Set a dollar limit on gifts or establish gift exchange rules. Don't let the gift exchange leave your colleagues overburdened or guilty for not spending as much as the higher paid team members. After all, they've spent most of their holiday funds on travel, family, friends, and personal activities. Most people have very few resources for office parties. Consider establishing gift exchange rules as well. Rather than asking co-workers to sign up for a gift exchange, ask who would be interested in the event, or place a box requesting anonymous suggestions. Do they really want to give gifts? One tactic is to reword your signup list. On that same note, first ask team members how they feel hosting a gift exchange. Asking them to sign up eliminates the anxiety and allows people to just skip the event. Co-workers often feel awkward by declining to participate in office holiday events. If your office organizes an office holiday gift exchange, rather than asking team members to opt in, place a sign-up sheet for those who want to participate. Related: 5 Ways To Encourage Employee Volunteer Programs During the Holidays Provide sign-up sheets for office engagements A nice card, signed by all team members is a nice alternative to giving gifts to superiors and executive management. Asking them to give money under those conditions is asking for trouble. Many employees often feel they are neglected, underpaid, and not appreciated by the executives. Team members also may resent giving to someone who makes more money than they do. Not to mention, they may worry how it will affect their long-term relationship with the company. They may worry about their image and whether their co-workers would think differently about them. There is always at least one person strapped for cash who won't be able to donate. This violates the above rule - gifts flow downhill - and it causes hurt feelings and misunderstanding among team members. Yet, these notions are the furthest thing from the truth. It reduces the money each person spends, provides the opportunity for the office to show their appreciation, and prevents you from looking like a kiss up. This idea may seem like a great solution to office holiday gifts. Giving gifts often mean they are expected to reciprocate, even if this isn't your intent. They may not be in the position to return the sentiment and worry about the response. On the other hand, consider the implications of giving gifts to those subordinate to you. Keep your gift thoughtful and modest and spending a few extra dollars isn't going to win you points with the top dog. Here are two things to consider before giving a gift to your boss. Giving office holiday gifts to your boss is fine but not necessary. The point is to take other's feelings and desires into account. Ask them what employees did in recent years. Ask a trusted colleague - someone who has been there for a few years - how they feel about gift giving. Many employees simply don't have the extra cash or don't want to offend those who don't celebrate religious holidays. Some company cultures avoid the gift-giving season and don't exchange office holiday gifts at all. Ask whether you're allowed to give gifts and if there are any rules to abide by. Human resources is also a great place to start. Ask your supervisor and co-workers about the office protocols. Either the office limits the cash value of the gift, organizes Dirty Santa or White Elephant, or maybe prohibited gift-giving altogether. Many companies have solved this problem for you with gift exchange rules. Determine what the office rules and culture dictate With a little planning and a lot of holiday spirit, you should come out of the store with the perfect gift - without breaking the bank. Here are a few rules to consider before shopping for holiday gifts for co-workers and supervisors. If you're asking this question, you've come to the right place. “If I'm not supposed to go all out or spend too little, what exactly should I do?” Of course you don't want to “out give” another employee, nor do you want to take the cheap way out. How do you know what they like, or whether they expect anything at all? Adding your co-workers and boss to that list is begging for trouble. Shopping for just the right gift for your family and friends is a tedious task, since everyone on your holiday list has different personalities and preferences. Office holiday gifts can be a nuanced art.

Holiday gift exchange ideas office