Christmas gift giving etiquette in the workplace

For a festive and confident holiday, follow the etiquette of gift-giving in the office, according to U.S. News.

Traditionally, employees don’t buy a gift for their boss or manager as it is considered poor form. Some companies ignore this rule and may choose to take donations for a group gift. Nobody should feel pressured into putting in money for these gifts or any other group-based event.
Still, gift swaps are common and can be a lot of fun. Two games are Yankee Swap and Secret Santa.

In the Yankee Swap, everyone buys and wraps an unmarked present and names are drawn to see who chooses and unwraps a present first. The next person up can either take a new gift or steal the one just opened. With Secret Santa, everyone gets the name of another person, and he or she is tasked with buying an anonymous gift just for them.

Pay attention to the spending limit, usually around $20, as well as what message a gift could be sending. Gag gifts can be dangerous if the recipient doesn’t enjoy the joke. Never assume your good intentions will be seen as good. Don’t go political, even if you know the recipient will like it. If you share political humor with someone, give them that gift as a joke outside the office.

Candy and baked goods are usually a safe bet, but mind the recipient’s religious or dietary restrictions.

Obviously, don’t buy a religious gift for a non-religious person or a Christmas-themed gift for a non-Christian.