Your mom and significant other love you, so they have to pretend to like what you get them. But buying for officemates is tougher -- the wrong gift could make you seem like a Dwight Schrute-style brown-noser, a cheapskate or a hopeless loser to the people you sit with nine hours a day.

Here, guidelines to get you through the next fiscal year as the office favorite.

DO give your direct boss a little something. Chances are this person's gone to bat for you more than once, so it's a good idea to show your appreciation. Ditto any assistants who toil, er, work directly for you.

DON'T spend mega bucks on your supervisor. If you give them something too pricey, you'll either come off as a kiss-up or make them uncomfortable. So stick with a fancy bottle of olive oil or a cool coffee-table book. Avoid giving liquor -- you never know who's in AA.

More advice below -- some suggestions from Lemondrop on affordable presents for co-workers and Secret Santas.

$15 and Under Stocking Stuffers





DO give small tokens of appreciation to people that do a lot for you -- think the mail guy or the woman who keeps the tampon machine stocked. It can be as simple (and cost friendly!) as making them cookies or writing them a nice card. These people tend to be underappreciated and this tiny gesture will mean a lot -- and go a long way toward getting you favors in '09!

DON'T buy something for coworkers on your same level. Times are tough, and since you all do a similar job, there's no need to shell out hard earned cash on people in a similar position. Beyond that, you'll make them feel bad if they didn't get you something.

Click here for more smart office gifting rules -- including the right time to hand out presents.


DO check your company rules before hitting the stores. Many offices have regulations concerning gifts-either they don't allow it or there is a price cap.

DON'T make a big show of passing out presents. Since you won't be giving every single person something, make sure you are quiet about who you do give to. The last thing you want to do is create inter-office animosity. Leave gifts discreetly in people's offices or make sure you're alone with someone before you break out the gift bag.

DO be prepared if a random co-worker buys you something. We've all been in this situation: You get an unexpected gift from someone and have nothing to give them in return. So, buy a couple candles, wrap them, and stick them in your desk drawer. That way you'll be prepared if this happens to you. Then, you can always keep them if you don't have to dole them out.

DON'T assume everyone celebrates Christmas. You never know what religion people are, so it's best to stick with saying "Happy Holidays" and avoiding Christmas-specific wrapping paper.

DO write a thank you note to gift-givers. Just be sure to keep it short and sweet, getting gushy with office folk is a no-no and comes across as fake.