If is not so difficult to choose a gift for your relative or friend but to choose a gift for your colleagues and partners is not an easy task. You should treat the point seriously. The most important is to know the preferences and interests of the person the gift is destined to. It has to correspond to what he/she does and what his/her job specifics is. A gift expresses your gratitude towards people that are around you and have helped you professionally all year long. With the help of a gift you can demonstrate how much you respect and value that person. But in order to avoid misunderstandings you should follow several psychological laws of giving presents.
There are several rules concerning what kind of gifts we can present our colleagues with.
A business gift shouldn't be expensive. Even if you work in a prosperous company don't present your colleagues or bosses with the expensive gifts. Otherwise they will feel uncomfortable and obliged. Moreover a too expensive gift for your boss can be regarded as a bribe.
What you shouldn't present:
Lingerie: this is completely inappropriate gift even if you work in a lingerie shop.
Clothing: Hats, shirts, socks and the like. Ties, scarves and neckerchiefs present an exception.
Alcoholic beverages: there are special rules in some companies that forbid to present with alcoholic beverages.
Religious cult objects: It is very difficult to guess what kind of religion the person professes. He/she might be an atheist.
Be careful with funny and joky gifts. Some people may not understand your joke and even take offense.
Perfumery and cosmetics: Even if you think that you know the taste of the recipient very well you can be mistaken still. Never present a colleague with a second-hand item. The only exception is vintage objects.
You can present a colleague with:
Office objects: pen, calculator, organizer, set of office objects.
It can also be a lighter, a key trinket, a manicure set etc.
Items made of glass, leather and ceramics are a great option of a gift for a colleague.
As for products, it can be a candy box or a coffee. If you want to make a gift for your colleague-woman who is probably your friend, you can choose some jewels for her, it might be for example a pair of earrings or a chain with a cute pendant. But don't choose too expensive jewels with diamonds.
You can choose flowers and houseplants especially exotic ones as well as books, music, disks and DVD.
Don't forget about a good and beautiful cover - it is better to choose a classic and not too bright one. Remember that a beautiful cover makes the first impression.