With Christmas approaching I am faced with a dilemma that I have had all year to solve and have spectacularly failed to do.  What do I get the boss?

Last year I had just started my job in November, so didn’t buy presents.  I felt a bit embarrassed when my boss presented me with a Myer gift certificate.  I was determined to get something good this year, even though my manager said that she wouldn’t get anything as she didn’t celebrate Christmas.

Last year, as well, the boss had given all guys a nice bottle of whiskey, so I thought that might be a winner, however on further discission others have said that they’re not going to get him alcohol this year as his wife is very pregnant and due before the end f January.  The general consensus was that he should be given something for the family…  I’m still not 100% sold on this one.

As always I have turned to Google for the answer to all life’s mysteries which can not be found in the Bible.  And the answers vary – if he likes his drinks, get him wine or spirits.  If he/she likes golf, get some personalised golf balls or the like.  Actually I wish it was that easy, especially as I feel like I’m buying for the whole family this year, not just the boss.

I had thought ‘hamper’ which can discretely have a small bottle of something or other tucked into it, but food can be hit and miss.

One website I found went as far as saying that you should feel no obligation to return gifts if your boss gives you one and if you do don’t go dollar for dollar.  This just doesn’t sit right.  After all the guy keeps me employed in a role that gives me very good prospects.  In fact I’d only take this attitude if I knew for sure that it was the company footing the bill, not my boss.  Usually I am a big advocate of the fact that a gift does not (and should not) put you in obligation to any one, although work is a very different context.

Anyhow, I’m off to google some more and if that fails, I might try DJ’s…

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