While most of the environments surrounding the business community ought to be detached from emotions, history has proved that, they (emotions) always end up being aligned to every business decision made. Somehow, they get their way round into business through our human nature which tends to bring with it emotive actions especially during festive seasons.

The temptation to buy colleagues a gift bites so hard that the only option one has is to go shopping. Usually the decision on whether or not to buy the gift is not a difficult one. Things get much thicker when one is expected to choose the actual gift to be purchased and for who.

In the African traditional setting, gifting is not as new a practice as many would imagine. It was a seasonal affair practiced across all age groups. Gifts would range from small items like an egg, a set of beads or a chick; to large ones like bulls and pieces of land. Gifting was based on set guidelines and benchmarks underlining relationships between the giver and the receiver. For instance, an egg was seen as the best gift a grandchild can receive from his grand parent and vice-versa.

The current scenario is no different; one ought to consider several factors before landing a gift item to a colleague. It is amazing how this dilemma hits us every holiday season. You want something special for your boss or coworker, but you have no idea what they like, or what they already have. Then comes up another huddle where you don’t want to be too personal or exorbitant. You don’t want to embarrass them with such a huge package, but again you don’t want to appear stingy.

Having known the person from work, you may have some ideas and knowledge on his or her personal tastes and interests. This is a clue to capitalize on and make it a pointer to the gift you get for them. You can also spend time soliciting ideas from others in your work place. Some colleagues may know his/her better and good ideas multiply when people brainstorm together.

Another reliable approach is to talk to your colleague’s family member or friend. When looking for a gentleman’s gift, look for impressive gifts like ties, cufflinks, t-shirts, caps, track suits or belts. However, the ideas acquired from friends and colleagues might give you the ‘perfect’ choice.

Gifting for ladies is an uphill task. But, one can combine the ideas for men and avoid items that connote intimate-friendship such as evening dresses, undergarments, jewelry, perfume, fully-paid for holidays and flowers, these are no-go zones. Get general items like diaries, wall hangings, small electronic (clocks) and artifacts.

To be precise, a gift has to be about the person receiving it, and not about the giver. That’s what my mum taught me. But some of the most memorable gifts don’t come wrapped in fancy paper, they are presented in their original form - sometimes the best gift is simply you. Create time and share it with your colleague, friend or family; it is a gift worth a million dollars!