Should you give your boss a holiday gift? If so, how much? What about your assistant? Holiday gift-giving etiquette can be a really tricky thing. No one really knows the answers. So I went ahead and complied a list of dos and don’ts of my own and others I’ve heard.
Do be thoughtful in gift giving.
If you’re going to give your coworker a gift, make sure there was some thought behind it. Ask yourself what does he/she value the most? Their dogs, kids, a hobby? Then go from there.
Don’t call attention when giving the gift.
You don’t want to call attention to your action. It should be a genuine thought, so do it when you have a quiet moment with your coworker.
Do suggest a department lunch instead of gift exchanges.
It’s a great way to alleviate the awkwardness gift giving can cause.
Don’t gift anything too personal.
Avoid gifts like intimate apparel, perfumes, lotion, (anything with a scent is a personal choice), art (you may like it, but they might not). And don’t give any gag gifts that might embarrass someone.
Do stay within company gift-giving guidelines.
If your company or department has instituted an amount limit, it’s important to stay within those guidelines. If you out-do yourself, people are going to think you’re trying too hard.
Do consider a group gift for your boss.
To avoid looking like you’re trying to earn favoritism, ask your department if they’d like to pitch in a small dollar amount for one gift to your boss.
And always remember to send a thank you note or email if someone gave you a gift.
xoxo,
Loren
