Finding the perfect gift for a coworker is a great way to earn brownie points in the office. Unfortunately, a landmine field of potential mistakes stands between you and giving that ideal gift.
Do Organize Events
This year, organize a gift exchange at the office. An organized gift exchange allows coworkers to opt in or out of giving and receiving holiday gifts at the office. The organized event also prevents you from creating awkwardness by giving gifts to coworkers who don’t observe the holiday season.
Do Participate
Unless your budget or religious affiliation prevents you from participating in holiday gift exchanges at the office, join in on the fun. Taking part in the festivities ensures you are viewed as a team player and is sure to lift your holiday spirits. Of course, avoid placing judgment on those coworkers who decide not to participate because the decision could have been made for a number of reasons such as for religious ones.
Do Personalize
Don’t buy generic, crappy gifts for coworkers simply because they were on sale. Rather, put some thought into the gifts you select by choosing ones that match the interests of the recipients. A well-planned holiday gift is sure to impress the recipient and will place you in a better light among your coworkers.
Do Wrap Properly
Never throw a holiday gift in a paper bag and call it wrapped. Rather, properly wrap gifts for your coworkers in holiday wrapping paper and complete the package with bows and ribbons. A well-wrapped gift impresses its recipient and shows that you put effort into the gesture.
Do go Homemade
Homemade gifts are acceptable in many holiday situations, especially when those gifts are homemade food. Spiced bread, peanut brittle and other traditional food items (when made properly) are inexpensive as gifts and are sure to impress most recipients.
Don’t Give to All
Never feel obligated to give gifts to everyone in the office. Instead, offer gifts to your friends in the office, your boss and upper management. This keeps your budget in place and prevents the awkwardness that comes with giving gifts to coworkers you really don’t know.
Don’t Re-gift
If you have a box of unopened gifts you received for past holidays, avoid the temptation of re-gifting those items to coworkers. You didn’t open the old gifts for a reason which means your coworkers also won’t want them.
Don’t Overspend
If there is an office gift spending limit, stick to it. By spending more than the allotted amount, you will only create unease between you and those who actually stuck to the spending budget.
From offending a coworker to spending more than you can afford, many potential mistakes await when it comes to exchanging gifts with coworkers. With a little common sense and by following these guidelines, you are sure to avoid the mishaps and can instead enjoy a happier holiday season at the office.
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