Ok, so office gift-giving is a little dicey this year:
second-year banking analysts aren’t getting bonuses that are five
times my salary, some companies are closing (RIP Te Casan), others are downsizing and
budgets - corporate and personal - are tight.
All of which could make the already-awkward co-worker gift exchange
a whole lot more awkward.
Here are a couple of tips (with gift ideas, of course) to make sure
nobody’s more uncomfortable than they have to be.
1. Be Modest
Even if you can afford to go all out, now’s not the time. It could
get co-workers thinking about how much more you make, or about how
secure you are in your job.
This holiday season is a good opportunity to be thoughtful instead
of lavish – because nobody could reasonably expect lavish anyway.
If a woman you work with loves the color yellow, try tying this
set of three enamel bangles ($5) with a yellow
ribbon, and pairing them with a simple card.
2. Don't Fear The Gift Card - click here to find out why.
3. Go Green (Or Charitable)
Eco-friendly or charitable gifts take the excessive slant off
holiday gifting – there’s something positive to think about other
than your personal enjoyment.
Envirosax makes cute, affordable bags ($8) that can hold up to 44 pounds – the perfect
re-usable grocery tote, and it rolls up small enough to keep in a
desk drawer.
4. Keep It G-Rated
Or maybe PG-rated. But definitely don’t give a personal or
controversial gift to a colleague you only see at work. Use this
rule of thumb: if you’d be uncomfortable discussing the gift in
front of another co-worker, best to opt for something safer.
Candles can be bland…but who doesn’t love candles? These cinnamon stick candles ($8.49-$10.39) are
holiday-appropriate, but not in a cheesy way.
Are you giving gifts to your colleagues this year? Tell us what
you plan to get in the comments section below.
