Gift- Giving Guidelines

"I was really pleased that the decorator for the office gave us a beautiful plant when she finished the job -until i found a note under one of the leaves that indicated the plant had originally been giving to her!"

Understand that gifts can have an impact on your work relationships

A nighttime word processor for a law firm told me that she rarely sees or interacts with the attorneys she does work for because of her hours.But she takes especially good care of one who left her a holiday gift and card on her chair.It wasn't a huge or expensive gift; it really was the thought that counted

Know the different types of gifts and when it's appropriate to give them

Business gifts are generally exchanged among company employees clients,customers or vendors to celebrate birthdays,holidays,retirements,births,or to thank someone.Hostess gifts are given when you go to someone's home for a meal or party. Hostess gifts are required.Business gifts depend upon the relationship between the giver and receiver and company policy.

Employee gifts

An employee is not required to give a boss a gift. A boss can give an employee a gift.In Some companies a department will"chip in" and buy a group gift for a boss.

Don't send the wrong message

Be careful about giving gag gifts that aren't appropriate for any type of business gift giving like nightgowns,which have a romantic connotation.

Simple often works best

You want to choose a quality item,But it doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune or buy something complicate.choose a gift with the particular person in mind.If you're uncertain about what to buy someone,here are some business gifts ideas:Food-homemade cookies are generally an appreciated gift-business books,pocket calender,holiday plants,pen and pencil sets,stationary or calculators.Talking the person to lunch can also be a nice and appropriate gift.

Participate in company gift giving traditions

Some holiday gift giving is determined by company tradition,like "grab bags" with dollar limits.It's usually beast to be part of the group and participate.It's important for you to know what kinds of gifts people give one another and to adhere to dollar limits.

Know your company's guidelines for client/customer gift giving

Many companies establish guidelines on what is acceptable for employees to give their clients or customers and how much money can be spent on the gift.Depending upon your situation and relationship,it can be appropriate to give a client theater tickets,tickets to sporting events,or to treat them to a nice dinner.If your company has no such guidelines,check with your boss.

Know your company's policy for gift receiving

Some companies might not allow you to receive gifts from vendors or set dollar limits on the value of gifts that employees may receive. Some companies have a policy that all gifts must be shared or given to the company gift bank.A traffic manager once took home a whole tray of holiday cookies sent to him by a vendor.The vendor happened to meet the man's boss and asked him if he and the department enjoyed his gift.

Hostess Gifts

A hostess gift,such as flowers,a gift set of assorted coffees,or a box of chocolates is required if you're attending a meal or party at a co-worker's or manager's home.If you give flowers,send them ahead of time so the hostess doesn't have to handle them when you arrive.

Don't exaggerate

Don't put a gift in a box from a fancy store if it doesn't come from that store.If the person goes to return the item, he or she could be embarrassed .Don't pass off a gift that you don't want to someone else.

Refuse graciously If you must

If you must refuse a gift because accepting it would violate your company's policy,you don't ever want to embarrass the sender.Be gracious but explain why you cannot accept the gift you can say,"How nice of you! Unfortunately, our company policy prohibited me from accepting your thoughtful gift."

Always send a thank you note

Even if you thank the giver in person, proper business etiquette calls for sending a thank-you note.