Office presents; tricky but not impossible.

Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, holiday shopping season is officially underway. And for office workers, that includes shopping for colleagues and bosses. But buying gifts for them can be as much of an etiquette minefield as the annual holiday party. Give the wrong gift, and you can derail your career before New Year's. Give the right one, and you'll start 2013 off right.

Here are 7 brief tips which we hope can help you:

Don't blow your budget

It's all too easy to want to impress your boss and colleagues with expensive presents, but this may send the message that you're trying to buy their loyalty. If there is no agreed upon budget, spend less rather than more. An office holiday gift is meant to be a token of appreciation rather than a large holiday gift from Santa, not only will your gift be seen as more tasteful, your credit card will thank you.

Do make thoughtful choices

While your gift to your colleague won't be as personal as to your spouse or parent, show that you know something about the person. If you don't know them particularly well then choose something he or she can use at work, such as a quality pen, a stylish organizer, or an iPad or eReader cover. Gift or music vouchers or sports tickets are safe options. By and large it’s probably best to avoid bottles of booze or spa treatments (the first is risky if the person doesn't drink, the latter could send a mixed message)!!

Give gifts away from the office

If you're only giving gifts to a few select people (and not the entire staff) then you should consider doing it at lunch. However, if you're playing Santa to all, make sure the gifts are equal in value, particularly if staff members are at equal levels on the corporate ladder. You shouldn't give more to one than the other because inevitably they will compare.

Always give your PA something

Again, a small token is still fine - but always give something. It's a nice holiday gesture to show your gratitude to someone who supports you and shows loyalty throughout the year. Even if this person is new, it's still appropriate and can work wonders for the forthcoming year.

Think about joining forces

If you're not sure whether it's appropriate to get your boss a gift, consider organising a group one. By doing so it looks less self-serving and with joint funds you'll be able to give him or her a nicer gift without breaking your budget.

Remember to say ‘Thank you’

It always seems to happen that someone is caught off guard by a gift from someone they didn't buy for. Don't panic - simply give back your gratitude. It is not mandatory to reciprocate, but it is essential to accept the gift with a genuine smile on your face and say something such as, “Thank you so much for thinking of me”.

Just say no to gag gifts

Ok, we all like a joke and a laugh to lighten the working atmosphere, but anything that can be seen as possibly offensive has no place in an office environment. Save the gag gifts for very close family and friends. Unless your office is hosting a white elephant exchange where the premise is to give a silly gift, opt for tasteful over tacky.

Those few thoughts should give you plenty of time to prepare and come up with the perfect gift for your colleague(s).

As ever, the team can be contacted at www.chestertongray.com