Today's gift quandary comes from Jan who each year finds it hard to find something unique for a birthday gift for her boss who happens to be a doctor:

"In the past the girls and I from work always have to really think hard about what to buy our boss for his birthday, I mean he's a Doctor, so he has just everything he wants. For his last birthday he got wine, chocolates and theatre tickets, and he seemed to be happy with them." Jan, Mackay

But if you are like Jan, then each year you usually want to get something a little different, even if the last gift went down well! And I have to agree, who wouldn't be happy with wine, chocolate and theatre tickets?

So what to do? Bearing in mind that Jan shares the cost of the gift with the other people at her work, so this is a great opportunity to pull together and get something that you might not be able to afford on your own.

The first thing that comes to mind is a beautiful pen. If there is one thing that stands out to me about office professionals, it is usually what they write with. While in Brisbane I visited one of the most beautiful shops I have ever seen, The Pen Shoppe. Here is one gorgeous collection of writing implements that are for all budgets - ranging from the regular ol' Bic to the "Stars of Egypt", a sterling silver handcrafted fountain pen with matching inkwell and timber case (for a mere $4,595).

Ok, so Jan and her colleagues may not want to be in debt for the rest of their working careers to purchase such a pen, but their range is impressive. Fountain and ball point pens are available and they even have the refills.

The next option for a present for Jan's boss is to order some custom made cupcakes from Clare at Cupcake Caboodle who would create some delicious themed cupcakes and deliver to your workplace. Clare can create just about anything on top of cupcakes and she even has different flavours to choose from.

Finally a third option is a glass/crystal name plate for the office. Choose between a desk plate or one that can be mounted on the door or wall, this is another great gift for an office professional which can be ordered through most trophy houses.

Well Jan, I hope this has given you some unique ideas for your boss' birthday!

Kirsty