Written by Jessica Burns on Dec 3, 2025
The holiday season often brings joy and cheer—and questions about gift giving at work. Whether you’re an experienced employee or new to the workforce, navigating the etiquette can be tricky. From workplace dynamics to logistics and budget, there’s a lot to consider, making this a difficult decision. Use the handy infographic below to help navigate gifting dilemmas.
Gift Alternatives
If gift giving isn’t ideal for your situation, there are alternatives to show appreciation to your coworkers.
- Hand out holiday cards. Be mindful of the design and message you choose to ensure inclusiveness for everyone, regardless of the holidays they choose to celebrate.
- Write a thank-you note for each coworker about how much you enjoy working with them.
- Share a potluck at the office or go out to celebrate a great year.
If opting out of gifting is the best choice for you, that’s okay. If you receive a gift, show gratitude by visiting with the giver to say thank you and how much you will enjoy the gift, or writing a thank-you note.
Joy and connection are the spirit of the holiday season, and your choice to gift or not gift at work should align with the meaning of the season for you.
