This year, I’ve been working more with the managing partner of our office, and he’s really taken me under his wing and has been mentoring me in the industry he specializes in. I usually give my mentor a nicer gift, like a bottle of wine, but that’s because she is also my friend. They always seem to appreciate it (and often eat the present that very day), and it never seems awkward. I bake every year for Christmas gifts for friends, and each year I give the 4-5 main partners that I work for something like a small wrapped package of homemade cookies, or a mini-cake. I work at a mid-size firm, in an office of about 40 attorneys. Men are rediculeous some times, but we women know that and have to put up with it. That is the kind of cheep stuff Alan (my ex) used to get for me–I will never figure that out b/c he knew I would NOT wear it, so I gave it back and he probabley gave it to his younger sister. On the other hand, Bill, one of the older attorney’s was MY secret Santa, and he got me some cheep perfume from Dwayne Read (a local NYC drug store). Mason was walkeing around tired for week’s after the holiday. Last year, I had to get something for Lynn b/c I was HER secret Santa, and I got a nice Victoria Secret teddie for her b/c I knew she and Mason were playing house, so it would come in VERY handy. It is all in the spirit of the holiday, like Secret Santa. I will put in the difference between what I pay and $100 so that he know’s what I am doing for him. This year, I see that his wallet is all ratty, so I have my eye on a nice Coach or Michael Kors wallet for him. I watch all year to see what it is he need’s then I get it. I limit the value to $100 or less, so it is NOT extravegent. Yay! I love Secret Santa!Īlso, even tho we do NOT have to, I ALWAYS give my boss, the manageing partner, a special extra gift each year, b/c he sponsored me for my clotheing allowance. I work in a VERY small NYC firm with onley 15 attorney’s and we HAVE to play secret Santa. (Pictured: beautiful embroidered towel at the Custom Embroidery shop at Etsy. Maybe I’m crazy? Would you get your boss anything? If yes, what would you get for a boss in a small office? What message(s) would you want to convey? In general, should you buy a holiday gift for your boss? If at all possible, I’d try to avoid the impression that you scoured the ends of the earth to find the perfect gift for your boss - rather, serendipity placed the perfect gift in your way and, well, you just HAD to get it after that conversation that time about the thing. The gift is a gesture and isn’t a big deal.I appreciate what you’ve done for me this year!.I listen well and pay attention to details!.Note that all of the above disparaging comments on towels, wine, pears, and gift cards go out the door if your boss avidly collects towels (or always carries one with him) or whatnot. If you must, though, here’s my suggestion: get something small but thoughtful that relates to something your boss told you in the course of your conversations. So here’s my $.02: don’t get them anything. On the other hand, a too-impersonal gift (a random gift that reads “this is my go-to gift when I don’t know what to get,” like a bottle of wine or a box of fruit) simultaneously smacks of “why even bother” along with “wait, does she think we were supposed to get her something?” A gift that’s too small (like a $25 gift card) is both cheap and insulting (as in, you think your boss needs a $25 gift card) - but a gift that’s too generous raises the problematic interpretation of, “she isn’t working for the money.” A too-personal gift (like towels or something) may create the impression that you don’t know the difference between family and the office. For my $.02: I would be verrrry careful about giving gifts to a boss because I think it’s unnecessary, and it’s easy to offend. We’ve talked about gifts for associates who refer you new business, hostess gifts for a dinner party at your boss’s house, and gifts for your secretary, but this is a new one, and I’m curious to hear what readers say. As holiday season is almost upon us, I was wondering if you had any guidelines for what (if anything) is appropriate to give as a small gift for two supervisors who have been very generous with their time and expertise while I’ve been learning the ropes. I work in a very small team, consisting of my two bosses and myself. I’ve been with my company for less than a year, and it’s also my first corporate job. Should you buy a holiday gift for your boss? If so, what gifts should you get? Reader A wonders:
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