How much should you really spend on a gift?
With Aussie households feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis, how much cash should you really spend on a present for a loved one? We answer your gift-giving questions.
Is there a rule of thumb about how much you should spend on a gift?
No. According to the gift registry team at 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, meaning you should spend more on your girlfriend than
If you know someone well, a generous gift is fine.
For a casual acquaintance, trim the budget.
What can I do when I would love to give a generous gift but money is tight?
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.
What are are the rules about giving giving gift at work?
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.
And American employment expert Alison Green, writer of the popular Ask a Manager blog, advocates for gifts to flow downward in a workplace, from management to workers.
If you do need to give the boss a token, we suggest getting 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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