One way to show your gratitude is by giving a gift. A gift can let the recipient know that you notice them and what they contribute. However, when it comes to giving gifts in the workplace, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

Knowing gift etiquette in the workplace can help you communicate the right message with your gifts. Here’s what you need to know for choosing and giving corporate gifts to others in your workplace.

Is It Appropriate to Give Co-Workers/Bosses Gifts?

In most workplaces, it’s acceptable to give gifts to your co-workers or boss. Of course, some workplaces may have a policy about gift-giving in the office. Some policies may prohibit gift giving, in which case you should prefer to refrain. Other policies may set guidelines that limit the value of the gift that can be given to co-workers or bosses. Keeping in mind the policy that exists at your workplace, selecting an appropriate gift for those at your job can help you demonstrate appreciation and kindness.

Nearly 86% of employees reported that exchanging gifts with colleagues during the holidays positively impacted their relationships with their co-workers. More than 84% also reported that gift-giving positively impacted workplace morale. In fact, it can be a good way to mark a number of occasions, such as days set aside to commemorate a colleague’s position (e.g.,  Administrative Professionals Day), holidays, or to say thank you at the end of a big project.

To help you navigate the process of choosing the suitable gifts, here are some colleague, client, and employee gift ideas and considerations.

How Much Should You Spend on Gifts for Co-Workers?

The amount you should spend on gifts for co-workers can depend on several things, including:

• Your relationships with your co-workers
• The occasion
• The workplace culture
• Any limits/restrictions set by your company’s policy

A gift between $20 and $30 may show appreciation without making the recipient feel obligated to do something after receiving it. In a survey conducted by Office Depot in November of 2019, the average amount people reportedly spent was $25 on gifts for their co-workers. For bosses, though, people tend to spend an average of $30 on a gift.

Gift Ideas and Etiquette for Co-Workers

When it comes to finding co-worker gifts, it can sometimes be a challenge to find something that balances thoughtfulness with professionalism and utility. Fortunately, there are a few ideas that can help.

When looking for the right gift for a co-worker, one place to begin is by considering their personality and preferences. For example, if you know a colleague prefers tea to coffee, has a sweet tooth, or loves dogs, you could use that information to get them a gift they might appreciate.

Some ideas to consider include:

• Special gift baskets or sweets
• Desk accessories that can help your colleague dress up their space
• Tea or coffee supplies and mugs
• Engraved or otherwise personalized office supplies

If you’re particularly close to a co-worker, a more personalized gift may mean more — just make sure it’s still appropriate for the office and complies to your company’s policy.

Gift Ideas and Etiquette for Employees

Buying gifts for employees can be a good way to demonstrate your attention to their efforts and your appreciation of what they’ve accomplished. Consider what you know about your subordinates to help you find the best possible employee gifts.

Holiday gifts for employees may even encompass festive themes or touch on the needs and interests of the recipients. These types of gifts can let employees know they’re valued and recognized at the organization, which can help improve morale and inspire team members to continue to work their hardest.

Some ideas to consider include:

• Engraved or personalized office supplies, such as a mug
• Items that make employees a bit more comfortable at their desks, such as computer accessories
• Decorations and desk accessories that help brighten up their office space

As their boss, though, make sure you try to stick to practical gifts. Too personal of a gift might show nepotism, so it’s a good idea to gift employees similarly.

Gift Ideas and Etiquette for Your Boss

Many employees may find themselves in a position to give gifts to their bosses. Presenting a gift to your boss can be a token of appreciation. You can let your boss know that you think they do a good job in their leadership position with the right gift.

Here are a few considerations for employer gift giving depending on their personality:

• Technology to make their work life a bit easier, like a new pair of headphones so they can block out distractions
• A large desk calendar so they can keep important dates front and center
• A top-of-the-line pen to help them quickly jot down notes

Often, employees can band together to buy a bigger gift for the boss. Rather than buying several smaller gifts, you can come together to buy a particular device, decoration, or accessory that you suspect your boss would appreciate. If you find something you think your boss would like, consider speaking with the rest of your team to see if others might be interested in splitting the cost.

Gift Ideas and Etiquette for Clients

It can be customary to give clients a gift to thank them for their business. Before you move forward with client gifts, however, check your company policy that pertains to this relationship. Some companies prohibit or restrict gift giving to clients. It’s also a good idea to check with your client. Some clients may not accept gifts or have limits on the financial value of gifts they can receive.

After you determine the restraints you have on gift-giving, here are some ideas to get you started:

• You might consider buying promotional products, such as a water bottle. The branded label can also remind them of the quality services your company provides.
• Practical gifts can also be a good fit for a client, such as planners and calendars.
• Don’t forget about special treats you think the client may like. If your client drinks tea, for example, a gift basket of specialty teas might be a suitable selection. You might also consider specialty treats, such as international or handmade candy.

Gift-Giving for Remote and Hybrid Employees

With some businesses embracing remote work, don’t forget to show your appreciation for remote and hybrid employees. While it is a good idea to show your appreciation for their contributions and make them feel included in the organization, don’t forget that the company policies still apply to remote workers.

Since they might be working from home, your gift can reflect that. Some gift ideas for a home office worker can include:

• Computer accessories to help make their workspace more efficient
• Office decor that personalizes their space and makes it more comfortable to work in
• Office Depot gift cards can help them make upgrades to their home office space as needed

Giving White Elephant Gifts

With white elephant gifts, the idea behind the gift exchange is to be outlandish so the recipient and anyone watching can laugh and enjoy the present.

Since you can be a bit silly with this present, consider what might play into the interests of your co-workers to start coming up with white elephant gift ideas. If they’ve mentioned a fondness for particular childhood shows or books, for example, then gifts that play into these interests might be well appreciated. You can also consider interests outside the office, such as the beach. Getting a beach-themed, shell-covered desk lamp can be a humorous gift in an office setting for a beach lover.

Secret Santa Gift Exchanges

Secret Santa gift exchanges can be a good solution if you don’t want every person in the office to buy a present for every other person. With a Secret Santa, people select names from a hat and buy a present just for that one person. Everyone in the workplace has a Secret Santa who will present them with a gift. Many workplaces elect to do this gift exchange during an office holiday party or similar casual setting.

When businesses set up Secret Santa, they may also set guidelines. For example, there might be a cost maximum, such as saying no one can spend more than $30. Since you only have to buy for one person, though, you have more time to give it careful thought. You can pay closer attention to their interests and preferences and what might benefit them professionally.

Start Searching for Gifts Early

The last thing you want is to stress out over the perfect gift as the holidays draw near. Plan your gift-giving early to help keep stress levels to a minimum and to have plenty of time to find just the right gift for those in the office.

This Gift-Giving Guide can help you get started with your search. Consider the advice and tips suggested above and see how the ideas in this guide can help you pick the right gift for everyone on your list.