Seven Holiday Gift Giving Tips for the Office

1. You can give gifts to your closest work colleagues, but give the gifts discreetly—preferably outside of the office. The last thing you want to do is hurt anyone's feelings. Keep the gift simple and moderately priced—and don't be surprised if they don't have a gift in the wings for you.
2. Office accessories and luxuries like desk games, fine pens, external data storage and office decor are great go-to items. Shareable sweets and consumables like nuts and hard candies never go out of style. Gift cards to favorite spots near the workplace are often well received.
3. A bottle of wine is a great and affordable hostess gift outside of the
   office, but when it comes to corporate gifting, consider food rather
   than alcoholic beverages. Avoid gifts of a personal nature like perfume,
   cologne or pajamas.
4. The best way to give to a boss or supervisor is as a department or group. Set a deadline and have an envelope at your desk for anonymous contributions. It's okay to suggest an amount, but let it be known that the amount and even participation is entirely up to the individual. Then, purchase a gift with the proceeds.
5. If you draw the name of a co-worker whom you don't really know from the Secret Santa hat:
   1. Delicious baked goods are usually a safe bet.
   2. Gift certificates to a coffee or tea shop, movie theater, bookstore or online book seller are perennial favorites.
   3. Ask around—find out what his or her favorite charity is and make a donation.
6. If you are giving a significant gift to a client, call the corporation's HR department to find out if gifts are allowed or if there are any restrictions on the type of gift or its value. It would be awkward if you gave something meaningful or expensive and then your client, in turn, has the burden of either returning it or donating it.
7. To honor the giving spirit of the season, suggest your office donate a book on professionalism or your field of expertise to your local library. Or, motivate your entire team to volunteer during the holidays instead of exchanging gifts.

For information on Emily Post Business Etiquette Programs contact Renee@emilypost.com