The other day, Reader, a client asked me to tell them about the worst Christmas gift I’ve ever received.

They were in a Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Wallet Wedne$day fit, trying to decide what to get colleagues this holiday season. We'd talked ourselves silly musing about the pressure gift-giving puts on us during a time when we're busy with end-of-year pressures.

Hence, the chatty sidebar into worst-gift mode.

I knew the answer as soon as she asked me.

The worst gift I ever received was . . . a bag of apples. 🍎🍎🍎

Oh, not the fancy Harry & Davidy designer kind.

Just a Kroger-style, red delish grocery bag of apples. 🛒

In fairness, the gift was part of a college dorm name swap. Nobody had much money, and in hindsight, the giver may not have even had the luxury of affording the $10 gift limit.

Now, I'm as much of a fan of the first fruit as anyone, but it wasn't like it was my signature snack. I hadn't been caught crunching away in between classes.

So at the time, the message I got from that simple bag was this: "I don't know you, and I don't really care enough to try."

And that hurt. ❤️‍🩹

We don't want to hurt anyone. Insult. Be seen as insensitive or uncaring (like I did when I gave a team member a bottle of champagne--only to find out later he was a recovering alcoholic. In my defense, I didn't know and thankfully my teammate took no offense.)

Yes, every December we agonize over the art and science of gift-giving.

And I'm hearing too many people, exhausted from the mental weight, decide to pull back all together, afraid to make a handwrittenmistake.

That's a normal feeling, but that's not the answer. That's just our lizard brain kicking in, trying to keep us small, safe.

But growth and connection and love and care never come from playing small or safe. ❤️

🎁 So, here are a few ideas to consider for your holiday gifting, especially for those at work. 🎁

First of all, everybody appreciates appreciation. If you've had a great experience working with someone this year--or even if it's been a little bumpy but you've welcomed how they've shown up--consider some form of appreciation.

Skip the "stuff"--who needs more mugs or tshirts? In fact, showing appreciation doesn't have to mean buying anything at all. It can be as simple as a handwritten card--something I think we overlook. If you're stumped as to what to say, try a script like this:

Hey NAME--before the year ends, I just wanted to thank you once more for being a great (coworker/colleague/client/customer/etc.) this year. I've appreciated having you in my work world, and look forward to continuing our partnership in 2026.

Easy, right? Don't underestimate the value of the hand-written note or card. They get saved--and savored.

Bonus points if you can mail a card to their home. 🏠 📫That way, their spouse or children can also see how important their loved one is to someone at work. ❤️

I've listed some other easy, last-minute gifts for those in your professional life here:

​Read: What to Give People At Work: Unexpected Holiday Ideas for Professionals​

So what about you, Reader? What's the best form of holiday appreciation you ever received? Hit REPLY and tell me--I always love to hear from you.

Don't forget--a copy of my book "Red Cape Rescue: Save Your Career Without Leaving Your Job" also makes a great present for the person contemplating how they want their work to work within their life. It has 100 reviews on Amazon in the US (go check it out--write a review if you've read it too!)

Plus, if you're in the US and want a personalized copy signed by me, hit REPLY before December 15 and I'll send you details on how to get one sent directly to you or your loved one.

Your presence is always a gift here to me. Hit REPLY and say hello so I know you're out there. Tell me about your worst gift--or maybe the best one, too!

And never forget, Reader, we need you in our world of work. You matter--thanks for being here.

Always, Darcy

​

P.S. In case you're wondering, the book I bought the most for leaders and those aspiring to lead this year is Emotionally Charged: How to Lead in the New World of Work by my friend Dina Denham Smith and Penn State prof Alicia Grandey. Watch my interview with Dina here and grab the book for yourself or a friend. --D

​

​