How much should you spend on a gift?
By Nicola Field
According to the gift registry team at Sydney-based department store Peter's of Kensington, there's no hard and fast rule about how much you should spend on a gift.
Ideally a gift should reflect the level of intimacy you share with a person. If you know someone well, a generous gift is fine.
For a casual acquaintance, trim the budget.
If cash is tight, it's possible to "dress up" cheaper gifts with special wrapping. But ultimately your present is supposed to be a gesture - not a trade. So don't feel obliged to compete in terms of money spent.
If your bank account is looking especially lean, try saying in words and cards what you would normally say with gifts.
A few sincere sentiments can carry a lot of clout.
Gift giving in the workplace calls for special care. Common gaffes include offering items that are too expensive, too personal, or failed attempts at humour.
The US-based Emily Post Institute (self-described as an etiquette authority) advises against giving a gift to the boss that's just from you - it could be seen as sucking up to the boss.
Instead, get together with workmates and give a gift from the group. Avoid personal items such as lingerie or perfume.
Gifts such as books, fruit baskets or gift certificates are a much safer option.
Emily Post also advises discretion about gifts to special friends at work - outside the office may be best.
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