How You Respect Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift giving is an expression of thank, appreciation or congratulations to other people. Everyone likes to give and receive gifts and it is already difficult to find some suitable gifts for your dearest ones. You will likely buy other gifts for your family, friends and some other significant ones than for your office colleagues and bosses. The element "surprise" may be more important for your dearest ones than for your office gifts.

Gift giving in an office can be extremely complex and it is important you follow a proper office gift giving etiquette. Most companies have certain traditions to spend a fixed amount for several occasions, for example Christmas, birthday, wedding, etc. and it is best you don't spend more than your other colleagues in the office. Spending more means you show more appreciation for certain colleagues or your boss and reflect more a sign of friendship. It is best you keep gift giving more than your other colleagues out of the office and you can always consider to buy something extra but do it outside the work environment.

If you are new in the company, it is best to ask around if there are certain guidelines for gift giving. It is also different if you buy a gift for your boss than for your other colleagues. It is also possible a policy in your company doesn't allow gift giving to your boss to prevent some colleagues will spend money for gift giving to your boss while others may not have the intention to do that and your boss can feel insulted if some of his/her employees refused to share in gift giving.

Most companies have no policy to forbid gift giving to your employer and it is best you follow the traditions of the company. In many companies the receptionist comes around with an envelope and it is tradition you put a predetermined amount in this envelope for buying a group gift for your boss. It is best you decide in group which gift you want to buy for your boss to avoid some of your colleagues will blame you some of them were not involved in the choice of the purchase of a common gift.

Buying your own gifts for your boss can be acceptable in family companies and you can consider buying a personalized pen set, a calendar, a candy or food basket or any other appropriate present. You may never buy lingerie for your female boss or a porn DVD for your male boss. It is a violation against the gift giving etiquette in every office and company.

Gift giving for your colleagues can be more complicated. There are several occasions why you can consider buying gifts for your co-workers. This can be their birthday, a wedding, a new born baby and Christmas or New Year. In larger companies, employees often spend a fixed amount for every occasion. In smaller companies, you can consider to buy food items, a bottle of wine or a gift certificate for holiday occasions. For wedding or new born babies, most employees have a list of wanted items and you can choose between these gifts or you can deposit some money on their bank account.

Gift giving in your office is a sign of gratitude to your boss and colleagues. It will strengthen the bond between you, your boss and colleagues and will improve team-work. It is best you spend only a few dollars for each gift and a group gift is often the best idea. Following the office etiquette is a necessity and you need always to ensure the gift will be appropriate and appreciated by the recipient.