Have you noticed – there are only 10 days to go until Christmas? Did you have a chance to think about the gifts you are planning to give to your colleagues and corporate partners? In case you are still struggling to find the best presents, use our 5 practical office etiquette tips for Christmas gift giving.
1. Find out what is your company’s gift giving policy.
Before buying or accepting any presents from colleagues or company partners, find out what is your organization’s policy on corporate gift giving. Some firms have strict no-gift rules. There might be general concern that gifts can be used as a form of bribery.
Companies that allow the gift giving might have monetary limits on the presents their employees can accept. Make sure you are familiar with these guidelines; one inconsiderate present can jeopardize your career.
2. Be extra careful when buying a gift for your boss.
When it comes to giving a Christmas gift to your boss you should be very careful. First, check whether your company policy permits it. If you feel it may be seen as an attempt to gain favor, you might want to stick to a simple Christmas card.
The safest way is probably to give a present from the group of employees. If there are any well-known hobbies or interests, find something in step with those themes. For example, if you know your boss likes live performances, buy him tickets to a concert or theatre. It is important to make sure the gift cannot be misinterpreted and it is not too expensive. When choosing a present, always remember that it has to be something your boss can take home to his or her partner.
Christmas Gift Ideas: a Christmas card, a bottle of wine, a nice pen, high-end upscale stationery, theatre tickets.
3. For your colleagues buy items that can be used at the office.
In case you would like to buy little tokens for everyone, the most appropriate presents are things that can be used at the office. If you cook, you could bake cookies or make candies, wrap them nicely and put one on every desk with a Christmas card. If you plan to give gifts only to some co-workers with whom you are especially friendly, you should do it discreetly, preferably after hours.
If your colleagues decide to do a Secret Santa swap, always follow the rules. Don’t spend too much on your present. You don’t want to make the recipient feel he has been too cheap.
Christmas Gift Ideas: coffee mugs, calendars, calculators, potted plants, cookies, Christmas cards.
4. If you are the boss, think gift certificates.
If you lead a group of employees, giving Christmas gifts can be a great gesture. Although, don’t give anything too personal, such as clothes or perfume. At the same time, if you are choosing a gift for your personal assistant, you have to gear the present to his or her interests.
When considering gifts to general employees, avoid anything branded with the company logo; such presents usually seem cheap and as if you raided the stockroom at the last minute. Gift certificates, a coffee card or a spa day – any choice is appropriate, as long as every employee gets the same present. A Christmas bonus or a paid-half day off will probably be appreciated the most.
Christmas Gift Ideas: office stationery, gift certificates, grocery store cards, a spa day, coffee cards
5. Place your company logo on the gifts you send to your customers and corporate partners.
Before sending any gift over, check with the company’s secretary what is the firm’s gift accepting policy. As well, you should double check your own company’s policy for gift-giving. There might be limits on the amount you can spend per corporate gift.
In case of corporate gift giving you should always send the very best you can afford, as the good quality gifts reflect your company’s image. Choose the gift that is tasteful. You do want your logo on the gift for your client or partner to remember you, but useless gifts will only make you seem scurvy. Select high-quality item that your partners can use. Then, have your logo engraved in a small font along with a sincere greeting.
Gift sending timing is as important as what you send. Everyone will be rushing to send their gifts before Christmas. Try to send yours for New Years Eve. This way your present will stand out from the crowd and will leave a lasting impression. Whenever possible, try to deliver your present personally. But do so only if you have time to stop and greet everyone in the recipient’s office. Rushing out the door will make you seem rude and self-important. After you gave the gift your business partner might want to ask you to lunch. Make sure you reserve enough time to be able to accept his offer.
Gift Ideas for Customers: calendars, gift books, Christmas cards, Gift baskets, gourmet chocolates, cookies.
Gift Ideas for Business Partners: paperweights, card cases, leather wallets, portfolios, briefcases, money clips, digital photo frame, pewter desk clock
See more Christmas gift ideas at Pinterest
Do you have questions about Office Etiquette Tips for Christmas Gift Giving or you think we forgot to mention something important? Come talk to us! Leave your comment below!
Great list and gift ideas! I think that really good Christmas gift giving example for colleagues was in the latest episode of “Parks and Recreations” 🙂