Holiday Gift-Giving Etiquette
The holidays are the most festive time of the year, where time-honored traditions are played out and enjoyed by all generations. Gift-giving is part of many traditions and a general custom when attending holiday parties and open houses. Read on for some gift-giving tips from Peggy Post, the great-grand-daughter-in-law of Emily Post, and today?s leading authority on etiquette and the author of dozens of books. As 1-800-FLOWERS.COM?s etiquette expert, Peggy offers gift-giving tips and that will help you revel in the joy of giving:
Top Five Things About Giving Holiday Gifts At the Office
Giving gifts in the workplace is a thoughtful way of letting colleagues and clients know that the business relationship you share is important to you. But gift-giving has its risks as well. If a present is chosen that is in the incorrect price range or is too personal, even the best intentions can backfire. Following these suggestions will take the stress out of gift-giving in the work place and help enhance the joy of the season!
- Give your supervisor a joint gift with several co-workers or a simple holiday card.
- It is OK to give gifts and cards to people who do not celebrate the season or holiday the same way you do. Stick to secular sayings such as "Happy Holidays" or "Season's Greetings."
- Unexpected gifts do not have to be reciprocated. All that?s required is a warm "Thank you!"
- If you are unsure of what to get for a colleague, a gift certificate is an acceptable choice ? just make sure it's from a store that he or she enjoys.
- If your office continues the tradition of individual gifts instead of a holiday grab bag, make sure to give gifts to selected individuals in private so that no one's feelings are hurt. Also, do not make gifts too personal, and do not buy something that?s inappropriately expensive.
Top Five Etiquette Tips for Hassle-free Gift Giving
Don?t stress about all those gifts you have to buy. Follow Peggy Post?s plan for giving gifts without succumbing to the typical holiday anxiety.
- Get their wish list.
Ask people for hints or even a wish list. Gather ideas during the year, and write everything down. - Trust your judgment.
Forget about being afraid the gift isn't "perfect." If you think the person will like it, chances are they will. - Stick to your budget.
Spending more than you should takes the fun out of gift giving. There?s nothing more nerve-racking than overspending?and feeling uneasy about it. - Buy it when you see it.
If you?re shopping in July and see a sweater that your mother would love, buy it. It probably will not be available when you look for it again in December. - Start a gift closet.
Stash a few gifts that will work in a pinch: copies of your favorite cookbook, a good bottle of wine, or boxes of beautiful note cards. That way you will be ready if you need a gift on the spot.
Avoid These Gift-Giving Pitfalls
Re-gifting
Is it okay for me to re-gift? Re-gifting should be done only rarely, and under specific criteria:
- You are certain the gift is something the recipient would enjoy.
- The gift is brand new (no cast-offs allowed) and comes with its original box and instructions.
- The gift isn?t handmade, or one that the original giver took great care to select.
Simply put, you have to make sure you don?t hurt feelings?neither those of the original giver nor the recipient. Would your cousin mind if you passed those glasses along? Would it be awkward if the giver and recipient realized what was happening?
Only you can decide whether to re-gift?and how to do so appropriately. Think through each situation carefully: if you?re in doubt, don?t do it. You can always pass along the holiday spirit by donating the gift to a non-profit organization or shelter.
The Same Old Same Old
Your brother-in-law is a golfer so you give him golf balls every year. Your Aunt Susan collects green Depression glass and you know exactly what flea market to go to each fall to pick up a piece. This year, think outside the box and mix it up. It?s likely your brother-in-law is happy to get more golf balls, but he?d probably be thrilled with something a little more thoughtful this year. Take the time to find out what the people you care about are interested in or would truly like.
Inappropriate gifts
Don?t send your great grandmother a off color comedy tape (unless she?s a huge fan). Don?t give gifts that people can misconstrue such as a weight loss book to a sister on the heavy side. And don?t give gifts that are obviously second-rate: sweaters with hanging threads or kitchen gadgets in banged-up boxes.
Who Do I Tip? And How Much?
The holiday season is the traditional time to say "thank you" and "I appreciate the work you do? to those who have provided service to you throughout the year. Every situation is different, so let common sense, specific circumstances, and holiday spirit be your guides. The tip amounts in this chart are merely guidelines. Don?t forget that one of the best ways to express your appreciation is a hand-written note, which should accompany any holiday tip.
| Au pair | A gift from your family (or one-week?s pay), plus a small gift from your child |
| Babysitter, regular | One evening?s pay, plus a small gift from your child |
| Barber | Cost of one haircut, and/or a gift |
| Beauty salon staff | $10 to $60 each, giving most to those who do the most for you, and/or a gift |
| Child?s teacher | Check your school?s policy first. Give a gift, not cash. Possibilities: gift certificate for a coffee shop, book store, or restaurant; book, picture frame, fruit basket or gourmet food item; or a joint gift with other parents and their children |
| Day care providers | $25 to $70 each, plus a small gift from your child. If there are only one or two providers, consider the higher range. |
| Dog walker | One week?s pay and/or a gift |
| Fitness trainer, personal | Cost of one session |
| Garage attendants | $10 to $30 each |
| Housekeeper/cleaner | One day?s pay |
| Mail carriers | U.S. government regulations permit carriers to accept gifts worth up to $20 each, not cash |
| Massage therapist | One session?s fee, and/or a gift |
| Nanny | One week?s to one month?s salary based on tenure and customs in your area, plus a small gift from your child |
| Newspaper deliverer | $10 to $30 |
| Nurse, private | A gift, not cash |
| Nursing home employees | A gift, not cash |
| Package deliverer | Small gift if you receive deliveries regularly; most delivery companies prohibit cash gifts |
| Personal caregiver | One week?s salary, plus a small gift |
| Pet Groomer | One session?s fee, and/or a small gift |
| Pool cleaner | Cost of one cleaning |
| Residential building personnel: |
| Superintendent | $25 to $100 |
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| Doorman | $10 to $80 |
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| Elevator operator | $15 to $40 |
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| Handyman | $15 to $40 |
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| Trash/recycling collectors | $10 to $30 each (for private service); for municipal service, check local regulations |
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| Yard and garden worker | $20 to $50 |
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