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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!
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