Administrative Professionals Day is held on the Wednesday of Administrative Professionals Week, which is the last full week of April. It is designed to recognize the efforts of secretaries and administrative assistants, and the value that they contribute to the workplace. Originally called Professional Secretaries Day upon its inception in 1952 by the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), its name was changed in 2000 to the present form to reflect the evolving job responsibilities of office administrators. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there are 4.1 million secretaries and administrative assistants in the U.S. workforce, so fortunately there are many types of gifts from which to choose when buying for this holiday.

First and foremost, one must choose the correct card for the recipients job title. Many cards still say secretary, as around twenty percent of administrative employees still use that title according to the IAAP, but that term has become somewhat pass in todays society. For many, the preferred job title is administrative assistant, and an increasing number of cards reflect that term. Or, to avoid any conflict, one can choose from the many cards that do not refer to a job title at all.

Probably the most popular gift that is given to administrative professionals in observance of this holiday is a gift basket. These thoughtful presents can be made up of a variety of different items, such as gourmet food, bath products, or scented candles. It is important to put some thought into the interests of the recipient in order to choose an appropriately themed basket, to ensure that the gift will be appreciated and actually used. A basket of fruit may sound boring to some, but there are some companies that will put together a collection of fruit that tastes ten times better than that which can be bought at a grocery store. A gift such as this is especially appropriate for an administrative professional who is into eating healthy. Or, for the junk food eater, chocolate or cookie baskets can be popular as well, and come in many different price ranges.

If the recipient enjoys good coffee, gift baskets are available from coffee manufacturers that combine several packages of quality coffee with designer mugs, and often a snack item such as scones or beignets. On the other hand, gift baskets containing bath or spa products are also popular, especially among female recipients. Many people have a particular scent that they enjoy, so one tip is to find out if the administrative professional has a favorite, and then purchase a basket with different products of that theme. Or, to be extra thoughtful, one can make a gift basket by buying a plain basket at a craft store and filling it with items that reflect the recipients interests and tastes. The basket can be finished off with clear plastic cellophane and ribbon, also available at a craft store, to present a polished, professional look.

Another popular gift choice for Administrative Professionals Day is a selection from a florist. The most obvious option is a bouquet or basket of flowers, and since the holiday falls at the end of April, most florists will have a nice selection of spring flower arrangements available. Or, for a more high-end version, roses are another popular alternative. If for some reason flowers are not deemed appropriate for the situation, another good choice is a small potted plant or dish garden that can be either kept at ones desk or taken home. Either choice can be combined with festive Mylar balloons, which are also usually available from the florist. Whichever gift is chosen, it must reflect the companys appreciation for the work that is done by the recipient, so care must be taken to select something that is appropriate and thoughtful.