Gift for my boss?

[ckret01]

I was debating on whether or not to get a gift for my boss and co-worker (both males). They both have money and expensive taste so getting certain things like a gift basket from Ghiredelli or something along that line they really wouldn't care for. I know that b/c they both received a basket like that from someone and they were trying to give it away to people. So now I am at a loss in what to get.

I was thinking of getting something maybe for their kids instead of them. Would that not be appropriate? I don't even know if they give gifts during the holidays but wanted to be prepared incase they do.

Any other suggestions welcome

 

[Griggle]

Do you know if they have any favorite charities or causes? You could donate to it in their name....

 

[ducklite]

You can get a decent bottle of wine for under $40--much less if you buy white. I always like getting wine--even the lower end brands--as we entertain a lot and someone inevitably will love that we have Sutter Home White Zif. If I get a bottle of Asti I use it in Mimosa's. A so-so bottle of red is great for cooking.

At my last couple of job's my bosses all liked wine, and didn't have particularly educated palates, so I was able to get away with a bottle that didn't break the bank that they were thrilled with.

Anne

 

[marybet]

Unless you know their children well I wouldn't do that. Are there only the three of you in the office? I would ask the co-worker if they exchange gifts. If he isn't getting the boss a gift then you shouldn't either. Maybe you could all just go out for a Christmas lunch.

 

[ckret01]

ducklite - I thought about that too....my boss actually has a wine cellar in his house and had wine delivered not too long ago....I would just hope the wine I would buy him isn't cheap in his eyes-LOL.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Get what you think they'd like. If they have any sort of class, even if they don't like what you've gotten them, they'll appreciate the sentiment and not make a point of letting you know they don't like it (e.g. by walking around the office, looking for someone to give it away to).

 

[SC Minnie]

I would first find out if gifts are exchanged in that office. No gifts are given to or received from the boss or co-workers (unless you are friends outside of work)

 

[ducklite]

ducklite - I thought about that too....my boss actually has a wine cellar in his house and had wine delivered not too long ago....I would just hope the wine I would buy him isn't cheap in his eyes-LOL.

How much do you want to spend?

Anne

 

[Traveller]

Unless you have worked there for a long time or you count the boss as a personal friend, you are probably better off not giving a gift. The business etiquette of the situation is clear, "When it comes to gift-giving at the office, the food chain runs downward, not upward." (Sheryl Shade, etiquette consultant). In fact, other consultants are more emphatic and the concensus is that the risks (i.e. appearing to be a tushie kisser and getting the "wrong" kind of gift) far outweigh the benefits.

I manage a group and I give them gifts and do not want or expect reciprocation. The deal with a colleague who is at your level will vary.

 

[Christine]

I've always heard that the "rule of thumb" in the work place is that you do not give gifts to those "above" you. Especially if you don't have a long-standing relationship with them.

Now, in my office we do give the boss a group gift. I have worked with him for 14 years and we are friends (as are most of the employees). He goes out every year and buys each of the employees a unique gift and probably spends $40 each of his own money. We just felt we needed to give him something. He is a golf fanatic so we all chip in and give him a gift certificate to the local golf warehouse. That's about all we can do for him as he has everything.

But in your situation, I'm not sure I would get a gift and I definitely wouldn't buy for their kids unless you have personal relationship with them.