7 Easy Tips for Office Holiday Gift-Giving Etiquette

The holiday shopping season is officially underway! For office workers, this includes shopping for colleagues and bosses. However, buying gifts for them can be as much of an etiquette minefield as the annual holiday party. Giving the wrong gift can derail your career before New Year's. Giving the right one can probably assure you'll start 2019 off right.

Here are 7 smart tips that can help:

1) Don’t Break Your Budget

It's easy to want to impress your boss and colleagues with pricey presents, but this may send the message that you're trying to buy their loyalty. Make an effort to establish an agreed upon budget to spend less rather than more. An office holiday gift is meant to be a token of appreciation rather than a large present from Santa. This way your gift be seen as more tasteful and your credit card debt will thank you.

2) Make Thoughtful Choices

Remember that gifts to your officemate won't be as personal as to your spouse or parent, so it’s good to show that you know something about the person. Think about choosing something he or she can use at work, like such as a stylish organizer, or vintage pen, or even a gadget cover or caser. Also, you can never go wrong with gift cards or sports tickets. Even baked goods are safe options. Avoid bottles of liquor or spa treatments as these are sometimes risky if the person doesn't drink or could send a mixed message.

3) Give Outside of the Office

If you're only giving gifts to specific people and not the entire staff, consider doing it at lunch or after work as you depart the building. However, if you're giving to all, make sure the gifts are equal in value, especially if staff members are at equal levels on the corporate ladder. It’s a good idea to avoid giving more to one than the other because they will certainly compare.

4) Don’t Forget Your Assistant

A small token is still perfectly fine -- but always give something. It is definitely a nice holiday gesture to show your gratitude to someone who shows loyalty and supports you throughout the year. Even if your colleague person is new to the office, it's still quite appropriate.

5) Consider Joining Forces

You could always play it safe and organize a group effort if you're unsure whether it's appropriate to get your boss a gift. When you go this direction, it looks less self-serving and you'll be able to give him or her a nicer gift without breaking your holiday budget.

6) Say Thank You

Let’s face it, we’ve all been caught off guard by a gift from someone you didn't buy for. Don't sweat it -- simply give back your gratitude. Remember, It isn’t mandatory to reciprocate, however it is very essential to accept the gift with a genuine smile along with a sincere, 'Thank you so much for thinking of me. How thought of you.’

7) Forget the Gag Gifts

Think before you buy! Anything that can be received as possibly offensive has no place in an office environment. Gag gifts are more appropriate for very close family and friends. The only exception to the rule in a professional setting is when your office is hosting a white elephant exchange or yankee swap where the premise is to give a silly gift, opt for tasteful over tacky.