Increase Your Year-End Joy

A Guide to Workplace Holiday Gifting

December 3, 2024

You’re in the homestretch at the end of the year…it’s almost time to take a break and reflect on all the great things you did this year. But before you do that, you must face the holiday season at work. It can be stressful: year-end deadlines, the holiday social calendar, and the questions about what to do about office holiday gifts. Now is a great opportunity to show appreciation for those we work with. But, unlike with family and friends, gift-giving in a professional setting isn’t always straightforward. There are so many other factors at play: company culture, power dynamics, and unintended signals.

When you take the right approach to holiday gifting, you can enhance workplace bonds, create lasting memories, and contribute to a positive team culture. Let’s break down the ins and outs of holiday gift-giving in the office, along with practical advice on the best approach for your boss, direct reports, coworkers, and even remote colleagues.

Pros and Cons of Gift Giving at Work

Holiday gifting at work can have upsides, but it can also be fraught with potential pitfalls. Gifting too generously might come off as inappropriate or even a “power play,” while forgetting to include someone could risk hurt feelings.

To determine if giving a holiday gift is the right move, let’s start with those who may be on your list, and look at the pros and cons for each potential recipient:

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pros

cons

Your Manager

Shows appreciation and respect

Can appear forced, or like you are trying to gain favor

Direct Reports

Recognizes team contributions and boosts morale

Might create pressure for others to reciprocate

Coworkers

Strengthens relationships and team spirit

Potential to unintentionally exclude someone

Thinking through each pro and con can help you determine whether a gift feels right, and then you can start thinking what type of gift could be for each person.

Gift Ideas by Recipient

Finding the right gift presents the next challenge. Here are some ideas tailored to each recipient:

For Your Boss

Small but thoughtful gifts (think: quality coffee beans, a unique notebook, or a personalized pen) show appreciation without crossing boundaries. Think about something that could be used in a professional setting or something that might make the work life easier
Avoid gifts that are too personal or extravagant, which could make them uncomfortable or seem unprofessional. You may consider something that goes with a hobby or favorite activity that you and your boss have discussed.
Consider spending in the $20-$30 range for a small token. If you are pooling with your other team members, aim for a combined amount that’s still modest (e.g., under $100).

For Your Direct Reports

Practical, team-oriented gifts such as small desk plants, picture frames, holiday treats, or a fun desk gadget can also help individuals feel like they are part of a team. It’s important to treat all your direct reports the same and not play favorites.
As an alternative, hosting a group lunch or going for a team activity could be a fun way to celebrate the season and team spirit.
Spending guidance will vary by team size, but try to stay in the $20 range per person, or consider a team gift that benefits everyone.

For Your Coworkers

If you have a close colleague, you may want to consider a separate lunch outing, either as the gift to each other, or a way to have a small gift exchange outside of the office setting.
So much depends on the nature of your working together and your friendship outside of work. Remember that the gift for your colleague is a token of both aspects of your relationship. Even a small gift can go a long way – think about a favorite gourmet food, travel accessory or hobby supply that they would enjoy.
For other colleagues or project team members, a gift may not be necessary. It’s hard to find a gift for every member of a larger group of colleagues that won’t break your budget. Consider a year-end celebratory meeting treat, such as cookies, donuts, bagels, or even having lunch brought in for your last meeting of the year.

If you’re ever in doubt, remember: it really is true that the thought behind the gift is more important than the gift’s price tag.

Special Considerations for Remote Workers

We all have coworkers and work friends who are working remotely or at a different site. There are several good, inclusive ways to make remote colleagues feel appreciated:

Digital Gifts: E-gift cards, subscriptions to streaming services, or food delivery credits can make for easy, accessible gifts.
Mailing Physical Gifts: Small packages with treats or personalized items can brighten a remote worker’s day.
Virtual Gatherings: Organize a virtual holiday celebration so remote workers can join in on the festivities. Think about the best ideas from the 100% remote days, and host a virtual team event!

Navigating The Group Gift Swap

One great way that coworkers alleviate the potential awkwardness of holiday gifting at work is through an organized gift swap. These go by many different names, including Secret Santa, Secret Snowflake, Pollyanna, Gift Grab, Gift Guess. There are a few additional rules to think about so you can navigate these exchanges with professionalism:

Stick to the Budget: This is not the time to go overboard and try to impress someone by going over the limit. You also don’t want to go way under to try to save some cash. Either of these approaches risks making others feel uncomfortable.
Choose Neutral Gifts: If you’re playing an exchange game, your challenge is to find something that most people would enjoy. Here’s where ideas like festive and fancy treats, desk accessories, even gift cards can fit the situation. Avoid overly personal items.
Be Gracious: If the gift you end up with isn’t exactly to your taste, remember it’s more about the experience you are sharing with your colleagues. Embrace the spirit of the season and express gratitude.

Receiving Gifts from Vendors: Ethical Considerations

The end of year is a prime time for vendors and outside agencies to bestow gifts to their clients. It’s important to be aware of your company’s policy and ethical guidelines around vendor gifts. Most companies have clear policies around what can and cannot be accepted to avoid any conflicts of interest. Three general parameters to remember and maintain integrity and professionalism in your vendor relationships:

Know the Policy:What are the limits or categories on gifts you may accept?
Consider the Perception:How would accepting this gift appear to others? Even a small gift may carry a risk of a wrong perception. You may need to graciously decline the gift.
Keep Records:It’s a good idea to keep a record for yourself of any gift you accept from a vendor.

Stay in the Spirit of Year End

Keep It Thoughtful and Simple

The end of the year should be time of reflecting on progress, completing projects and celebrating accomplishments. The holidays are time to share joy and hope with the people at work who share a large part of your life. Holiday gift-giving at the office doesn’t need to be complicated. Remember that even the simplest gestures can speak volumes, especially when it reflects thought and kindness about the individual and stays within professional limits. Whether it’s your boss, your teammates, or remote colleagues, consider the message you’re sending and the lasting impact it can have on your professional relationships.

The thoughtfulness and effort are what matters. Embrace the spirit of year-end with small, genuine gestures of kind appreciation – and enjoy the connections you build along the way.