Do's And Don'ts For Office Gift-Giving
by Janet Attard

You've got something for Mary, Devin and Jenn. You'll pick up Mom's gift tomorrow. But what can you get for John at work? Or your boss?

If you have a job, chances are at least one or two of the names on your shopping list this season will be coworkers. According to a study conducted by the gourmet fruit and gift company, Harry and David, almost two-thirds (63 percent) of US workers 18 years old and older buy gifts for people in their workplace. Most (38 percent) buy for their peers, but 26 percent buy for their bosses and 16 percent buy gifts for their secretaries.

Choosing those gifts isn't easy, though. A recent Xylo Report on work/life issue found gift buying to be the leading cause of holiday stress and anxiety for employees it surveyed. Lack of time was a close second.

But you already know gift buying is stressful. What can you do about it? What should you get for your office buddies, boss or admin? What makes a great gift, and what should you avoid? And how much should you spend?

The first thing to determine is whether there is a company gift-giving policy in place or if there are any unwritten office traditions established. Bruce Roseman, who works for A&R Partners Public Relations in San Mateo, CA, says many companies limit gifts to under $10. Company culture may come into play, too. At A & R, for instance, employees traditionally give each other gag gifts.

Gag gifts can backfire, though. An employee of a new media company on the East Coast gave the company president a pair of shiny gold boxers as a gag at last year's company party. To make matters worse, the employee insisted the president wear the shorts over his suit. "It was very embarrassing for all who attended," said another employee of the company.

Almost equally tasteless was a gift of "snowman poop" (miniature marshmallows packaged in a sandwich bag) someone gave Somill Hwang at a former job. Somill now works for a public relations firm in San Francisco, CA. "Apparently since I hadn't gotten a scoop...I got a bag full of snowman's poop."

What does work? Consumables and gifts that can be shared are all-time favorites with gift-givers and recipients alike. Long Island, NY resident Denine Anderson, gave a boss a variety pack of international coffees and a "really funky mug"  one year because she knew he was a "huge coffee buff."

"I've received some very nice bottles of wine over the years," says Joshua S. Freeman, who works for VA Linux. Candy, fruit, and gourmet treats are good choices, as well.

Collin Strasser, Managing Principal of Union Square Interactive, discovered that telling people where to find good food makes a great holiday gift. When he was account director at Online Magic New York he sent the company's clients deluxe copies of the Zagat restaurant survey for their area, with the company logo stamped in gold on the cover. The guides were such a hit that customers contacted Strasser the following year to see if the company was sending them again. The guides, which are available for under $20, would make great gifts for coworkers too.

Flowers, plants, and holiday wreaths are always well-liked gifts. Bill McCloskey, Director of Media Relations for BellSouth Corp., gives wreaths sold by a local charity to his boss and his staff members. The wreaths are "nonsectarian, non-alcoholic and warmly received by the individuals and their families," McCloskey notes.

If food or flowers don't fill the bill, consider desk accessories, aromatherapy candles, table decorations or books. "Books are always my favorite because they supply knowledge and I can keep them forever," says Denine Anderson.

So what's the bottom line on office gift giving? Don't overspend. The large majority of office workers spend less than $20 on gifts they buy for people in their office. Many spend $10 or less. And don't stress out. "Be creative and have fun," says Bruce Roseman. "Remember it's the thought that matters!"

About the author
Janet Attard is the owner of Attard Communications, Inc., which provides editorial content, online community and web development services. She is the founder of the award-winning  Business Know-How small business web site and information resource. Janet is also the author of The Home Office And Small Business Answer Book and of Business Know-How: An Operational Guide For Home-Based and Micro-Sized Businesses with Limited Budgets.  She can be reached at (631) 467-6826 or by email at attard@businessknowhow.com.