Giving a gift should feel thoughtful, not tricky. It's important to enjoy the process, after all. At its core, every gift has one intention: to spread joy.
But when too many rules or expectations get in the way, the whole thing can start to feel overwhelming, especially for the person trying to do the giving. That’s why a little bit of gift-giving etiquette goes a long way.
Whether it’s for a colleague, a friend, or someone from a different cultural background, being mindful of a few dos and don’ts helps your gift land the way it was meant to: warmly and well-received.
Do: Start With What Matters
Know Company Policies
Before you even pick out wrapping paper, it’s worth checking your company’s gift policy. Many workplaces set a spending limit (usually $25–$50) or ban gifts altogether, particularly in industries like finance, education, or government.
Why this matters: a gift given with the best intentions could be returned or worse, misinterpreted—if it goes against company guidelines. That’s heartbreaking, to say the least.
Keep Gifts Personal, Yet Appropriate
Thoughtfulness makes a gift special, but there’s a line between meaningful and too personal. The safest choices are simple and considerate: snacks, books, or curated gift boxes.
Avoid overly intimate items like perfume or personal accessories, as they can make the recipient uncomfortable. A handwritten note, on the other hand, is always a good idea. It’s a small, heartfelt detail that can elevate even the simplest gift.
Be Inclusive and Considerate
If you’re participating in group gifting like during Secret Santa, team celebrations, or milestone events, make sure no one is left out. Even if certain coworkers aren’t close friends, they’re still part of the team.
Neutral gifts are your friend here. And don’t forget to factor in dietary restrictions and preferences, especially when choosing food-based gifts. At the end of the day, you want your gift to feel thoughtful to everyone involved not just the person receiving it.
Be Culturally Sensitive
Gift-giving customs vary widely around the world, and it’s worth being mindful when giving across cultures. Let’s look at some examples:
- In Japan, gifts are often beautifully wrapped and presented with both hands. Items like clocks or knives are avoided, and the number four is considered unlucky.
- In countries like Pakistan and Indonesia, alcohol should be avoided, and gifts are traditionally given and received with the right hand.
If you're unsure about cultural norms, it only takes a few minutes of research—or a quick conversation with someone from that background. This kind of effort doesn’t go unnoticed and makes the gesture even more meaningful.
Show Gratitude When Receiving
Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end, etiquette works both ways. If someone gives you a gift, thank them sincerely. In many cultures, especially across East Asia and the Middle East, gifts are not opened in front of the giver. Instead, they’re received with gratitude and opened later in private.
Don’t: Common Gifting Missteps
Get a Gift Only for Your Boss
Workplace gifting can be delicate. While exchanging gifts with peers is usually fine, giving something to your manager or boss on your own can come off as trying too hard.
If you’d like to recognize someone in leadership, consider organizing a group gift. It keeps the gesture professional and avoids any awkward implications.
Overspend or Underspend
There’s no need to go overboard. A gift that’s too expensive can make the recipient uncomfortable. On the other hand, a gift that feels rushed or too cheap might come off as thoughtless.
Stick to a budget that feels appropriate for the setting. If you’re not sure, ask HR or follow the lead of coworkers who’ve been around longer.
Time It Around Performance Reviews
Avoid giving gifts right before reviews, interviews, or evaluations—it can seem like you’re trying to influence the outcome. Instead, time your gifts around more neutral moments: holidays, birthdays, team wins, or personal milestones.
Pro Tip: Presentation Matters
No matter how great the gift is, sloppy packaging can take away from the experience. Wrap it neatly, or even better, go for a beautifully curated gift box.
If all of this feels like a lot to figure out, you can let someone else handle it for you. Gift shops like Texas Treats can make the process incredibly easy. You can choose from ready-to-ship boxes or build one from scratch with snacks, sauces, sweets, and more. Whether you’re ordering in bulk for the office or just need one special item, they handle the presentation with care and make sure it arrives safely and and on time!
Final Thoughts
Gift-giving etiquette doesn’t have to be complicated. At its best, it’s about thoughtful choices that respect the people and the setting. Stick to appropriate gifts, pay attention to culture and company norms, and when in doubt, go for sincerity over flash.
The right gift doesn’t just say “I thought of you”, but rather it shows it. And with brands like Texas Treats doing the heavy lifting on all the arrangements and presentation, you can focus on what matters: making someone’s day a little brighter.