Gift-giving advice for the office: Etiquette experts on what to get your coworkers, employees, or boss

The holidays are the perfect time to show people that you appreciate their time, their effort, and the value they bring. But when it comes to giving gifts at work, most people are confused about what to do.

Should you, or shouldn’t you, buy your boss a present? What about your coworkers or direct reports? How much should you spend for the office gift exchange? What about your office bestie?

We asked the experts to weigh in, and here’s what they had to say.

Is it acceptable to give holiday gifts at work?

“To gift someone in the workplace is always acceptable, Alyse Dermer, founder of Mr. Considerate, a luxury gift concierge service, tells Fast Company. “Gifting can reinforce positive working relationships, strengthen team connection, and create moments that feel personal in a world that often feels transactional.”

“People work hard,” Dermer adds. “You spend a lot of time with your coworkers, and they want to be seen. It’s different from a company bonus. It doesn’t need to be expensive, it just needs to be thoughtful. And thoughtfulness really lands.”

Dermer says a good gift shows you appreciate people’s work and pay attention to their interests: “You work with these people everyday, you depend on them, they depend on you”—and a gift should reflect that.

Ask yourself: “Where are they in their life?” For example, is someone getting married? How about matching mugs or luggage tags? Or, does your coworker want to learn how to cook? You could get them a cookbook.

Should I get my boss a gift?

“If you feel compelled to gift your boss, it should be something modest,” national etiquette expert Diane Gottsman tells Fast Company. “Something they can use, such as an inexpensive office gadget, baked goods, or a box of fruit. Not wine, cologne, or a tie.”

Choose a minimal price point to show you aren’t “sucking up” to the boss, or trying to get special treatment from a supervisor or a colleague.

What about colleagues?

“Many offices have a Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange. Always stay within the price range,” Gottsman advises.

But what if you want to gift your office bestie or “work wife” something special?

“Anything else should be given out of the office, if you are only going to gift a few people and not others,” she says. “It avoids hurt feelings.”

What are some expert-approved gifts?

Gottsman recommends a thermal tote bag, a multi-prong cell phone charger, a beautiful bottle of olive oil, or a warm scarf.

“One thing I have been gifting is games,” Dermer says. “Chess, checkers, Rummikub, or a Majong set. Games are fun and they bring you together.”

Some of Dermer’s favorite gifts include:

• Flamingo Estate olive oil and vinegar set
• Leatherology tech organizer
• Aura digital frame
• Rummikub set
• Backgammon set
• Coffee table book
• Blunt umbrella

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