It’s that time of year again – the time that tacky lights and grating music assail us everywhere we go, and the time that we all get to worry about the awkwardness of gift-giving in the workplace.  The questions are endless and unavoidable.  Do you get your boss a gift?  If so, how much should you spend?  What about your other colleagues?  Do you have to give something to everyone on your team?   And then, there are the various games you’re forced to engage in.  For example, you’ll wait until the week before Christmas to see which co-workers give you something, and then you’ll rush out and get something for them in return.  Is there any way around the madness?

Unfortunately, there’s no universal etiquette for workplace gift-giving during the holidays.  If you haven’t been in your organization long enough to know how things are done, your best bet is to ask a trusted member of your team in advance.  An administrative assistant is often the best person to answer questions such as “do people give gifts to everyone at the holiday party or do we do a grab bag or Secret Santa?”  Even if these type of inquiries are a tad embarrassing, you’re better off being informed so you’re not caught unprepared during the team’s holiday festivities.  One thing I would not ask, though, is if the boss gives out choice gifts.  Remember that you get paid for your hard work via a hopefully decent salary, and don’t expect anything in this regard.  If your boss sends you a gift card or puts a nice bottle of wine on your desk, let it be a nice surprise.

It’s always nice to thank your boss for a great year with a small, thoughtful gift (such as a book that’s been on her to-read list or a box of the awesome baklava from Hickory Farms), but don’t go overboard.  An extravagant gift will make your boss feel guilty and may appear like you’re trying to kiss up.  As for everyone else, don’t spend the money unless you’ve been told that the team exchanges gifts all around.  If that is in fact your situation and you don’t have the cash for a shopping spree, you (or your significant other) might get creative.  One year, for instance, I was taking a pottery class, so I handmade little jars for everyone on my team and filled them with holiday treats.  They were a hit!