8 Gifts You Should Never Give Your Boss or Co-Workers

In my last newsletter I asked women to write in and tell me the worst (and best) gifts they ever received at work. I also asked friends and family to tell me about their own gift nightmares. Almost all those who have reported to me that they received a "bad" gift fell into one of two categories:

• Those who received embarrassing gifts through organized "Secret Santa" events; and
• Those that received gifts items that were too personal in nature, including expensive jewelry and body care items that women in general feel were too personal from a male boss.

So far, I have only been told about one "bad" gift that came from a female boss. Maybe we, as women, are just better at gift-giving than men, or perhaps we are more suspicious of the motivations behind gift givers of the opposite sex.

There are no formal business etiquette “rules” that require anyone to give a gift to a co-worker or boss, but many people do exchange gifts at work and it can be tough to know what to give - especially when giving the wrong gift can convey a message that is too personal, romantic, or even offensive. You also run the risk of making the recipient feel uncomfortable if they do not offer you a gift in return, or alienating co-workers if your gift is showy.

Deciding on the right gift to give someone at work can be difficult, so be sure to read 8 Gifts You Should Never Give Your Boss or Co-Workers before you decide to give your boss a chia pet or under garments.