STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

etiquette for buying boss a present

Suasoria · Chanel

I used to give my boss a gift, usually something for her house, but not more than $20-30. Wine (if applicable) or food is also fine. Occasionally we'd all put in $10 and get her something from everyone. I don't see why it would be inappropriate unless there's a policy against it.

Starstuff · Kenneth Cole

I've always heard that you never "gift up". In that, you never give gifts to ppl in positions higher than yours, only on the same level (if you want) and your subordinates. If you're personal friends with your boss, then I guess it's ok, but I would then give her her gift outside work, i.e. meet for a drink and give it to her then.

twinkle_star · Kenneth Cole

In my office the gifts go downhill. I usually get a small gift from my boss and I get them for my team. However no-one here "gifts up".

Boots · Gucci

I work in a small office. Literally myself, my brother, a bookkeeper and 2 CPAs (who are brothers.) One boss is actually the son-in-law of my next door neighbor, so we're more like a family business than a corporate environment. My brother and I usually go in together on a gift for each boss. Most years it's not anything big. But we do try to use our imaginations for it and make it a memorable gift. Last year we got them some tiki glasses, mah tai mix and some vintage barware (from Ebay) from Trader Vics (their favorite place that had closed the year before.) They loved it. A few years ago, a store was giving out DVDs of old Christmas shows free. I went back to the store each week to collect the DVDs for them. They loved that as well, mainly because they really wanted the shows but their wives refused to collect the DVDs for them.

I say that if you feel like you have a personal relationship with your boss, then a small gift is appropriate.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

In addition to an individual's office / company history/unwritten rules, I imagine industry might play a part in the culture of gift-giving too. Maybe it's different for a human services department vs. an advertising agency? Regional differences?

As for me, I'm glad we're not expected to give a gift to our boss, and that's all I'm going to say during this cheerful holiday season.

Aurora · Marc Jacobs

My team doesn't exchange gifts and I haven't really heard of any others at my company exchanging gifts either. I'm kind of glad because I wouldn't know where to begin with buying for my bosses or coworkers.

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

I was originally planning on getting my boss something but after reading your responses I decided against it. She didn't get anyone anything and really, my office wasn't very festive this year so I'm glad I saved the $. Thanks guys!