April 23, 2014 is Administrative Assistant’s Day and you know what that means, it’s time to make your Admin feel like the million dollars you really should be paying her.  But don’t worry, if you forgot to get her (or him) something.  It’s not too late!  Here are my top 7 last minute gift ideas that are guaranteed to make every Admin feel special.

1. FLOWERS

Now I know you are probably thinking that your Admin normally orders the flowers when you need them.  But that’s what makes this gift so darn special.  She’ll think, “Wow it’s amazing that he actually figured out how to order flowers and I didn’t even have to help!” Most florists deliver day of, so if you order them in the morning it shouldn’t be a problem. And don’t call 1-800-Flowers.  Just type “florist and your zip code” into Google, pick one that seems decent and give them a call.  That same afternoon you will be the coolest boss on the planet.

2. CUPCAKES

Now we aren’t talking just any old cupcakes here.  The only way to make this work is to buy those cutesy little boutique cupcakes.  Like the one’s from Kara’s Cupcakes  in San Francisco.  They are cute and delicious and small enough that she won’t feel guilty eating the entire thing.  Plus she can share them with her Admin friends and be the coolest kid on the floor.  You will really win points for this one!

3. GIFT CERTIFICATE

You can buy a gift certificate to just about anywhere, pop it inside of a handwritten card and she will love it.  But my recommendation would be some high-end store that she may not normally shop at.  When I was at the hedge fund, we always got gift certificates to places like Saks 5th Avenue or Bloomingdales.  And even if I just bought a fancy pair of socks, it was just fun treat to shop there.

4. TAKE THEM OUT TO LUNCH

Believe it or not, most Admin’s really enjoy getting to know their bosses on a deeper level.  If you don’t have time to take her out to lunch on their special day, invite her to add a lunch to your calendar, “just for the two of you.”  Or maybe invite your entire team?  However, now this is important, let her pick the location.  There is always that one spot that every Admin has been dying to eat at but can’t afford.  If you don’t think she’d be into lunch with the boss, then hand her your Amex and offer to pay for lunch with her colleagues.  Once again making you and her feel like coolest kid in town.

5. ADMIN SPA DAY

Every year at the hedge fund, we had a company sponsored Admin spa day.  It was a day where we could leave work after lunch, head over to our spa appointments as a group and then just relax for the rest of the afternoon.  This was always one of my favorite events of te year.  I could not wait for spa day!  The catch is of course, that it takes a lot of dough and a lot to organize.  So if you are not planning type, then just leave this to your HR department to organize at a different time of year.

6. LET THEM LEAVE EARLY

Even if it’s only an hour early, it still feels great.  And this gift is more powerful than what money can buy.  They will feel the rush of leaving the office before everyone else.  Beating traffic.  Getting home with more time to spend with the kids.  Let me tell you, these things are HUGE.  Try it, it sounds simple but you’ll be surprised.

7. THANK YOU CARD

And at the end of the day, if all else fails, and you can’t think of anything else to get them, at the very least write them a thank you card.  A handwritten note of gratitude and appreciation goes a long way.

And now I need your help.

First of all, I hope you will sign up for my email list.  And second, what’s the best Admin gift you ever received?  What is the best gift you’ve ever given?  Any special plans for Admin day this year?  Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.  I’d love to hear from you.