Holiday Gifts for the Boss

Select the Right Present for a Supervisor

Nov 23, 2009 Cynthia Myers

Buying a holiday gift for the boss can be tricky. Employees must choose something appropriate without going overboard.

The toughest person to buy for on any Christmas list just might be the boss. She probably makes more money than anyone else in the office, yet her employees don’t want to come off looking cheap with the gifts they give her. If he doesn’t like a gift, the employees worry what that might mean for their job futures. And the boss isn’t the only one who’ll judge a gift; co-workers will be paying attention, too.

Should Employees Give a Gift to the Boss?

Employees aren’t obligated to give a gift to their supervisor. Even if she gives a gift, workers only need reciprocate with a thank you card.

Employees shouldn’t give a holiday gift to the boss if:

• Company policy prohibits it.
• Other employees don’t give gifts.
• The boss doesn’t celebrate the holiday.

If the employee decides to give a gift, she should choose something modest, practical, and not too personal. No clothing, jewelry or perfume.

The employee shouldn't be too extravagant, either. Co-workers may feel the gift giver is trying to curry favor with the boss. If a gift is too expensive, the boss may be uncomfortable receiving it.

The employee shouldn't make a big deal out of presenting the gift. He may simply leave the gift on the boss's desk at the end of the day, or drop it off early, before too many people are around. It wouldn't do to embarrass co-workers who've chosen not to give a gift. These rules are part of the the unspoken etiquette of workplace gift giving

Edible Gifts for the Boss

Homemade jams, jellies, cookies or cakes are welcome gifts, as long as the boss eats such things. A fruit basket, spiced nuts or other savory snacks are other good food gift options.Gift givers should avoid giving fruitcake unless they want to endure days of jokes about bad fruitcakes, even if theirs is wonderful.

Wine or liquor can be appropriate gifts if the boss drinks. It's best to stick to modest vintages. A selection of tea for a tea lover or gourmet coffee are also good choices.

Group Gifts From Co-workers

In some offices, co-workers get together to buy the boss a group gift. They choose something for the office-a painting, other artwork or a coat rack. Or they select a gift related to an interest of the boss-a golf club for a golfer, or binoculars for an avid bird watcher. The trick here is to choose something the boss doesn’t already have and something they know she’ll appreciate.

Holiday Gift Cards

Gift cards are safe because the boss can choose his own present. Bookstore and coffee shop cards are usually welcome. Gift certificates for a spa might also be well-received, though employees should be careful with gifts like massages-not everyone appreciates these.

Employees should always err on the side of caution when presenting gifts to the boss. If the employee doesn't know his boss well, he should choose something generic and safe. Gifts for bosses should be modest and appropriate. No gift at all is better than the wrong gift. Whether a group gift of something chosen individually, the right gift makes a good impression without seeming fawning. And a simple holiday card is always appropriate.

The copyright of the article Holiday Gifts for the Boss in Career Advice is owned by Cynthia Myers. Permission to republish Holiday Gifts for the Boss in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Learn the Rules for Buying a Gift for the Boss

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