7 Tips to Choose the Right Gift For Your Boss

When the holiday seasons draws near, many well intended employees, nervously start looking for the perfect gift to give their boss. While this token of appreciation may seem like the perfect way to say thank you, buying the wrong gift can send an unintended message. Giving a gift that causes the wrong idea may in turn cause weeks, months and even years of awkward moments between you and your boss.

But if you are going to give your boss a gift this year, you should do your homework first. By carefully planning your gift, you will be able to provide an appropriate present that your boss will love and enjoy. Below is a list of workplace gift giving tips that will help you chose the perfect gift for your boss.

Tips on choosing the right gift for your boss

  1. Avoid giving gifts that are too personal: Many gift giving experts agree that a good rule to follow, is never give a gift that comes into contact with the skin. You may be asking yourself what does this mean. Basically this rule means no perfume, no clothing and no jewelry. These items are consider too personal for the work place and should be avoided.
  2. Spend the right amount of money: By spending too much money on a gift, it could show that you are asking for favoritism from your boss. But by spending too little it can show that you really don’t care about the gift you are giving. A good rule of thumb is to spend no less than $10 but no more than $25.
  3. Avoid giving alcohol: While some bosses would love a bottle of fine whiskey, others may frown upon drinking. Unless you know your bosses opinion on booze, it’s a good idea to stay away from giving alcohol as a gift.
  4. Gift cards are a great way to say thank you: Let’s face it; everyone loves to get a gift card around the holiday season. It shows your boss that you have thought about them this year, while letting them pick something out they will actually use at the same time.
  5. Give a group gift: A great way to give a meaningful gift to your boss is by pooling your resources. This will allow you to buy a larger gift as a group, without looking like you are kissing up to the boss. Collect $10 or $20 from each worker and appoint someone as the gift buyer.
  6. Never send your gift to their home: This one can really get you into trouble. By sending a gift to your bosses home, you might cause an unnecessary fight between spouses if there husband or wife gets the wrong idea.
  7. Make sure to check the employee handbook: Many companies have come up with rules and guidelines that specifically address gift giving. This will help guide you in the right direction when it comes to buying a bosses gift.