Etiquette for a Christmas Gift for the Boss
Office etiquette can be a tricky thing, especially during the holidays when gifts are being exchanged. If your office has a Secret Santa going on, join in to avoid any gift faux pas. If your office does not have it, go over the company gift-giving policy; it may strictly prohibit giving gifts. If your office says nothing about it, be extremely careful when giving gifts to your boss and fellow employees.
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Don't Give a Gift
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There is no rule saying that you must give a gift to your boss; to some people, it may look like you are trying to get into her good graces if you give a gift. If you don't want to simply ignore the Christmas holiday, get a nice card for your boss.
Get Something Small
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Don't go overboard with spending, if you do get a gift for your boss. A gift card to the coffee shop he stops at every morning, his favorite bookstore or iTunes to add to his MP3 player are all good, slightly impersonal gifts.
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Something They Will Like
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If you want to go beyond a gift card, purchase a small item that you know without a doubt that he will enjoy. A bookmark, a small package of specialty coffee or a new mug are inexpensive but very nice.
Don't Go Too Personal
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You should get an impersonal gift for your boss. Clothing items, even ties or jewelry, are much to personal. If your boss is a close personal friend of yours, you can get a bit more personal than a gift card or bookmark, but exchange gifts outside of the office friend to friend, not employee to employer.
Group Gifts
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If your boss is excellent and everyone in your office wants to get something, go in for a larger gift from the entire office. By doing this, no one is seen as currying favor with the boss. Make sure that everyone's name is on the gift card so the boss is aware of who it is from. You can purchase a larger gift for the boss if everyone is contributing money.
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References
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