13 Big Blunder
Choosing the Wrong Gift

The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed.

—Henry Ford

Gift giving in business often becomes part of our jobs. Holidays, weddings, births, birthdays, and other occasions are usually celebrated in the workplace. Finding the right gift for a boss, colleague, or client can be challenging. Whoever said it is better to give than to receive, underestimated the difficulty and importance of selecting the perfect gift.

Gifts must be chosen with care and thoughtfulness. The gifts we give as well as how we present them are a direct reflection of us. With that in mind, use the age-old custom of gift giving as an opportunity to make a favorable and lasting impression on the recipient. If your company is paying for the gift, find out whether it has a gift-giving policy that limits expense or offers guidelines. If you are giving a gift to a client, make sure you check your client’s policy on receiving gifts.

If you are fortunate enough to be on the receiving end the next holiday season, we offer one final tip: Send thank-you notes to everyone who gives you a gift. Nothing beats a simple handwritten thank-you note sent three to five days after you receive your gift.

Ask Yourself These Crucial Questions

What are some of the recipient’s interests or hobbies?

How does this gift reflect on my image?

Will the recipient be comfortable receiving this gift?

Gift Selection

Simple gifts such as candles, paperweights, picture frames, pen or pencil sets, or music are usually best. A gift should be somewhat personal because you want the recipient to know that you gave the gift some thought. However, the gift should not be too personal and should not embarrass the recipient in any way. If you know the interests or hobbies of the recipient, choose a gift with that theme. Gag gifts are not usually a good idea because they might offend the recipient. Another option is to purchase a gift on behalf of a group of your colleagues. In this way, you can brainstorm gift ideas and perhaps increase the value of the gift itself. A charitable donation made in a client’s name is a wonderful gesture and a great idea for those clients who have a “no gift” policy. The amount of the donation should not be disclosed. The honor is that a donation has been made in your client’s name. Choose a charity that you feel will not be offensive to anyone or one in which the client has previously expressed an interest.

Coffee mugs, T-shirts, pens, or other items that can be personalized with your company logo are popular as well. When trying to set yourself apart from the competition, pick unusual items that would appeal to individual tastes. For example, a soft briefcase, some golf balls, a garment bag, or a gym bag might work really well. Many wineries are willing to private label their wines with a company logo on the label, if appropriate. Gift certificates to new restaurants are a great idea. However, keep in mind that once the certificate is used, it’s the kind of gift that is easily forgotten.

Give a gift that fits the individual. For example, giving wine to a nondrinker won’t go over well, and a gym bag for someone who doesn’t work out doesn’t serve any purpose.

Gifts for Employees

Assistants must be given a gift. The number of years of service should be taken into account when thinking about the gift. If you are giving gifts to other employees in the office, no one should be left out. All the employees should be given an equal or comparable gift.

Suggestions:

Gifts for Employers

Employees can give gifts to their employers. The gift does not have to be expensive and should not be too personal. Joint gifts from an entire staff are a great idea. They are less embarrassing for the employer and will cost each employee less than an individual gift.

Suggestions:

a bottle of wine (if appropriate)

a gift certificate for two to a restaurant

a scarf or a tie

personalized stationery

Gifts for Coworkers

When exchanging gifts with coworkers, it is important that no one is left out and that no one feels alienated. If you plan on giving gifts to a few people only, do so at lunch, and not on company time. Some companies have employees draw a name out of a hat and set a limit for spending. This is a great idea; everyone can be included, and the cost is the same across the board.

Suggestions:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can a gift be too extravagant? What is the appropriate amount to spend?

A. The amount you spend will depend on your personal budget, your previous experiences, and your common sense. If your company is paying for the gift, find out whether there is a gift-giving policy that limits expense or offers guidelines. No matter who is paying, we recommend spending approximately $30 on a classic, thoughtful gift. Food gifts such as fruit baskets, popcorn tins, specialty candies, or business accessories such as pens, calendars, and books are all good ideas. For an extra special touch, have your company logo embossed or printed on the item. Remember that all packages must be neatly wrapped. The gift you give is a reflection of you.

Q. Are there rules of etiquette when it comes to giving alcohol?

A. You should know your company policy regarding alcohol and the company policy of the recipient as well. Some companies prohibit the giving of alcohol under any circumstances. Consider the individual tastes of the person to whom you are giving the gift as well.

If you know the recipient is a wine connoisseur, then a bottle of wine is a thoughtful gift. Alternatives to giving wine or alcohol might include wine books, stemware, or novelty wine stoppers.