If you are thinking to yourself, should I get my boss a Christmas gift? The answer is no, no and, I repeat, a big fat no! Except that sometimes the answer is a maybe and sometimes it can even be a yes.
Ok, let me ‘splain Lucy. Let’s face it; no one really wants to buy their boss a Christmas gift. You don’t really like your boss all that much because, well, he’s the one that just keeps piling the work on you. And then you’re supposed to spend your hard-earned cash on a gift for him? I don’t think so. In my opinion, if anyone is going to buy gifts, it should be the bosses buying for the employees. I really think gift-giving in general is way over the top in most organizations and mostly unnecessary. However, it can be a nice way for a boss to show appreciation for his employees. Preferable the gift is a nice, big cash bonus but smaller gifts are certainly nice too.
There are times though when you do have a great relationship with your boss and you do want to show some extra appreciation to him with a Christmas gift. Heck, you may even love your boss! In these cases, you may want to spring for a Christmas gift as a gesture. If you are part of team that works under the same boss, it’s usually best to stick to group gifts from all of you. You don’t want to appear to be trying to score brownie points or be a brown-nose. Even if it is a group gift, keep it on the small side and preferably something that the boss can use at the office.
In the end, I guess what I am saying is anything goes but you should bear in mind both the culture of the organization and the relationship you have with your boss before you decide Christmas gift or no Christmas gift?
Happy shopping, or not!
I agree your boss should not be getting a gift. You know nothing about him or her and they may not like it.
I agree that it doesn’t make sense to spend your hard earned cash on your boss. He or she might not even like what you get. It is definitely safe to go with a group gift that your boss may use in the office where it’s a constant reminder of how much he/she is appreciated. Brownie points will lose you the respect of your co-workers without a doubt. We spend way too much money on gifts this time of year anyway.
I think it really depends on each specific situation. If you have a great relationship with your boss, it would be a nice gesture to get them a little something for the holiday season. I’m sure they would appreciate it. However, if you don’t have a great relationship with your boss, and may not know what they like/don’t like, it might be a safe bet not to get them any kind of gift so you don’t risk offending anyone. Perhaps a nice holiday card to show appreciation for the job would be nice, though. Might be best to figure out what your coworkers are doing first.
My department chips in to get a little something for our boss. He gets each of us a gift as well so we like to give back!
This is always a touchy subject. I think it depends on your relationship with your boss. I don’t feel obligated to give a gift but at the same time we have a great relationship so I would.
I don’t see an issue with sending your boss a gift at all. I think you should keep it small and sweet but still a very nice gesture.
I agree with Rami actually. I don’t see the harm if you know your boss. Some bosses are like friends honestly.
I think like Jasmine said it really depends on your relationship with your boss. I’d probably opt to avoid it all together though if you are even the slightest bit unsure
I usually just bake for everyone in the office.
I tend to bake too Sarah, its now become a tradition.
Do what you feel is right is my motto. Sarah I agree with you – I like to bake or bring something everyone in the team can enjoy – including boss!
We usually chip in for a gift card. I don’t see why not. Doesn’t have to be a huge gift.
You can never go wrong with Food for your team if you have one. If it’s just your boss, bake cookies? Or something like that. Don’t overthink this.
NO! yikes, they have bosses day-what more do they want? I, for one ,am keeping my hard earned money for my family
It’s probably not a good idea. Get your boss a baked good or something small like food related. Can’t go wrong 🙂
I think the boss is the one that should be buying the gifts.
Of course! I remember giving my boss a long time ago a card and a box of those amazing chocolates (Ferrero Rocher) for Christmas and he was pleasantly surprised to see someone thought of him during Christmas. Gifts shouldn’t be exclusive just to some co workers. Spread the joy!
It’s according on your relationship with your boss. If you work close together then it’s ok to purchase a card and small gift but nothing big but if you don’t really have a close relationship with your boss it doesn’t make sense to purchase a gift, besides the boss makes way more money than you and don’t need your gift.
This article (and the comments) was very helpful. I have been trying to decide if I should buy a Christmas gift for my boss or not. As many people wrote, I think it really depends on your relationship, so I’ll need to decide for myself. If I’m questioning it this much, it probably means that I should not buy a gift.
I like the group gift idea.
I always give gifts. A group gift shows solidarity and could save some money.
Short answer: No gift for the boss – awkward