Admin's Assistant

What gift should you give your boss this holiday season?  

The holidays are approaching. Do you buy your boss a gift? If so, what should you get? You have to avoid sending the wrong impression when giving gifts at work. You want it to be somewhat fun, but it must be tasteful. Think of the individual and what’s been offered in the past.

Do you really know a lot about your boss and their out-of-office interests? Do you know their hobbies? If they are avid golfers, consider a golf-related gift. Or maybe purchase a store gift card so they can choose their own gift! Just don’t overspend, so as not to look like you’re trying especially hard to impress.

They may be suitable for friends or family, but don’t be tempted by gag gifts—they are considered a workplace taboo. Check around your office and see if there are any policies in place about giving your boss a gift. Your Human Resource manual may have a policy that you’re unaware of. Many companies do not allow employer/employee gift exchanges.

Larger companies may frown on employee/employer gift exchanges because several employees report to the same boss. It may be totally acceptable at a small company and your boss may see it simply as an act of appreciation.

Whatever you decide to give your boss as a holiday gift, wrap it—you want your gift to be nicely presented. What you choose to give and how you present your gift can say a lot about you.

Appropriate gifts for your boss could include calendars, organizers, pen sets, food baskets, stationery, tea, coffee or even stress-reducing squeeze balls. Some other work-appropriate gift ideas to give your boss are:

• Food trays for all employees to enjoy, even homemade
• A donation made to a local charity in the name of all employees
• Gift cards from coffee shops or book/music stores 

Will you be giving your boss a gift this holiday season?