Giving co-worker gifts requires some thought. Co-worker gifts should be appropriate and in keeping with company policy. They should represent thoughtfulness but not a great deal of expense.

Some companies have specific policies about when it is acceptable to give co-worker gifts, and also may limit price range on gifts. Prior to choosing a gift for a co-worker, one should check company policy to make sure any co-worker gifts are not in excess of the amounts one’s company allows one to spend.

Co-worker gifts should never be jokes or gifts that are sexually inappropriate, as this may be considered sexual harassment. As well co-worker gifts should not be of an intimate nature. One should never, for example, give night clothing or underclothing to a co-worker, or a gift that might imply a crass joke.

Instead one should make co-worker gifts as general as possible. Gift certificates are a terrific way to go. One can give gift certificates for retail outlets like Target, which allows the co-worker to choose a gift of his or her choice. Alternately gifts certificates to restaurants or movie theaters are excellent choices too. If the giftee has a well-known hobby, like golfing or scrapbooking, gift certificates to a golf shop or crafts shop are very acceptable.

Co-worker gifts that are also acceptable are presents of food, such as food baskets from places like Harry and Davids® or boxes of candy. Personalized mugs or picture frames are also good general co-worker gifts. Flowers can be given but one should avoid sending flowers if one is a male co-worker sending them to a female co-worker. This may be wrongly interpreted as romantic interest, unless one always gives flowers to everyone.

People are also concerned about giving co-worker gifts when other co-workers are receiving no gifts. If the co-worker is celebrating a special moment, like a promotion, retirement, or a birthday, it is usually acceptable to give gifts only to one specific person. However, politeness dictates that all co-workers should be treated in the same manner. If one celebrates the birthday of one co-worker at work, then one should celebrate the birthday of all co-workers.

If one doesn’t choose to celebrate the birthday of every co-worker, then one can form a private friendship with co-workers and have get-togethers outside of the office, and not during normal office hours. It is best to discuss and plan such outings outside of the office so as not to make others feel excluded.

During holiday seasons, co-worker gifts should involve minimal expense. It is important to bear in mind that not everyone has the same income. Especially if the office has an annual gift exchange, co-worker gifts should not be excessive in price. Usually 10 US dollars (USD) is an acceptable maximum.