Secret Santa Office Etiquette

Many offices will soon be participating in a gift exchange among their coworkers. Secret Santa is a time-honored practice of celebrating the holidays with the people you work alongside. The tradition is popular for several reasons. It’s easy, affordable, interactive and inclusive, allowing everyone from different departments to come together in a fun and non-competitive way.

A gift exchange allows coworkers to share an experience, celebrate the holidays and even get to know each other a little better. Follow these tips to keep your Secret Santa exchange merry and bright.

Explain the Rules

While the instructions are pretty simple, not everyone may be familiar with the custom or understand what to do without some guidance. Be specific, especially if you’re doing a variation of the game such as a white elephant theme or ugly sweater exchange. Put the process down in writing and send the instructions by email or place on each coworkers desk.

Set and Follow a Spending Limit

Choose a spending amount that will allow for maximum participation, then make sure everyone knows the limit. When choosing a gift, do your best to stay close to the set amount. Excessive overspending will make those who followed the rules feel uncomfortable. Also, avoid underspending and aim to hit the mark on the dollar amount.

Join the Fun

Even if your holiday spirit resembles Scrooge, plan on joining the gift exchange. The cost is minimal, you’ll benefit from being seen as a team player, and you just might enjoy yourself. Don’t overthink it. It’s not about giving or getting the world’s best present, but rather building comradery and having fun with coworkers.

K-I-S-S

Keep it simple, superstar. If you aren’t familiar with the tastes of the person you picked, select a thoughtful gift just about anyone could enjoy. You probably can figure out if they enjoy drinking coffee or have a favorite type of snack. Gather a bag of coffee beans and a treat, wrap it with a bow and leave it on their desk. Items anyone can use, like a jar of hot cocoa, a coffee mug, a small picture frame, a gift card to the local deli, a lush lip balm, gloves or a scarf are good choices too.

Gift Nothing Personal

Fragranced items like scented body lotion or candles can smell wonderful to some and irritating to others. A bottle of wine could be well received unless the recipient doesn’t drink. Clothing is off limits, as well. A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that requires you to know the person’s dress or shoe size.

No Gags

Everyone loves a good laugh, but make sure your gift doesn’t generate guffaws at someone else’s expense. Only attempt the gag gift if you know the recipient well and can attest to their sense of humor. Avoid anything that might embarrass the recipient in front of a crowd when they open it. Your sense of humor may not transfer to your Secret Santa recipient.

Put on a Smile

When you open your gift, your reaction should be the same regardless of whether or not you love the item. Even if it’s a box of chocolates and you are trying your best to avoid sugar, drum up a smile and say “thank you” to show your appreciation for their efforts. You can always put it out on your holiday table, share it with a neighbor or give it to someone who is not restricting their sugar intake. Notice, I did NOT say you should “regift” the item – share it or pass it along with full disclosure.

You may also like Demystifying the Holiday Menu: Foods to Know. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.