Blue Light Special

If you’re anything like 75% of the population out there, you probably haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet and the reason seems to be the same each time; you just don’t know what to get the person on your list. The same often applies with the awkward tradition of gift exchanges at the office. How much do I spend? What would she like? What do I give the boss?

Rachel Zupek at CareerBuilder.com offers a few suggestions should you find yourself a little overwhelmed by all the holiday stress associated with finding “the perfect gift.”

Do….

Give tasteful gifts that are not too intimate but relate to the individual’s interests.

Set and follow spending limits that are appropriate for all levels of employees.

Give a present that might be useful around the office.

Don’t….

Try to outdo co-workers by surpassing the set spending limits; it will only cause resentment from others involved.

Make a scene when giving the gift; it should not be an attention-grabbing device.

Give liquor; while it may be an appropriate gift for your brother-in-law, it is not appropriate for the office.


Some companies have bypassed gift giving entirely in favor of a company pot-luck in which everyone can participate. Beside, do you really need another (fill in the blanks) this year anyway?

Read more here.

For unusual (yet appropriate) gift ideas, click here.

Posted by Shelly Paul, Career Management Coordinator, The H.S. Group