Gift Etiquette in the Workplace | Office Depot (2024)

Buyinggifts for employeescan 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 possibleemployee gifts.

Holiday gifts for employeesmay 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 ascomputer accessories
  • Decorations anddesk accessoriesthat 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 foremployer gift givingdepending on their personality:

  • Technology to make their work life a bit easier, like anew pair of headphonesso they can block out distractions
  • Alarge desk calendarso they can keep important dates front and center
  • Atop-of-the-line pento help them quickly jot down notes

Often, employees can band together to buy a biggergift 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 withclient 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 buyingpromotional 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 asplanners and calendars.
  • Don’t forget about special treats you think the client may like. If your client drinks tea, for example, agift basketof 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. Somegift ideas for a home office workercan include:

  • Computer accessoriesto help make their workspace more efficient
  • Office decorthat personalizes their space and makes it more comfortable to work in
  • Office Depot gift cardscan help them make upgrades to their home office space as needed

Giving White Elephant Gifts

Withwhiteelephantgifts, 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 withwhite 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.

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Gift Etiquette in the Workplace | Office Depot (2024)
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