{"id":22813,"date":"2021-11-29T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appreciationatwork.com\/?p=22813"},"modified":"2021-11-28T21:11:13","modified_gmt":"2021-11-29T03:11:13","slug":"should-i-give-gifts-to-my-colleagues-this-holiday-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appreciationatwork.com\/blog\/should-i-give-gifts-to-my-colleagues-this-holiday-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Should I Give Gifts to My Colleagues This Holiday Season?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Tips for Navigating Holiday Gift-Giving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It\u2019s the time of year when many of us are starting to think:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019d like to get my colleagues (or boss) a gift for the holidays, but what? I don\u2019t want it to look like I\u2019m just trying to \u2018look good.\u2019 But I don\u2019t want to give them some trinket that will come across as schmaltzy. What should I get them\u2026 if anything?\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m going to give you some advice to consider, some of which may surprise you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, in most work settings, the way gifts are given (as well as what<\/em> is given and when<\/em> they are given) reinforce our negative view of gifts in the workplace \u2013 they are either a meaningless trinket, something self-serving (a form of advertising through logoed items) or manipulative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, consider not giving a gift now.<\/strong> Wait, and give them a meaningful gift later, after you have taken time to consider and explore. Thoughtless gifts\u2014those gifts bought hastily in response to tradition or a feeling of obligation\u2014with no real personal investment of time or reflection, not only miss the mark but also communicate a negative message. The gift seems to be a perfunctory act and not a real expression of appreciation. Such gifts do little to positively impact others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the key points I learned from my friend, John Ruhlin, author of Giftology<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, is that a gift has more impact when it is not expected<\/em> \u2014 when it arrives as a surprise. Giving a gift now (during the Christmas season) is not going to surprise anyone. So, wait \u2013 maybe until the second half of January.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, as an alternative,<\/strong> write them a note<\/strong>. Not just any \u201cHappy Holidays!\u201d card, but one where you take some time to think about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. What you want to say<\/em> \u2013 what do you value about them (how they treat you and others, what they do that makes your daily work easier, character qualities they have that you admire).<\/li>
  2. How you want to say it <\/em>\u2013 think about the words you use, choose them carefully, maybe even utilize a thesaurus to find synonyms of words you usually use.<\/li>
  3. The way the message is conveyed <\/em>\u2013 if you are like me (my handwriting is terrible), you may want to type it and print it on nice paper; for others, a nice handwritten note is special; or include a picture that conveys part of the message.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    If You Do Decide to Give a Gift . . .<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Consider the following tips: No matter what gift you choose (or when you give it), there are things to keep in mind when searching for the right fit. Here are three tips to help you on your journey to finding the perfect workplace gift:<\/p>\n\n\n\n