Corporate & Coworker Holiday Gifts – Do’s and Don’ts

Updated: 11/30/2021

Selecting a gift for everyone on your shopping list is no easy task. As you tackle your weekend errands you will find thousands of last minute shoppers out to find the perfect holiday gift. You may encounter these lines of shoppers with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. You may feel eager to join in the Christmas spirit, December revelry and holiday enthusiasm. But as the 25th creeps closer, the frantic pressure to have everything ready in time will build.

For many professionals, holiday shopping lists include people from work. In addition to close friends and family, there are a few more recipients on the list. This means finding gifts for clients, coworkers and bosses is now on your fun-filled and nearly endless list of holiday to-do’s.

Choosing corporate gifts can be a less of a hassle when you are sure your gifts are appropriate, your items are customized for recipients, you have a few ideas to start, and when all of your shopping can be completed without ever leaving your home.

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Holiday Gift Exchanges

Participating in holiday gift exchanges is an investment in the relationships that you put 40 hours a week into. As long as you follow company guidelines for gift giving, and use discretion with how much you spend and what you purchase, you are contributing to a better workplace environment for yourself and coworkers.

Your list can include team members, office administrators, clients, coworkers, bosses and even the person that sits in the desk next to you. Consider buying gifts for people who work on the same project, such as those assigned to the same team or department. While gifts are not necessary for everyone in the office, put some thought into who you are shopping for and why.

Here are some of the benefits of buying appropriate corporate gifts:

  • Shows your respect for colleagues
  • Shows appreciation for work well done
  • Builds interpersonal office dynamics
  • Celebrates recent promotions or outstanding performance
  • Contributes to the company culture
  • Recognizes an individual’s role in the organization

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When to Give Corporate Gifts

Buying an extra nice gift for a brand new boss or coworker can potentially be a bit awkward. Make sure to put more time and focus into longer and more established work relationships.

The type of item you get will convey a specific message. For instance, a beautiful marble desk plate with your boss’s name and job title may demonstrate your appreciation for time that they have mentored you. Gifts can be used to say thank you, celebrate achievements, recognize hard work, and show your appreciation for what your colleagues bring to the table. A simple note, holiday card or tasty dessert can be another way to politely participate in holiday cheer.

Choosing a similar gift for all members on your team can be a safe way to avoid leaving anyone with feelings of exclusion. For example, bling badges for your entire customer service team can be an easy way to show everyone how they are a valued member of the organization.

Corporate Holiday Do’s and Dont’s

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 Corporate Holiday Gift Do’s

  • Include a personal note that expresses appreciation for commitment to their work.
  • Keep the tone of the gift and card professional.
  • Consider something trendy that will enhance their desk area, from a small succulent to a new name plate.
  • Bring humor into your gift if it is appropriate. For example, if you have an established rapport with your cube mate, you might want a funny mug or joke calendar.
  • Consider higher caliber gifts for C level employees or larger client accounts. For example, you can customize an Executive Kit to include all types of personalized desk accessories.
  • Celebrate known employee habits or hobbies, such as giving gifts to travelers. An engraved luggage tag or travelling pillow can bring ease to their many commutes.
  • Double check spelling on any personalized items and cards.

Corporate Holiday Gift Don’ts

  • Never buy clothing for coworkers. Accounting for both taste and size is too risky.
  • Avoid gifts such as music and books unless you are certain that your coworker has an interest in a certain topic.
  • Certain gifts are never appropriate. Avoid choosing items that are overly personal, suggestive, offensive, or will make anyone uncomfortable.
  • Even if alcohol is not explicitly prohibited in your office, it is still better to avoid drinks in a workplace environment.
  • Making a huge production of giving presents to certain coworkers and not others is in poor taste. Consider who will be around when you give gifts and how the display will be interpreted by present company.
  • Buy items that call attention to a coworker’s age.
  • Pay attention to office gifting policies, which address spending limits, expectations or rules. Some company structures do not allow for lower level employees to give gifts to bosses or anyone in a position that is above theirs in the company hierarchy.

Last Minute Gifts

If you are still stressed about what to purchase, keep in mind that you want to order before Christmas. Ordering online from an established company can help ensure that your gift will show up in time.

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Remember, if you still are panicking about which item to get, consider practical, useful and professional gifts. Incorporate the color scheme of your workplace and choose something that will motivate or inspire others.

Let this Christmas be your chance to contribute to your company culture and lift the spirits of those around you.

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