Gift Giving In A Professional Environment: The Basics

Giving gifts in a professional environment, whether to celebrate a holiday or show appreciation to colleague or client can leave the giver fraught with uncertainty. It doesn’t have to be that way, though, because by following a few basic rules, you can make your recipient happy without getting into hot water with your boss.

1. Neutral, impersonal gifts are best.

The most professional gifts are those that, well, express a professional attitude. Classy, useful gifts are the best options. For smaller gifts that might mean a nice pen set, coffee mug, or the like. These gifts demonstrate your appreciation without any risk of offense or awkwardness.

2. Know the company policy

Whether you’re giving a gift to a colleague in your own organization or to a client or colleague at another company, you need to know the company’s (or companies’) policies regarding gift giving. Some organizations simply require that gifts be duly reported, while other forbid the acceptance of gifts over a certain value. It’s painfully awkward for the recipient to have to send a thoughtful gift back to you, and it can strain your relationship with them. And this is exactly the opposite of your goal when giving a gift.

3. Appreciate your assistants.

Remember your assistants and support personnel when gift giving seasons and celebrations come around. They are often invisible to clients and to middle management, and get little recognition. It can mean a great deal to them if you take the time to show that their efforts are appreciated. Also, if clients send edible treats like fruit baskets, baked goods, and other snacks, share these with the rest of the office, especially those who don’t have face time with clients.

4. Get others to chip in on the boss’s gift.

One of the best strategies for gifting to a supervisor is to round up the office and make it a group gift. You’ll get to show the boss you’re glad to work with him, get the credit for organizing a team effort, and you won’t get pegged as a brownnoser for getting him something on your own. It’s a win for everyone involved.

5. Gifts from the company.

If you want to give gifts to clients or employees and make them gifts from your company itself, ordering business promotional gifts can be your best bet. Choose quality items in tasteful colors that will represent your brand well. Take into consideration how your logo will appear on the product. And try to choose something which is as universally useful as possible so that everyone who receives your token will be pleased. Another great thing about ordering promotional gifts for business is that you can keep a few extras on hand. You never know when it might be the perfect time to impress a potential client with a bit of promotional gear. It’s one of the best and most underrated ways to market your business and keep your logo fresh in your customer’s minds.

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