Gift Giving in the Workplace

Ever wonder what to give your co-workers or boss for the holidays? How about your clients? Here are some tips that will help you navigate this trickey situation with ease.

Giving a Gift to Co-worker or Boss:

• Make sure there are no human resources policies against gift giving.
• Don’t give anything too personal (a massage certificate or nose hair clippers).
• Don’t give anything that is too expensive that would in any way seem inappropriate or like you are trying to “brown nose’ someone (like an expensive Bluetooth sound system for office).
• Think about homemade gifts and whether or not the person would like it or just feel obligated to use it (Christmas sweater or scarf)
• Include a personal handwritten card and give the gift in person if you can.
• If you give a gift that others see to one person in a particular position or office, you may want to give the same type (value) to the others. Or, just give the gift away from the office.

Giving Gift to a Client:

• Check corporate policies.Check if any limitations on gifts.
• Determine wants. Know client’s likes and hobbies.
• Consider cultural differences.
• Go for quality. Any gift reflects image of your firm.
• Give with a handwritten card.
• Spend on packaging and deliver personally if you can.
• Know your tax deductions. Between $25-$75 deduction per person.
• Safe choices for everyone are gift cards to restaurants or places they like, tickets to an event they might want to go to, food items, nice bottle of wine if they drink, something for their office, or something related to their hobby or interest.

New for 2015:
I am teaching several etiquette classes for chidren in the Charlotte and Lake Norman areas. For more information go to www.finesseworldwide.com or email her at aimee@finesseworldwide.com.