The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has officially begun and many of you are probably still trying to recover from your day after Thanksgiving early morning shopping spree. While you were seeking out the best gifts for the best deal, did you buy your boss a holiday gift? No worries, you still have some time.....
Are you obligated to buy your boss a Christmas gift? I wrote about this topic last year in my December PR Tactics column and searched some PR blogs to see if anyone else has addressed this issue (so far, I've found nothing). Is there a hands down right answer? Debatable.
Here are a few options:
1) Buy your boss a gift from you.
2) Have all of your colleagues chip in to buy your boss a gift.
3) Get your boss nothing (and hope no one else in your office does either -- those brownnosers...). This may be what many employees lean towards, especially if they are broke, don't like their boss or both.
Seriously, many etiquette experts say that you are not obligated to buy your boss a gift. One reason, is that you might come across as trying to buy your way into he good graces of your boss. Another reason is that the gift you choose may not be appropriate or actually offend the person.
If you feel obligated to say thank you in some way, then I (and many etiquette experts) recommend purchasing a team (or office) gift. Approach all of your co-workers and ask if they want to go in together. Next, determine how much you want to spend and then each person should pitch in. Keep in mind, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get her a great gift.
A few things to avoid, alcohol, intimate items, perfume, clothes, etc. Good suggestions, food or gift cards. A perfect gift would be a gift card to a local golf store if your boss' favorite hobby is golfing.
But what about my co-workers? Do I need to get them something? I've worked in offices where employees give everyone something and in offices where no one gets anyone anything. No, you don't have to get your co-workers a gift.
However, a few nice gestures include giving everyone a card and personally thanking them for something they have done to help you during the year. If you like to cook, make little cookie platters for people, or one large platter for the office. It is a nice gesture and doesn't cost too much (just a little time).
The holidays should be a fun time so don't let your decision stress you out. Just choose the option that you feel works best for you.
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