Ehh, I think that it's inappropriate to have people under you bringing anything in for your birthday. On your same level...fine. But for a boss...no.

If there was pressure to join in...I'd probably sign up to bring cups/plates, chips or something.

I've never been asked to make anything for my bosses birthday. We have
all chipped in for a gift, I think when I worked in the art department. Bake a cake the boss will like. If you know what he likes.

It's just something we do at my work. Every time someone has a birthday we all pitch in and bring desserts. Some of the girls are a little competitive about it...
We have cups and plates here in break room since we all eat here for lunch.
I think it is extremely rude not to bring something, especially since he is a nice boss. You can tell who isn't well liked if nobody brings anything. It is offensive.
So anyway, cake or pie is prob what I will make. Pie shows off my skills with pastry crust, but a layer cake always looks impressive and I know he likes those. I may need to go get a few ingredients from the store.

Does he bake and bring in homemade things too?

Nevermind you guys are so not helpful. Obviously we come from different cultures and somehow my post is offensive. I thought it would be a fun post but just forget it. I really don't understand how this group is for foodies.

I would take a simple chocolate cake...everyone likes that.....forget those others.....it is ok....they have box mix cheese cake that is no bake and does not require a spring form pan....I actually know what those are! LOL I being male that is odd eh?

if I were also to decide on a pie I prob would do one with a canned filling that you pour into the crust which for me would be premade crust because I am not a baker or chef.....but that is me...cherry or apple or even peach pie...peach is yummy...or make a french silk pie which is again chocolate.....yum most people like chocolate stuff...

Yes that's true. But a few people are allergic to
chocolate. My husband is one.

I left a private message for you but I just thought it was something to bring to a birthday party as a desert. I didn't realize it was your bosses birthday. I think cheesecake is a good option they have no bake ones in the box now that you can buy. I think it is safer than going with chocolate because not everyone likes chocolate and some people are allergic. You can put it in a store bought graham cracker crust, top it with whipped cream and fresh strawberries or cherries. Something else that you can do that is good and allows people to top the deserts themselves with toppings of their choice is to buy these items and create a little desert bar that people can make their own little desert cups. Buy little desert sponge cake cups that they sell in packages by themselves in the grocery store that you can top with fresh fruit, ice cream, and syrups like chocolate syrup, strawberry syrup or caramel sauce. I personally think they are delicious with vanilla ice cream, fresh sliced strawberries and bananas, whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. But by having the ingredients on hand people can be creative and add things like chopped nuts, sprinkles or chocolate chips and fix their own desert cup treat to their liking. And you don't have to bake at all. But the results are fun and fantastic.