'Tis the Season!: Guidelines for workplace gift-giving.

During the holiday season, one's mind turns to family, friends, and festivities. And if you're considering spreading some holiday cheer at work in the form of workplace gift-giving, here are some guidelines to follow to avoid a holiday headache:

• Follow your workplace's policy on gift-giving. Some workplaces say "no gifts" and some say "no gifts for bosses." If gift-giving is prohibited, and a coworker also happens to be a close friend who is on your shopping list, give the person the gift away from work.

• See what, if any, tradition your workplace, department, or unit has for seasonal gifts (e.g., spending limit, type of gift, exchange process, such as Secret Santa), and follow it. You can certainly suggest something new, but don't go overboard.

• Don't force people to participate. For some people, the holiday season is a difficult time for financial or other personal reasons. And, obviously, some people don't celebrate the same holiday season that you do.

• If only one of your coworkers is on your shopping list, give the person the gift away from work. On a related note, avoid giving overly personal gifts in the workplace.

• Don't feel obligated to give everyone gifts just because it's the holidays. If you want to include everyone, consider things that can be shared, such as chocolates or baking (try to be sensitive to health concerns, such as food allergies or diabetes); a snack tray with an assortment of goodies, such as cheeses, veggies, crackers, and dip; or a fruit basket. You may also suggest pooling money so that a group lunch can be ordered in or a group gift (e.g., microwave, espresso machine) can be purchased. A potluck can also be a fun way to celebrate without putting too much stress or expense on any one person.

• Don't feel obligated to give a person a gift because s/he gave you a gift.

• If you want to give your boss a gift, and it is permitted, but want to avoid the appearance of trying to win favor, consider enlisting your coworkers in contributing towards the purchase of a group gift. If you want to go it alone, keep the gift meaningful, but inexpensive, e.g., something relevant to your boss's favorite hobby, or (if the boss is one of those people who "has everything") make a donation to his/her favorite charity, or a seasonal charity, in his/her name. And depending on the boss's tastes, food may be an inexpensive and welcome option: My former boss (someone who "has everything") was thoroughly pleased to be given a box of her favorite chocolates (which she would stash in her office for use in "emergencies"), or a package of homemade Rice Krispie squares or peanut butter cookies. (Never try to one-up someone else's gift to the boss!)

• Avoid giving gag gifts at work – even if the receiver shares your sense of humor, your colleagues may not. You want to amuse, not offend. If you want to give gag gift to a friend who is also a coworker, do it outside of work.

• Many people regift, and if that's your plan, proceed with caution: Ensure that if you are doing so, the source of the gift was not your workplace in previous years!

• While obviously a group purchase (e.g., for a boss) will mean more money spent on the recipient, when shopping on an individual basis, avoid costly gifts. If you are shopping individually for your boss and buy something expensive, you'll look like you're seeking brownie points. If you buy something expensive for a coworker, people may think many things about your relationship – whether true or not. Also keep in mind that the receiver, even if allowed to accept the gift, will probably feel uncomfortable at receiving something costly.

• Similarly, if you are participating in a gift exchange, such as a Secret Santa exchange, stick to the spending guidelines. Remember that the costlier the process becomes, the more likely some people are to be left out, because they can no longer afford to participate.

• And finally, remember the thank-you!

For years, MedHunters has enjoyed a "gift war." How does it work? Everyone who wants to participate purchases a gift (maximum $25) that would be of general interest (e.g., a bottle of wine, selection of gourmet coffees, housewares, gift cards, movie passes, etc.). The gifts are wrapped, but not labeled.

On the day of the exchange, each participant draws a number. Number one chooses a gift and opens it for all to see. Subsequent numbers, taken in order, can either choose to take an unopened gift from the pile, or steal any other gift that has been opened. If a person's gift is stolen, s/he can steal someone else's gift, or unwrap a new gift. After everyone has had a turn, the person who went first has the option of taking one more turn, because s/he had the disadvantage of not knowing what any of the presents were at the beginning of play. It may sound unfair, but I don't remember hearing that anyone has been disappointed yet.

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What sort of gift exchange does your workplace have? Let us know by posting the details in the "Read and post comments for this article" below.

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Looking for gift ideas? Check out Gifts for the Healthcare Professional!

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Cynthia M Piccolo

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