It’s that time of the year again when you want to show some appreciation for that one person who is a mentor, guide, leader, and occasionally, intimidator – your boss. Looking for the best Christmas gifts for your boss can be a bit overwhelming. There’s also that issue of whether it is considered appropriate or not. The key thing to remember is that it is Christmas time, and the holidays are always a great excuse to be generous. Here are tips on how to find the best gifts for a superior.
Determine What Your Boss Likes.
Consider your boss’ favorite stuff, then go from there. It does not always have to be work-related and could just be something associated with his/her interest or hobby. Your boss might like a certain sport, for example, or a movie franchise, or tea, or a certain food. Consider what your boss does out of the office. Maybe he goes out to play tennis on weekends or goes fishing, or paints, or loves comic books. You will always find the perfect Christmas gift that matches your boss’ interests.
Try Not to Send the Wrong Message.
Humor is fun but it can also be subjective. When choosing a Christmas gift for a superior, try not to push the boundaries of your professional relationship too much. Some gifts, such as a mug with a funny message or some other gag gift, would be fun if your boss were the kind of person who would appreciate that sort of sentiment. For most bosses, however, this may not be a good idea. Any type of gift that has an overtone that borders on personal grooming, hygiene, political, racial, or sexual subjects should be avoided. They may seem innocent to you but your recipient may take them the wrong way. Go for a more neutral gift.
Do Not Spend Too Much on the Gift.
Your boss knows how much you are making and likely would not mind receiving a gift that is within your budget. According to a survey involving HR managers, the recommended price point for the boss’ gift should be around $20. Of course, you could go over this if you could afford it and if you think your boss deserves it. However, giving an expensive gift may be construed as trying to be on the boss’ good side. To be safe, consider office tradition or practice. What co-workers give would be a good indication of what is deemed acceptable.
Ask Co-Workers.
If you are unsure what to give your boss, ask your co-workers about their practice. This is particularly helpful if you are new to the company and are still trying to feel your way around. In some cases, your co-workers may even offer to pool their money to get your boss a gift and you can just simply chip in. If this is the practice, go ahead and join the pool. Someone in the group, usually the person who knows the boss quite well, is likely going to choose the gift or at least, it would be a consensus. Plus, it is a lot cheaper this way.
Be Aware of the Little Things.
Try to know a bit about your boss before you give a gift. Know if they have allergies, for example, or have dietary restrictions. Maybe they have had bad experiences in the past and certain gift items may trigger a sad memory. A boss who is trying to cut down on sugar will likely not appreciate a box of bon bons or if they have been drinking heavily in the past, a bottle of wine is not the ideal option. Again, go for more neutral or functional items.
Avoid Religious Items.
It is a good idea to be aware whether your boss practices a certain religion. You might buy a gift that would simply be inappropriate. Certain religions, for example, do not encourage their members to give or receive gifts while others may have a restrictive approach to certain holiday-related items. A Santa lamp, for example, may not be a good gift idea for someone who is a Muslim or Jewish. If your boss expressly states that he/she does not want any gifts for any reason, then respect that decision.
Go for Safe Options.
There are safe options as Christmas gifts for the boss. Usually, these consist of food, beverages, office items such as pens, notepads, organizers, or even a picture frame. Take it a notch higher by personalizing the gift. Many vendors offer products that can be customized for free or for a small fee. Hand painted stationery, for example, will make a nice gift to a boss who appreciates unique art. Another option is to consider making a donation to the boss’ favorite charity in their name. This is a thoughtful way of showing your boss that you respect what he/she cares deeply about.
Avoid Being Pressured to Give the Gift You Do Not Want.
It is not mandatory for employees to give their boss a gift. Of course, it all boils down to your own choice. Do not think that you should give more than what you can afford. If someone is insisting for some reason that you give a gift you are not comfortable with, do not give in to pressure. Give only what you feel is appropriate for the season.