Gift-Giving Pitfalls

Written by Gloria Elena Alicea | 19 December 2008

Just ask a psychologist. A recent survey by the American Psychological Association shows gift-giving is among the three top causes of holiday stress, next to lack of money and credit card debt. To help you avoid the stress and pitfalls of buying gifts for bosses, colleagues and co-workers, we’ve got some helpful advice on holiday gift-giving.

TO BUY OR NOT TO BUY
According to a 2007 American Express survey, nearly half of the people surveyed (47 percent) do not think it’s a good idea to give the boss a gift, because they see it as inappropriate, perceive it as “kissing up” or don’t think the boss wants to receive gifts from employees.

Business etiquette experts, like Hilka Klinkenberg, author of “At Ease… Professionally: An Etiquette Guide for the Business Arena,” say it is appropriate — and appreciated — to buy a boss, colleague or employee a gift as long as it is thoughtful and in good taste.

Give gifts based on the person’s hobbies, style and tastes, Klinkenberg says, but steer clear from gifts that are too personal. “Avoid anything that touches the skin: lingerie, fragrances, jewelry, clothing, and anything that requires size, style or color,” she advises.

If you have doubts about the gift-giving practices in your workplace, seek advice from a human resources professional in your company.

Grisela Rodriguez, director of human resources at the American Diabetes Association, offers this advice when choosing a gift:

1) Check whether your organization has policies on gift-giving, and ask colleagues what the general practices are in your company and your industry.

2) Give gifts that are small and nominal, not expensive or too personal, because you don’t want to cross any sensitive lines of being politically inappropriate.

Keep in mind that some people have different religious, cultural or dietary practices or restrictions. For example, a non-Christian may be offended if you give them a gift. Someone with food allergies will not want to receive a fruit and nut basket. And a member of Alcoholics Anonymous will not appreciate receiving a bottle of wine.

3) Give a “reflective” gift that reflects a person’s hobby or preference. For instance, a particular flavor or brand of coffee. A small donation to someone’s favorite charity can also be a safe gift.

MAKE IT PERSONAL
To avoid giving the wrong gift, many people opt for gift cards. However, these have their shortcomings. A third of gift cards given in 2007 have not been redeemed nearly a year later, says Consumer Reports, because people don’t have the time to shop, forgot about the card or tried to redeem the card too late (sometimes after hidden fees had swallowed up the value of the card).

Whatever you decide to give, business etiquette coaches agree on this: Accompany your gift with a personal touch. Your gift will be appreciated more if you attach a note that says how much you value your boss, co-worker or employee for who they are and what they do.

And, whatever you do, do not give a gag gift. You may think your boss has a sense of humor and will get a laugh out of receiving a Donald Trump doll, but don’t bet your job on it!.