During every holiday season between December and January, many people contemplate giving out holiday gifts to colleagues. Gift-giving in a business setting is a delicate form of art. If done right, the act of gift-giving can help strengthen professional relations. Before purchasing any holiday gift, please refer to your employer's guidelines on gift-giving. Any company code of conduct on gift-giving automatically supersedes some of the ideas listed in this post.
Tip #1: Find gifts that are good for people who celebrate holidays differently
If you work at a company located in a major city in anywhere in the world, chances are your office coworkers come from diverse backgrounds. Keep that in mind, so that you make sure your office gifts of choice are appropriate for different holiday occasions. Because there is a fair chance that one or few of your coworkers does not traditionally observe Christmas on December 25th. They might celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or even Orthodox Christmas, which is observed on the 6th or 7th of January.
Tip #2: Keep it work-appropriate and family-friendly
Holidays are usually very family-oriented, so please make sure to choose holiday gifts that are appropriate for both work and home. While gift-giving is an act that comes from the heart, please remember to stay professional and avoid gifts that comment on or refer to controversial topics such as politics, race or religion.
For office colleagues, you can consider buying functional cubicle gifts such as animal-shaped post-it dispensers, illustrated to-do lists and succulents etc.
Tip #3: Know your budget
Create a gift budget and stick with it. If you work at an entry-level position, you are not expected to give out designer perfume bottles to your entire team. Go for something simple but functional, because at the end of the day, it is really the thought that counts. Punching way above your weight can not only hurt you financially, but also put you in trouble for violating company protocols that regulate gift-giving within the office.
Tip #4: Observe your environment
If your supervisor or manager gives out gifts to your entire team, take note on the type of gift given. Using a gift from a superior as a bar of reference, I recommend that the value of your gift per unit to not exceed 70% of that of your superior. For example, if your manager gives out thermal cups that cost USD 30 each, to avoid breaking the bank, your gift of choice does not need to exceed USD 20 per piece.
Your goal is to present a nice, functional, budget-friendly and memorable office gift that does not give off the impression that you are trying to upstage your boss. With a little extra thought and care, this goal can be achieved in no time.
Tip #5: Give to the people who matter to you
You are not obliged to buy holiday gifts for the entire office because it does not make sense and it can lead to overspending. Chances are, you only interact with a portion of the people in the office. Start your gift list with the people you interact with in the office on a regular basis.
For this holiday season, consider adding people such as your teammates, manager, company mentor and even the office administrators onto your gift list. As we rejoice and celebrate during the holidays, make it extra special by showing appreciation to the people who support your career in various ways.
My dear readers, happy holidays to you all! I hope this article can shed some light on the meaning of holiday gift-giving within a work setting. Even if you are unable to afford holiday gifts, a heartfelt card or email will still have the same impact (because it is really the thought that counts).
Let me know in the comments below on what you plan to do with office gifts or greeting cards this holiday season. If you like this article, don't forget to click like and subscribe!
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