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Step 1
Find the perfect gift by considering who you’re buying for. If you don’t know them very well, you can find clues around their desk. Do they like animals, have kids or go to the gym during their lunch break? Try to give co-workers gifts that reflect their interests, values and tastes.
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Step 2
Avoid high risk gifts like food, alcohol, cigars and perfumes. You never know if someone has allergies, hates smoke, has a specific diet or doesn’t drink. The only appropriate food gifts are those you made at home.
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Step 3
Many offices have implemented gift-giving guidelines, so make sure you are following the office protocol to avoid any inappropriate gesture that could be misconstrued. It's better to be safe than sorry; when in doubt ask human resources.
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Step 4
If your gift is meant to be funny consider what’s appropriate. Always remember that you could get in trouble if your gift is taken out of context, even if it was all meant in good fun. If the gift is vulgar, obscene, racist or sexist reconsider.
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Step 5
If you’re in a department gift exchange make sure you know what the spending limit is and stick to it.
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Step 6
If you're still weary of buying a gift for a co-worker try suggesting a small office party or a department lunch in lieu of gift-giving.
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Step 7
Remember that everyone is is the same boat when it comes to office gifts, if all else fails ask for help or go straight to the source. It isn't inappropriate to ask someone what they like.
