Gift giving in the office requires thoughtfulness, sensitivity, and also a sense of humor of all concerned. Obviously, gifts must be appropriate and without raising suspicion of seeking favors for promotion or preferential treatment.

—— What kind of boss do you have? ——

Some lawyers don't really care about the gifts they give – and it shows. On the one hand, in many big law firms for instance, paralegals can often not expect to receive a personalized gift as a symbolic thank-you for a year of hard work. In many cases the standard gift will carry the company logo and, all too often, the recipient will have no use for it!

On the other hand, there are many lawyers who care a great deal about showing their appreciation during the holiday season to all their hard working employees.

The way in which the gift is given is important too. Who has not received a gift selected by his or her boss's assistant with only a generic business card attached to it to identify the gift giver?

However, if a boss has personally selected the gift and it shows that he or she put some thought into it, maybe adding a charming and appreciative note, then the holiday gift becomes a way of saying thank you and motivating staff!

—— Have you been selected as the gift manager for your office this year and asked to handle all the gift chores for the firm? ——

At least, being tasked with this responsibility means that your boss believes that you have good taste and posses a certain talent for finding good bargains.

However, it means also that you will have to work extra hours to think about and select the appropriate ways of appreciating your co-workers and your firm's clients. With regard to clients, the gift-selection process includes the need to research ethics rules to find out of if clients are allowed to receive gifts and, if yes, up to which value.

After you have established a draft list of possible gifts, make sure you have a discussion with your boss to get approval for the budget you have established and obtain confirmation that the items you selected reinforce the firm's desired image and the messages that your boss intends to send. In many cases, your boss may not be aware of how some gifts may be interpreted, and it also falls into your responsibility to fill him or her in on people's expectations and perceptions.

If a gift for a client bears your firm's logo, the logo should be small in size and go smoothly with the colors and the style of the item. For example, only someone who works for the firm may deem it appropriate to wear a necktie with the firm's logo on it! Thus, try to downplay the advertising aspect of the holiday gifts and ask for the logo to be printed only in less obvious places.

You can also suggest to your boss to show appreciation for office messengers and other service personnel (such as company garage staff, maintenance people, personnel in the mail room, etc.) who are often overlooked but will feel valued and more motivated by signs of attention showing that their work is appreciated.

—— Should you give your boss a gift? ——

Probably a nice holiday card or something else that is just a gesture of respect and appreciation will do. But do not embarrass him or her by offering an expensive gift. Think how expensive it will be if he or she had to give a present in return to every employee who gave one to him or her.

—— Should you give your co-workers a gift? ——

Probably, management will not be thrilled if the office is full of gift wrap spread all over the the desks and cabinets! Not very good if a client comes in, nor for productivity and maintaining a professional environment neither.

If you prepare gifts for certain co-worked who you appreciate, it is always a good idea to bring your gifts in tote bags that your friends can take home rather than open gift wraps in the office. Better yet, send each gift to each person's home, so they won't have to carry it home on public transportation and you avoid creating jealousy and tensions with those who you did not prepare personal gifts for.

A good alternative is always to organize a Christmas gift exchange, where each person buys one gift and a lottery determines the one gift that every person receives. However, be very careful not to select anything that could be considered inappropriate or offensive in certain cultures or for certain religions.

—— Remember to say thank you ——

If you receive more gifts than you made, show your gratitude. According to Diane Gottsman from the Protocol School of Texas, it is not mandatory to reciprocate, but it is essential to accept the gift with a big smile on your face and a genuine Thank You.

As gift-giving during the holiday season has become a big business and sometimes a complex endeavor, we must not forget the spirit that stands behind it. Therefore, the holiday season in the office should be a time of relaxed and mutual appreciation!

For more information:

Amy Levin-Epstein,Office Holiday Gift-Giving Etiquette: 7 Simple Tips, CBS News (2011).
Athena, Tips on Office Christmas Parties .
Letitia Baldrige's, New Manners for New Times (2003).
Charlotte Ford, 21st Century Etiquette (2001).