The holidays are a time when we go crazy shopping for those special gifts for the family. But what about those at the office or your clients – are gifts mandatory? Mandatory – no, but a thoughtful gesture yes. When it comes to gift giving don’t forget those at the office, your boss, administrative assistant and/or your clients.

Gifts for those at the office like your office mate might be something of the nature like a can of flavored popcorn, a box of chocolates or a cheese and sausage gift box. You usually know your officemate more than most people in the office so something they like to eat such as a gift box of jams and preserves or butter brickle, or gourmet coffee are excellent choices.

How about for the administrative assistant or the department secretary? If you are the same gender and know the person well as in socialize outside the office you might want to get them something more personal such as a scarf or tie. If you are opposite genders and don’t socialize beyond the office, perhaps a gift card would be suitable. Depending on your level of pay, their importance to helping you get your job done, and how long you’ve known them, the amount can vary from $25 to $100 dollars.

For the boss, consider a professional gift such as a nice pen set or an office accessory. If you have been working with this individual for years you can also consider the cheese and sausage or other types of gift boxes. DO NOT spend a large amount for the boss because it will not be taken as a thoughtful gesture but as somewhat of a bribe or what some call “brown noising.”

For clients, food or other types of premade gift boxes are a nice gesture to thank them for their business during the holidays. If you know that they enjoy wine you might want to get them a nice wine but not one that will break the bank. Some companies give their clients something special with their name on it such as pen set with a stand. This is something that is useful and will remind the client of their business relationship with your company. Depending on the dollar amount of your business with them will influence how much you spend on your client. For example, if you are a financial planner and your clients have $10,000,000 to spare to invest with you, then your gift of appreciation during the holidays should be just as special.

As a university professor, the administrative assistant in our department has been my Godsend. She has helped me tremendously and at Christmas and her birthday I like to give her something special. However, the amount I spend is not over $100 because both of us would feel uncomfortable. With others in the office, they usually receive a card and perhaps some canned popcorn. For my boss I usually get him something for his office since the relationship is professional in nature. In most cases a card is all that is needed for the majority of my colleagues throughout the university. For others, a thoughtful gift is the way to go.

As you make your gift list, don’t forget to make another one for business gifts. These thoughtful gestures further communicate your appreciation of your clients, your employees and those you work with.