This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.
The Ultimate Guide to Gift Giving at Work
The holiday season is sneaking up on us fast and before we know it, we’ll be seeing festive decorations at our favorite stores, hearing holiday music at the mall, and getting those much-anticipated invites to holiday work parties. Before we enter the madness that is the holiday season rush, it’s a good idea to start thinking about your gift giving. By shopping ahead of time, you not only minimize the stress that comes with last minute gift buying, but you also may land some nice early bird deals that will save you some cash. Plus, doing it ahead of time gives you the needed time to find thoughtful gifts – things that your colleagues and clients will actually appreciate and use.
But let’s be real – gift giving at work is a bit of an art. You want to nail it with the right gift, but you also don’t want to go overboard and make things awkward. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we are sharing our ultimate guide to gift giving at work. We’ll dive into who you should consider gifting, what makes the perfect present for each person, and how to deliver it in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Let’s get into it!
Why Gift Giving at Work is a Good Thing (And How to Get the Balance Right)
Before we get into the specifics of what to buy, let’s first take a moment to talk about why gift giving at work is a great idea to begin with. A thoughtful gift can show your appreciation for a boss who has supported you over the years, a mentor who has given you valuable career-changing advice, or even a co-worker who has always been there to lend an open ear. Simply put – it’s a great way to spread some holiday cheer and strengthen workplace relationships. But make no mistake. There’s definitely a fine line between giving a meaningful gift and going overboard.
On the one hand, you don’t want to give something that looks cheap and half-hearted (like a random mug you grabbed from the clearance aisle). On the flip side, you don’t want to be that person who splurges on a luxury item and makes everyone else feel awkward. The goal is to keep your gift somewhere in the middle. Make it thoughtful, personal, and keep it within reason. As a rule of thumb a good budget is usually between $15 and $50, but it honestly depends on your office culture and the relationship you have with the person. Do what feels right to you. After all, gift giving is incredibly personal.
And one final word to the wise. Gift giving at work should never ever feel transactional. It’s not about trying to butter up your boss for a promotion or trying to push a deal over the finish line with a client. The best gifts are the ones that come from a genuine place of gratitude and appreciation, so just be mindful of who you’re buying for and why.
Who to Buy For at Work (and What to Get Them)
Alright, so you’ve decided to spread some holiday joy around the office and get a head start on your holiday shopping. But who exactly should be on your list? In this next section, we break it down into five key recipients: your direct reports, your boss, your mentor, your co-worker/friend, and your client. Each person represents a slightly different relationship and the gift you land on should be reflective of that.
1. Direct Reports
If you manage a team, giving a small gift to your direct reports is a great way to show that you value their hard work. Make sure to keep these gifts super professional but also thoughtful. Whatever you land on should be something that acknowledges their contributions to the team and the company at large without crossing any boundaries.
Some ideas:
- Personalized desk items like a custom nameplate or a stylish organizer that spruces up their workspace is a great option for a team. If you manage a lot of people, you may want to consider checking out sites like Staples Advantage or Swag.com.
- Gift cards to a coffee shop or bookstore. This way, you don’t have to guess what every single person on the team wants nor do you have to assume that every single person would enjoy the same item. This gives them flexibility, but also shows you care.
- Subscription boxes like a monthly snack box or self-care set. Who wouldn’t love a little treat every month? This obviously will depend on your budget – these types of subscriptions tend to be more expensive because they are a recurring subscription vs a one time payment. That said, if it’s within your budget, these subscription boxes are a fantastic way to show your appreciation all year long, not just during the holidays. It’s a thoughtful gesture that keeps giving well beyond the season!
2. Your Boss
When it comes to buying for your boss, finding the perfect gift can be tricky. You want to show your appreciation for their leadership but you also don’t want to come across as trying too hard or ‘sucking up’. It’s a delicate balance. The key here is to go for something professional yet personal, just a little gesture that says “thanks for being a great leader.”
Some ideas:
- Elegant office supplies like a leather-bound notebook or a sleek pen set. It’s classy, practical, and something they definitely will use.
- Gourmet coffee or tea: This is a small little indulgence they can enjoy at their desk or at home. You could also opt for wine, but you have to just make sure that your leader does in fact drink!
- Subtle office decor like a tasteful plant or a small desk accessory that adds a touch of personality to their space.
3. Your Mentor
Mentors are really special and chances are they are probably one of the most deserving people on your gift list. Just think back to all of the invaluable advice and guidance they have given you over your career or time in role. Your gift here should reflect that appreciation and maybe even be a bit more personal, but still within professional boundaries.
Some ideas:
- A heartfelt thank-you note paired with something small and thoughtful, like a handcrafted mug or a book they’d enjoy. We love a good career book. If you need some ideas, check out our article here.
- Experience gifts, such as tickets to a local event or a gift card for a class or workshop they’ve talked about with you!
- Framed photo or keepsake that commemorates a special project or moment you shared together.
4. Your Co-worker/Friend
This is the category where you can have a bit more fun! You probably know your work buddy on a more personal level, so don’t be afraid to get a little creative or playful with their gift. Whether it’s something you bond over or a shared inside joke, this is your chance to really brighten their day.
Some ideas:
- Quirky desk toys or gadgets: Maybe a cute plant, a mini desk game, or even a funny stress ball that provides some laughs throughout the workday.
- Novelty mugs that reflect their personality or sense of humor. Play off of inside jokes or shared hobbies!
- Cozy office extras like a throw blanket, a scented candle, or mini humidifier for their workspace or home office.
5. Your Client
As a rule of thumb, client gifts should always be professional and neutral. You want to show appreciation for your business relationship but you need to be very careful not to cross any lines. Branded gifts are totally fair game here, and going for something that leans more practical is usually the way to go. Also, just make sure to proceed with caution. Some industries have strict policies regarding gifts, so it’s always important to check the rules and ensure it’s appropriate before making any sort of gesture.
Some ideas:
- High-quality journals or pens: This is always a safe but nice bet. It’s something they’ll use and appreciate and it’s not crossing any lines.
- Gourmet gift baskets: There is a reason it is done a lot in the industry. It’s thoughtful and it’s something that your client can take home and also enjoy with their family or friends. We recommend options for a selection of treats like coffee, chocolates, or even a wine set (if appropriate for your industry).
- Branded company items: But make sure they’re sleek and useful, like a tech gadget or eco-friendly water bottle. Try not to send the free notebooks your company gives out to new hires 🙂
How to Deliver the Perfect Gift
So by now, we hope that you’ve landed on the perfect goodies for your upcoming office gift giving. Now, let’s talk about the best way to actually deliver them. Remember, the delivery can be just as important as the gift itself, and with so many people working remotely these days, you might need to get creative.
- In-Person: If you’re in the office, the best way to deliver a gift is in person. Take a moment to give it to them in a casual, one-on-one setting, and say a few kind words out loud too. Try to avoid doing it in front of a large group to prevent any awkwardness.
- Remote: If you’re working remotely, sending a package to their home is a great option. Add a personalized note and maybe give them a heads-up via email or chat that something special is on the way. If your gift is digital (like an e-gift card or subscription), sending a thoughtful message along with it can make it feel more personal.
- Group Gifts: Sometimes, it’s nice to give a team-wide gift, like sending a treat to everyone’s home or hosting a virtual holiday hangout. It keeps things fun and inclusive, especially in larger teams where individual gifting might not be feasible.
Wrapping It Up
Gift-giving at work can be a rewarding way to show appreciation, but you have to get it right to avoid potentially awkward situations. If you keep it thoughtful, personal, and within a reasonable budget, you’ll be sure to make your colleagues feel appreciated and valued. And whether you’re handing over gifts in person or sending them through the mail, the most important thing is to give with gratitude and a smile. Happy gifting!
