How Much Should I Spend on a Gift for My Boss?
If you are on a tight budget, but either want to, or feel you must give a gift to your boss, here are two important points to consider:- Not Giving Any Gift is Better Than Giving a Cheap Gift: There are not many meaningful gifts that you can buy these days for $5.00 and a cheap gift will usually appear just that - cheap, insincere, and like a “token” gift.
If you really do not have cash to spend, write a note card wishing your boss a happy birthday/holiday and add a quick note about how much you appreciate your boss or a co-worker.
- Gifts Should Convey the Right Message, Not a Price Tag: Giving extravagant gifts to get something in return or outshine co-workers is never a good idea. It does not make you look good and usually makes the recipient feel uncomfortable.
Expensive gifts can seem out of proportion to the occasion, as well as to what other workers are giving. The message sent is not how generous you are, but that you are a gift show off. But "lazy" or cheap gifts send the message that you are only offering a gift because you felt that you had to.
Before selecting a gift, ask yourself what message does the gift (and the reason for giving the gift) convey about you? The right gift should show that you cared enough to give an appropriate and thoughtful gift out of appreciation and respect.
Guidelines for gift giving in the workplace are a little different in terms of how much you can or should spend on your boss depending upon your salary and position with the company:
