Professional gift-giving can be a tricky art to master. Is it still taboo to gift up? Who should you give gifts to, and what kind of gifts should you give? These questions can make professional gift-giving etiquette confusing.

Gift-giving in the workplace can be a sensitive topic, especially when presenting gifts to superiors—also known as gifting up. While some cultures and organizations appreciate such gestures as a sign of respect and appreciation, others may view them as an attempt to curry favor or create an uncomfortable power dynamic.

For the most part, however, gifting up isn’t considered taboo anymore, as long as you consider the company’s culture and policies, as well as the relationship between the employee and their superior, before giving a gift. A token of gratitude for mentoring or support is often acceptable, provided it’s modest and appropriate. Of course, you may still have questions about what kind of gifting is appropriate in the office.

Fortunately, there are some helpful guidelines that you can use to make sure you don’t offend anyone with your gift choices. Read on to learn how to make the right gift-giving decisions.

1. Consider the Company Culture

The first thing to take into account when choosing how to gift at work is to consider the culture. Depending on the size of the company, the environment can vary greatly. A small startup might be more laid back compared to a large corporation. Take a step back and think about what would be appropriate in the given setting.

“If you’re unsure about the gift-giving etiquette with your company, you can always reach out to a colleague or supervisor for advice,” recommends Kelly Owens, Owner and CEO of Marleylilly, a company that specializes in personalized tote bags. “They will likely be able to provide insight into what is acceptable and appreciated in the workplace. You may also want to ask if there are any company-wide policies or guidelines regarding gift-giving.”

Cultural sensitivities should also be taken into account. A particular item may be perfectly fine at one office but inappropriate at another. If you’re sending gifts to international colleagues, do your research first to make sure your gesture won’t be misunderstood.

2. Avoid Being Too Personal

When choosing a gift to give in a professional setting, it’s important to keep things appropriate. You don’t want to make the recipient uncomfortable or embarrassed by making the gift too personal. Stay away from overly romantic or suggestive items and avoid anything that could be seen as inappropriate.

Brianna Bitton, Co-Founder of O Positiv recommends, “Think about the recipient’s tastes and interests, but try to focus on more general gifts. An engraved watch or something else with a thoughtful message can be appropriate, but any item that could be seen as romantic should be avoided.”

Consider the context of the gift-giving situation as well. If you’re giving a gift to an employee or colleague, something too personal might come across as an unwanted advance. Even if you don’t mean it that way, it’s best to err on the side of caution and stick to items that are less intimate.

3. Get Creative

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be traditional and boring. If you want to show your appreciation for someone, get creative. A personalized gift that reflects the recipient’s personality or interests is a great way to make them feel special. You can even consider giving something handmade, like a handwritten letter or a piece of artwork.

“If you have an idea of something they would like, be sure to make it personal and meaningful,” Marcus Hutsen, Business Development Manager at Patriot Coolers explains. “Show that you pay attention to their likes and interests.”

Being seen by people you spend most of your week with can make a person feel special. Whatever gift you decide on, make sure it’s thoughtful and something they will genuinely appreciate.

4. The Gift Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive

Gift-giving should not be a financial burden. You don’t need to break the bank to show your appreciation. There are plenty of budget-friendly options that can still make a meaningful impact.

“It may be a phrase as old as time, but it really is the thought that counts when it comes to office gifting,” shares Miles Beckett, Co-Founder and CEO of Flossy. “Just because something is less expensive doesn’t mean it’s any less meaningful.”

You could make a handmade item like a jar of jam or gift them a plant or some office supplies. Other ideas include cookbooks, stationery, gift cards to local coffee shops, or even something like a houseplant in a pot. Simple and inexpensive is the way to go.

5. Aim for Quality Over Quantity

Focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to gift giving. You don’t have to shower someone with gifts to show your appreciation. Giving an abundance of gifts just for the sake of it can send the wrong message, no matter how inexpensive.

“The timeline of when you give a gift can make a difference,” shares Maegan Griffin, Founder, CEO and nurse practitioner at Skin Pharm. “Instead of giving multiple gifts to show appreciation for work during a project, provide one gift at completion to express thanks.”

Instead of buying something just because it’s inexpensive, think about what the recipient would appreciate most. It doesn’t have to be something expensive, but it should be something meaningful and thoughtful.

6. Stick to the Classics

Sometimes the classics are the best way to go with office gift-giving. Think of traditional gifts that will make the recipient feel appreciated without going overboard. A nice pen, a luxury coffee mug, or a high-quality business card holder are all classic gifts that will show your gratitude without making the recipient uncomfortable.

“Thinking outside the box with gifts is great but classic gifts are classic for a reason,” explains Lyudmyla Dobrynina, Head of Marketing North America at Optimeal. “If you can’t think of anything else, go with something simple. It will still show the same appreciation for the individual.”

If you want to get a little creative, choose classic gifts in an interesting variety or a personalized version. It’s a great way to blend two gift ideas into one.

7. Make It Useful

Don’t discount the benefit of useful gifts in professional environments. Something useful is more likely to be used and can help the individual avoid having to spend their own money to make the purchase.

“Consider what would be a useful tool for the recipient to help them with their job,” advises Den Montero, Marketing Director of Moeflavor. “If the person works in an office, consider getting them something to make their workspace more comfortable, such as a good chair or an ergonomic mouse. If the recipient is creative, look for something that could help with their creative process, like a nice pen set or a sketchbook.”

No matter what type of gift you choose, make sure it’s something that will be useful to the recipient and make their work life a bit easier.

8. Think Outside the Box

Make a gift special and memorable by thinking outside the box. Consider things that could be of benefit to the recipient and their career. For example, they might like a digital subscription to an industry-related publication or a gift card for a professional organization.

“Look for unique items related to their work or hobbies,” Anthony Siskos, COO of 10PM Curfew suggests. “If they’re into fitness, give them a personalized fitness tracker. If they’re a movie buff, surprise them with a subscription to a streaming service.”

For team gifts, think of something that everyone would appreciate. It could be anything from custom mugs or t-shirts to tickets for a sporting event or a local attraction. There are plenty of ways to show your appreciation without breaking the bank.

9. Avoid Office Politics

Gift-giving in the workplace can be tricky when it comes to avoiding office politics. It’s important to remember that professional gift-giving is not about currying favor with colleagues or superiors; it’s about building relationships and showing appreciation.

“To make sure your gift-giving stays above board, try to remain impartial,” suggests Christy Pyrz, Chief Marketing Officer of Paradigm Peptides. “Don’t give more expensive or elaborate gifts to certain people, and never give gifts that could be seen as bribes or as attempts to influence decisions.”

Avoid giving gifts that could be interpreted as favoritism or could be seen as pitting colleagues against each other. Your goal should be to show appreciation to everyone in the office and create a positive work environment.

10. Have Fun With It

The goal of any gift is to show your appreciation. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to get creative and have some fun with it. Gift-giving doesn’t always have to be serious and stuffy. You can show your appreciation with a quirky and thoughtful gift that they won’t soon forget.

“Putting a smile on someone’s face can be incredibly heartwarming,” shares Ryan Rottman, Co-Founder and CEO of OSDB. “Whether it’s a one-of-a-kind book or a unique piece of art, adding your own personal touch to the gift is sure to make them happy.”

Showing your co-worker, client, or employee that you took the time to find something truly special for them will make them feel appreciated. Don’t be afraid to get creative and express yourself through thoughtful gifts. When you put thought into the gift, your colleagues are sure to appreciate the gesture.

Final Thoughts

If you feel compelled to give a gift to someone you work closely with, don’t be too shy to express your appreciation. When done appropriately, it can have a great impact on your professional relationships.