shoppes  |  occasions  |  HOME

our gift to you  |  advice & resources  |  international  |  business  |  consulting services  |  site map
FIND GIFTS:  for her  |  for him  |  for couples  |  for tots to teens  |  for business associates

Attitudes on gift exchanges in the workplace vary widely—from those that wish to acknowledge every minor event in their own lives as well as in the lives of others to those that wish to celebrate milestones in their own social circles rather than in work settings.

gift guidance (excerpted from Present Perfect)        

In the absence of a well-defined company gift policy, coworkers are left to muddle through gift exchanges year after year or to initiate informal guidelines on their own. To alleviate undue stress, those that wish to participate in gift exchanges in the workplace should decide in advance how they will handle gifts for birthdays, weddings, new babies, hospitalized coworkers, job transfers, promotions, retirements, and various holidays. Since circumstances vary from workplace to workplace, there is no single solution to the gift dilemma, but in every case, the following points should be considered.

• Participation. Although many enjoy the exchange of gifts in the workplace, others approach the prospect with apprehension—if not outright dread. Some might not feel inclined to participate in office gift giving on any level. Others might be happy to contribute to the birthday or wedding gifts of workmates but wish not have their own birthdays acknowledged. Respect these preferences.

• Contributions. Determine whether coworkers will be expected to contribute on a monthly, quarterly, semiannual, or annual basis. Or will collections be made as occasions and events arise?

• Administration. Agree on who will be in charge of collecting and administering the funds. Discuss whether transactions will be handled on a cash basis or if a separate checking account will be set up.

• Budget. Determine how much money will be allocated for each gift or type of gift.

• Gift Selection. Decide whether the same predictable gift will be given for each occasion—i.e., flowers for a hospitalized coworker, balloon bouquets for birthday celebrants—or if an effort will be made to customize presents. Will one person be responsible for selecting all gifts, or will gifts be chosen by the coworker(s) who best knows a specific recipient?

The exchange of small presents among coworkers during the holidays is a common practice. However, constraints of time and money leave many wondering how to express good wishes without exhausting holiday resources. Consider these options.

• Draw names and specify a price range for gifts exchanged among coworkers. Many clever and appropriate gifts—scented candles, small boxes of candy, puzzles, picture frames, key chains, and magazines—can be found for less than five dollars.

• As a group, contribute your time or make a donation to a charitable cause or appropriate organization.

• Collectively give the office a gift—a microwave oven, an espresso maker, a clock, a plant, an accessory for the reception area or another common area. Note: Determine how much each member of the staff is willing to contribute before deciding what to buy.

• Exchange only token gifts (tree ornaments, home-baked cookies, candles, greeting cards) with immediate coworkers.

• Ban all gift exchanges in the office—a drastic, but sometimes warranted measure.

Many items perfect for workplace giving can be purchased for $10 to $25. Choose from page-a-day theme calendars, desk plants, movie tickets, compact disks, books, restaurant gift certificates, videocassettes, virtual pet computer software, pocket calculators, and the like.

Gifts of books and compact disks are easily tailored to the recipient's preferences.

Although it is generally not necessary for employees to give gifts to their bosses, there might be circumstances when at least a token gift is warranted. If you work closely with your boss, have worked a long time for him or her, or have become friends with his or her family, you might want to give a gift at Christmas time or for a special birthday. Such gifts should not be too expensive or too personal. Give something for her favorite pet, goodies from your kitchen or garden, or a book relating to one of his or her interests.

Chip in with the rest of the staff to buy one gift for the boss. This way, no employee stands out as trying to gain favor.  

Present Perfect: Unforgettable Gifts for Every Occasion is filled with gift ideas for those in the workplace. In addition, you get tips on gifting etiquette, shopping, wrapping, special presentations, and much, much more. To order the book, click here.

NEW!  To start shopping for gifts right now, click here.

Have any workplace gift ideas you'd like to share?