Christmas Rants

Start By Setting a Limit

Gift for coworkers can get quite costly depending on how many you have to buy, so it is a good idea to set a price limit in advance so that you don’t blow your Christmas budget. Another reason to set a modest price limit when you are buying gifts for coworkers is so that you don’t inadvertently make anyone uncomfortable. There may or may not be written rules about a recommended price limit for gifts in the workplace, but a general unwritten rule is that $15 is the upper end to spend on gifts for coworkers.

Don't Gift Up

It is generally an unwritten, but justified, rule to not gift “up the ladder.” A subordinate typically should not buy a gift for his or her superior. It is, however, perfectly acceptable to give a card with a handwritten note addressed to your boss. In addition, you typically do not want to give gifts for coworkers if the gifts are overly religious. Corporations may have policies against gifts of this nature. If you have any doubt about whether a gift is appropriate, consult your Human Resources representative. They can help you interpret your company’s policies and procedures.

Sweet and Simple

If your work environment does not take part in exchanging Christmas gifts but you still want to acknowledge your coworkers at Christmas time, in lieu of gifts for your coworkers, simply give them all a Christmas card with a candy cane attached. Another alternative to individual gifts for coworkers is to simply bring in a holiday snack or holiday candy and put it in the break room. That way your coworkers can all enjoy a tasty holiday snack thanks to your generosity but you won’t be disrupting the workplace dynamic by giving gifts for coworkers when no one else is.

Visit this website to get more great ideas for gifts for coworkers.