Post says birthdays and holidays are generally times in life where people exchange gifts, so it’s important to be aware of that, though there’s not a strong expectation that you need to give gifts to workers for either. What are the occasions you should give gifts to coworkers? “You don't want to set up a situation where people feel like they’re being treated differently, and personal gifts that go to some people and not others can create that feeling,” he says. On the flip side, if you want to give gifts to people who report to you, Post recommends trying to do it for everybody and doing it so everyone feels equal. The reasons why people may opt out are personal and not something you need to share in the workplace, so there should be an expectation that no one would judge you about it, says Post. But again, even though everyone has an option to participate, no one should feel it’s required, and you should never point out people who choose not to contribute.

If you do choose to give a gift to a boss, “you want to be careful you’re not giving the impression that you’re trying to cultivate favor, or take advantage of a personal relationship in a way that other colleagues couldn't or wouldn’t,” says Post.Ī good way to handle gifts for your boss is to pool resources and do a group gift. Even if half of your workers are giving your manager a gift, it doesn’t mean that you should feel like you need to. Gift giving is never an obligation, says Post. Is it proper etiquette to buy a holiday gift for your boss? For example, if it’s something more expensive, you could say “I know this is a little more than usual, but I just really know how much you’d appreciate it.” And for something more personal, including a note or message to provide context and connection. Post recommends that as a gift giver, you can manage the way you present something to allow the other person to receive the gift well, which is more important than sticking to a specific price range. On the other hand, something handmade or personally created could feel more significant and genuine than something that costs a lot. If gifts are too expensive, they can make people feel uncomfortable. Price aside, gifts can be too extravagant. “A gift exchange should make everyone feel good, and that includes the person giving the gift, and part of doing that well is knowing and understanding your budget as well as the expectations around the event or gift, and making good choices,” he says. “The best answer is that it should be something you feel good about spending,” says Dan Post, author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette Podcast. Giving is personal, so how much you should spend on a gift is also subjective. Questions You Might Ask How much money should you spend on a gift for a coworker? We did the hard work for you and found the best gifts for coworkers and employees that strike the right balance between professional and thoughtful. “It makes people feel good, but also brings people anxiety, so you should take care with it.” The best adage to follow is a classic one: It’s the thought that counts. “Gift giving is something people feel strongly about,” says Post. You can be professional and pick something you know your coworker likes, like high quality sweets and food, a favorite type of pen or notebook the office doesn’t stock, or something that ties into their hobbies. That doesn’t mean you have to stick with very boring office items, like paperweights, either. “You don’t want to rely on other people getting your joke in order for a gift to land well,” says Post. Examples include clothing like blouses and pajamas scents like perfumes and colognes, which can be very personal or humorous items, because not everyone has the same sense of humor.

“You want to avoid gifts that are too personal in nature,” says Dan Post, author and spokesperson for the Emily Post Institute and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette Podcast. There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for coworkers. Buying gifts for your coworkers and employees may seem more challenging than buying them for your friends, but it doesn’t have to be. You probably spend a good deal of time with your coworkers, and it’s a good idea to show your appreciation for all their hard work by giving them a gift for their birthday or at the end of the year.

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