Best Gifts for Co-Workers for Every Office Personality

The etiquette of office gift-giving has always been a bit confusing, largely due to ever-evolving company rules that are rooted in rapidly changing cultural norms. Now, however, as more workers return to their offices, they're having to navigate a “new normal" of office etiquette that may include gift-giving — a situation that becomes even more unavoidable during the holiday season.

All that is less stressful than it sounds, according to Tetnika Marie Williamson, a certified life skills coach and etiquette consultant who wrote the book Modern Day Etiquette for Everyday Living. She says, “Office gift-giving is still a great way to make friends, show appreciation, and boost morale, but critical rules and considerations do apply."

Jump to Gift Guide

Here are seven guidelines for office gift-giving, no matter the occasion.

1. Learn your company's policies

Before you even think about gifting, “it's critical to first research whether exchanging gifts is allowed," Williamson advises. That's likely the case since 70% of companies allow gift exchanges. “Still, it's important to break it down and explore the gift culture in general," she adds.

2. Apply no pressure

Pre-pandemic surveys on the subject of office gift-giving showed that while 85% of workers viewed the practice positively, 40% wished companies would prohibit it among employees entirely. That startling disparity in sentiment can be traced to several issues: social pressure to participate, nervousness about selecting the right gift at an affordable price, and the inconvenience of having to adjust one's budget.

“For those reasons, you definitely don't want to put the pressure on," says Williamson, noting that, in addition to finances, people opt out for many reasons that may be deeply personal, religious, or cultural.

3. Set a spending limit

A popular way to avoid much of this pressure during the holidays is organizing a Secret Santa or Yankee Swap exchange, which involves employees volunteering to purchase a single gift at a set price limit for a secret recipient.

Make the shopping experience easier by establishing a range of $20 to $25, Williamson suggests. Setting spending limits also creates a sense of gift equity, meaning it reduces potential negative feelings associated with receiving something of lesser value than you purchased, or vice versa.

Spending limits should also apply to contributions for pooled gifts on occasions like weddings or baby showers. “Putting your money together probably assures getting the best gift from the registry," Williamson says. “And you also eliminate competition issues because the gift is from everybody."

4. Keep gifts 'workplace appropriate'

Stay away from gag gifts, especially ones that can be interpreted as having sexual, racial, political, or religious connotations, which can get you in trouble with HR, or even fired.

Conflicts can also arise with “inside joke" gifts or “those that are too personal or extravagant," says Williamson, who agrees items like lingerie, perfume, grooming items, or expensive jewelry “have the potential to make people feel uncomfortable."

Similar sentiments may explain why alcohol and tobacco products are increasingly making it on company lists of prohibited gift ideas.

“The main point to remember is that you're still at the office," Williamson says. “This is a work function, and you've got to think everything through."

5. Give downward or across

Etiquette rules regarding a gift for the boss are fuzzy. “Generally, it's not a good idea due to the power structure," Williamson says, “because it could be looked upon as inappropriate during annual reviews when promotions are in play, or during holiday bonus season."

The safe play is that bosses should give to their subordinates and subordinates should give to their coworkers. However, if you truly feel an effort must be made for the boss, it's best for employees to pool their resources so no one person sticks out.

READ MORE: Gift Ideas for the Boss

6. Regifting is OK

“There's nothing wrong with regifting an item," Williamson says. The item should be in new to very good condition. “And keep careful track of who originally gave you that gift," she emphasizes, or you could commit a serious faux pas. Nobody wants to have their label maker returned to them.

7. Say thank you

Offering a heartfelt thank you for gifts extends well beyond office settings, so it's always a good idea. “But that's also the simple answer for awkward occasions when someone you didn't get a gift for surprises you with one," Williams notes. Then you can reciprocate the gesture tastefully on another occasion.

Traditional handwritten notes are a class act and particularly on point for bosses who go beyond generic corporate logo items, such as mugs or water bottles, by gifting highly individualized presents, retail gift cards, or any kind of special compensation — for instance, holiday bonuses or paid time off.

READ MORE: What to Write in a Thank You Card

In all, the etiquette of office gift-giving is about abiding by company rules, remaining professional, and purchasing practical, tasteful, and moderately priced gifts. But here's a final note: Although it requires getting to know your coworkers a bit, gifting items that are in line with their personalities, tastes, or interests, are extremely thoughtful.

Best gifts for your coworkers

Here are some not-so-serious musings on typical office personality types along with some very practical and affordable gift ideas to consider for them.