting "nothing" as the worst gift they've ever received during this week.

Paid time off from work is the gift most administrative professionals prefer for Administrative Professionals Week.

Nearly one in three administrative professionals would rather not go to lunch with the boss during Administrative Professionals Week. Of these, half say, "It's easier to go than say no." One in four say, "Why give up a perfectly good lunch hour to spend more time with the boss?" And the other 25 percent say, "I'd rather eat dirt."

Although some of the best gifts mentioned by survey respondents require a considerable cash outlay, others were simply priceless. Favorite gifts include a weekend getaway (sans the boss), gift certificates to favorite places, cash bonuses (one administrative professional got $5,000), stock, a day at the spa, sincere (written) praise, and appreciation throughout the year.

A Day at the Movies

When asked which of seven movie titles best describes their own boss when it comes to giving gifts for Administrative Professionals Week

• Fourteen percent say Clueless (boss has never even heard of the occasion)

• Two percent say Grumpy Old Men/Women (boss grumbles about the occasion)

• Thirteen percent say The Pretender (boss goes through the motions of gift giving without any sincere effort)

• Fifty percent say The Natural (boss is comfortable and adept at giving appropriate gifts for the occasion)

• Eighteen percent say The Saint (boss has a good heart, but sometimes misses the mark)

• Three percent say Phenomenon (boss is over the top when it comes to these gifts)

Present Perfect: Unforgettable Gifts for Every Occasion is filled with gift ideas for administrative professionals and everyone else on your gift list. In addition, you get tips on gifting etiquette, shopping, wrapping, special presentations, and much, much more. To order the book, click here.

NEW!  To start shopping for gifts right now, click here.

Have any administrative professionals week gift ideas you'd like to share?