Each year, the holidays bring a time of cheer for so many of us; however, that time of cheer can quickly turn into a time of fear when deciding on gifts to give our family and loved ones. Choosing the perfect gift can be tricky for even the most clever shoppers, so Charm wanted to make it a little easier for you.
We sat down with National Protocol Trainer Paula Parker, of Longview, so she could help guide us through some sticky gift-giving situations.
The family
What do I get a family member who has everything?
When you're trying to come up with something to get a family member who has everything, try to get them something they wouldn't normally go out and get for themselves. A weekend at a bed and breakfast would be a nice getaway, and it wouldn't be overly expensive. Or, on a smaller scale, buy them gift certificates to the local movie theater.
What do I get my brand new boyfriend? Do I get his mother something?
If the two of you have been dating fewer than three months or if you're dating someone casually, pure protocol says that a gift isn't necessary. But if you feel like you need to get each other something, a gift should be fun and somewhat frivolous, and cost less than $25. Your relationship is new and fresh, and your gift should reflect that.
As for his mother, a pretty houseplant is always a good gift. They're so easy to find – just drop by a local nursery or supermarket and pick a plant in a pretty, decorative pot.
What should I get an elderly relative?
Older relatives want your time most of all. Whatever gift you give them, make it something that allows the two of you to be together. Give her a gift card to the beauty shop she frequents. When she books the appointment, take her there and sit with her, then afterward, get a bite to eat. For a man, check out his hobbies. If he likes gardening, plan a trip to the local nursery, then take the afternoon and help him plant flowers. If it's golf he enjoys, reserve a tee time and go play, then get a burger.
The friends
What do I get my new friend whom I don't know that well?
You should always make an effort in a new friendship to get to know something about the other person's interests. But, if it's still too fresh and you haven't been able to learn that much yet, a card or a bookmark is sufficient. Everyone uses bookmarks!
My friends and I are a pretty large group. How do I buy for them without breaking the bank?
The cold hard truth is that economics really does come into play during the holiday season. If your group of friends is rather large and you just don't think you could buy for each individual person, chances are the others in your group feel the same.
A Secret Santa gift exchange is the best thing to do in this situation.
An acquaintance of mine gave me a gift, but I didn't have one for her. What should I do if that ever happens again?
That would be a pretty embarrassing situation, but make the best of the awkwardness. Smile, be gracious, say thank you and leave it at that. Giving is not about getting in return.
The workplace
What are appropriate gifts for my co-workers?
One thing to remember about buying for your co-workers is to not give them anything overly personal. Something very simple, like a plant for his or her desk, is a great gift. If one of your co-workers shows you pictures of his or her family often, give them a cute picture frame. Other good presents are coffee mugs, mouse pads and calendars.
I'm the boss. What should I give my employees?
When a boss gives a gift it could be a precarious situation. It's important not to show favoritism. So, as a boss you must give to everyone equally. The key is to keep it simple, such as boxes of candy or gift certificates.
What do I give my boss?
Sometimes in a work environment, a subordinate giving a gift to a supervisor could be viewed as brown-nosing or trying to gain favor, or it could possibly create a situation where others feel as if they must give as well. A good gift idea for your boss is to get all the employees to chip in money for one gift from everyone – be it a gift certificate, decoration for the boss' desk or maybe even something for the whole office.
We hope this little guide to gift etiquette will help you have a happy, stress-free holiday!
