Gift for the boss

[Joan.of.the.Arch]

My pal who has lived in the US only 6 years has asked me if he should get his boss a present at Christmas. He says that, where he comes from, expensive gifts to the boss are really expected at certain times, and one would risk suffering within the company if no gift or a less than expensive gift is given. To me it sounds like a bribe, the way he describes it.

My pal is an engineer in his first 6 months of employment. It is a very small but very specialized firm. The office apparently has zero personalism about it. They never talk about anything but business. So I don't see how a gift could be a heartfelt token. My pal is anxious to do the right thing. I suggested a bottle of wine is sufficient, that an expensive gift would not sit right, culturally.

I also told him that in some workplaces, the boss/company would actually be giving him a gift and that it is possible it could be something quite nice or a $ bonus. He was surprised at this.

Do you think I advised him well enough? Do there tend to be any set customs or expectations among engineering companies regarding Christmas gifts?

Do you give a gift to your boss? Is there a collection to which you all chip in for a boss's gift? How do you feel about giving boss a gift? Does it feel obligatory?

[boefixepa]

As I see it, it's a complete choice. The only boss I've ever given a gift too is my current boss. The three of us here in the office went in together and got him a golf pass with cart at his favorite course and some driving munchies for the ride down (he visits often and it's a 5 hour drive). I really depends on your relationship. If they are not really good friends I think the bottle of wine is fine. Much more and it would seem odd. Me, I hang out with my boss, go out to family get to gethers with his family, been to all three of his kids weddings and baby sit his dog. He's just as much a trusted friend as a boss.

[fairy74]

I think it depends on the office environment (not necessarily the general culture), I have worked for bosses who definitely considered an expensive gift to be their perogative. Since it is not a very personal office I would give a gift certificate or something similar, wine can raise problems if the boss doesn't drink or has religious prohibitions against alcohol. Even if the office itself is not really "personal" your friend can surely include some personal sentiments on a card (the reasons he is happy to be working for this company, the things he likes about his boss, etc...)

[Thrifty Ray]

I think it varies. Is there someone your friend works with who he could ask what is traditional at his company?

At my prior job, the department employees generally collected a pool and got a combined gift...but our CEO was very generous to all of us and loved the holidays.

If the boss is adverse to starting an exchange, doesnt celebrate or is just not a Christmas fan, it may not be a good idea to give a gift. In which case, a nice card would suffice.

But if giving a gift is something that is done, there are many charities that one can donate in someones honor, or a gift card for dinner or a nice fruit basket are usually safe.

Unless your friend knows his boss would appreciate wine, Id go with something else...