Holiday gift giving at the workplace can either be an overwhelming or positive experience. According to a recent Office Depot survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 78% of employed Americans state that they either give gifts or celebrate the holidays at their workplace; however, 90% are unfamiliar with the latest gift-giving protocol for business associates.

Hilka Klinkenberg, a world-renowned authority on appropriate business behavior and Office Depot's Holiday Etiquette Expert, says that most Americans find gift giving a challenge for several reasons, all of which stem from unfamiliarity with the recipient's likes and dislikes and the appropriate amount to spend. Klinkenberg offers the following tips to help make workplace gift-giving a more enjoyable experience.

Tip#1: Remember your recipient. Whether the gift is for a client, your boss, or assistant you need to be aware of the person's style and taste. It is helpful to know the beneficiary's culture - both in the corporate and ethnic sense. Also, consider the person's hobbies and habits. For example:

• if he or she travels frequently for work, the Ladies Business Tote ($39.87) or Business Backpack ($59.99) are great options.
• The Christopher Lowell Comfi-Vibe Neck and Lumbar Pillows ($19.97 each) may be the perfect touch for those who are constantly on the road.
• The stylish co-worker will surely appreciate the Safari Stapler Gift Set ($9.99) which adds a touch of pizzazz to an otherwise bland workspace.

Tip#2: Think about giving a gift that someone wouldn't buy for themselves. Without being extravagant or expensive, a "splurge" item could help your business associate relieve some holiday stress.

• Christopher Lowell's Illuminating Mood Candle ($14.97) adds some soothing ambience to the office
• while the Logitech MediaPlay Cordless Mouse ($49.99) offers complete flexibility and brings tech savvy to one's desk.

Tip#3: Remember your budget and remain consistent. A budget will often be the determining factor when making business-gift purchases this holiday season. The key is to create a list, set a spending limit and stick to it! Try to spend the same amount on an individual from year to year. If you spent $100 last year, a $20 gift might send the wrong message.
Ideas for gifts under $25 include: Padfolios ($10 to $12), Christopher Lowell Photo Albums ($9.99) and for the entrepreneur, a Donald Trump Doll ($24.99).

Tip#4: Give the gift in person. Give the gift in person if you can - it's always more meaningful. However, never ask someone to open a present in front of you; it could easily create an embarrassing or disappointing situation. If it is not possible to give a gift in person, plan to ship the gift early since so many business associates travel and take vacation toward the end of the year. Office Depot works closely with UPS to provide packing and shipping services nationwide.

Tip#5: Presentation Counts. Pay attention to your gift-wrapping. Take a moment to personalize your gift by using appropriate paper and packaging, be sure to consider the recipient's corporate culture and ethnic background, and don't forget to include a hand-written card. To simplify your gift-giving process,

• Christopher Lowell has paired his holiday items with elegant silver gift bags. Additionally,
• Office Depot offers an assortment of workplace-appropriate holiday cards.

Tip#6: Give a gift that is both thoughtful and useful. Simplifying a busy person's life or updating an outdated co-worker with the latest technology will ensure that your gift is appreciated. Presenting someone with a needed gift shows that you're paying attention.

• A Digital Voice Recorder from Olympus ($39.99) is perfect for the colleague who is always on-the-go and needs the perfect "audio to do list."
• For a colleague who is curious about technology, but might not purchase it himself, give the Logitech QuickCam Communicate Web Camera ($50) or the Creative Labs Muvo Slim MP3 Player ($199).

Tip#7: Avoid personal gifts. According to the Office Depot Holiday survey conducted by Harris Interactive, 57% of Americans will give personal gifts to co-workers during the holidays, but less than 20% of Americans want a personal gift from their co-worker. How do you determine how to stay within those unspoken borders? A good guideline for what to steer clear of is anything that touches the skin…lingerie, fragrances, jewelry, clothing, and anything that requires size, style or color. Some more appropriate gift options include:

• Sharp Atomic Wall LCD Clock ($30.15)
• Palm Tungsten E Bonus Pack (Office Depot Exclusive for $199.99.)
• Alternative options are gift cards that allow your recipient to choose his or her own gift. Office Depot offers the perfect way to "wrap" your gift card with the "Teddy B. Caring" Gift Card Holder; proceeds from the teddy bear purchase go to the Toys for Tots charity.

Tip#8: Match the gift with your company's image. Building a corporate image is something companies work hard to achieve all year. Don't ruin it with a holiday gift that doesn't jive with the company's personality. For example, if your company describes itself as edgy and creative then your client gift should reflect this. Ideas for edgy gifts are:

• a Lava Lamp/CD Holder ($19.99),
• Xact Wrist Watch FRS Radio ($50).

Some suggestions for professional gifts include:

• Targus Notebook Leather Case ($70),
• Parker Pen and Pencil Set ($15).

Hilka has designed these tips to take the stress out of workplace gift giving, and many of the tips can be applied in any gift giving situation. For more of Hilka's tips and for many more office gift-giving suggestions, visit www.officedepot.com. All of the suggested gifts can be found at Office Depot stores nationwide or by calling 1-800-GO-DEPOT.