Is it normal for an employee to give gifts to her boss?

It sounds like she is very friendly and generous. Also, since her mother did the same, I am sure it is how she was raised, that her family gives gifts often, or culturally, gift giving could be very common with her ethnic group and where she is from. I think you have nothing to worry about. Enjoy the gifts!

I have given my bosses gifts in the past. I don't know about a $20 gift card though. I probably would have just brought you a drink from Starbucks on your birthday to be honest. I brought my last boss a Sweet Tea from McDonald's on her birthday because I know it is one of her favorite drinks. She could be sucking up, but she could also just be a really friendly employee.

Well to me this sounds like a more than friendly co-worker. Yes she has given others gifts as well around the holidays but it seems like she is going beyond to do things for you. Usually this occurs when a girl likes a guy. It sounds to me like she likes you a little bit more than you are expecting. This may making things awkward but I think she likes you.

It is difficult to say for sure, especially since I do not know how she acts on a regular basis and what she does for others. It does sound like she is just a nice person that is being generous. You said that you are new at your position, so maybe she is just trying to make sure that you know that people think you are doing a good job ... she is trying to help you feel more secure and appreciated in your new position, especially since it can be difficult to be a new boss. A couple other people said that she might have a crush on you. This is a possibility as well. I would not say anything to her about this, though, as it could be quite embarrassing and make work awkward, especially if this is not the case and she is just trying to be nice to you and show you that you are doing a good job as a boss.

I think it's normal for employees to give their bosses small gifts on special occasions. It's also normal for bosses to give their employees small gifts on special occasions. Does she have other bosses at work? For instance are there other managers in the store? Does she get everyone gifts?

Thats weird and I think someone is crushing on someone here!

Aww that's actually really sweet of her. I don't think she's sucking up. It doesn't seem like it to me by the way you described her. Well, from my experience, people of Asian decent love to give gifts to people. I remember I had an Asian friend who would always give gifts to me. It would either be big or small, but it'd be a gift nonetheless. So she's probably just trying to be nice. Or she might have a crush on you! Sometimes it's hard to tell whether someone is just being nice or if they are flirting with you because they have a crush on you.

It is normal for anyone to give a gift to their boss and vice-versa. And I think she must have won the Starbucks gift card from a GPT site! ;P

It easy to check weather she's just being nice or she have a hidden motive... if you recieve a give that you think is a bit expensive (like 20 dollar starbucks gift card) you ask her: "are you sure to give me this gift? because it a bit expensive", but in a joking tone of voice so she doesn't feel awkward. maybe she'll give a respond that will answer your question