8 Workplace Gifting Etiquettes to follow: Healthcare Edition

Gifting comes as one of the ‘fun-est’ aspects of work; it’s always wonderful to find a surprise sticker pack sitting on your desk on a random work morning. But as for everything in the world, there are some unspoken rules to follow. Especially in the world of healthcare, things can really get complicated. 

However, the trick to simplification is answering these questions: What’s appropriate? What’s ethical? And what do workplace or institutional policies say?. 

That, along with a little bit of creativity and the following ideas, can make your workplace gifting era a lot more exciting! 

Whether you're a supervisor, a new recruit, or part of a cross-functional team, understanding the expectations around holiday gifting can help you avoid awkward situations - and maintain professional integrity.

Giving Gifts at Work: Who, What, and How

1. Gifting to Direct Reports

If you manage a team, gifting “down” is generally seen as thoughtful and sometimes even expected. A few principles to keep in mind:

• Monetary boundaries: Stick to gift cards over cash, and keep values modest—typically between $25 and $100.

• Cultural sensitivity: Avoid alcohol-based gifts or anything tied to religious traditions your team may not share.

• Equality: Make sure all team members receive similar gifts to avoid perceptions of favoritism. These Tumblers from STEMStickrs can be a great option!

Even something as simple as a handwritten holiday card can go a long way in showing appreciation.

Pro tip: A team dinner, covered personally by the supervisor, is a common and appreciated gesture in many Canadian workplaces.

2. Gifting to Peers

Gifts exchanged between colleagues of equal rank should be entirely optional. If you do decide to give something, try to keep it personal, not pricey. You can go for:

• Homemade cards or bookmarks

• A thoughtful note recognizing their support

• Small tokens like themed mugs, tumblers, bottles, etc. You can take a look at the Clinical Research Professional mugs or Blood sample in biohazard bag tumblers from STEMStickrs, for instance!

The goal here is to strengthen professional relationships, not create pressure to reciprocate. A simple, sincere thank-you can sometimes mean more than any physical gift.

3. Gifting to Supervisors

Giving gifts “up” the hierarchy - such as to your boss or manager - is generally discouraged. It can come across as overly transactional or even as an attempt to gain favor.

Instead, opt for symbolic, low-cost gestures like:

• A custom-made holiday card

• A funny ornament

• A themed sticker pack tied to your line of work (e.g., liver and pancreas stickers for gastro teams!). You can find some exciting ones at STEMStickrs! 

Creativity and effort will always be appreciated more than monetary value.

4. Gifting to Patients or Clients: A Red Flag Area

If you work in any client-facing setting, gifting to patients or research participants is strongly discouraged - and in most cases, outright prohibited.

Why?

• It can compromise the therapeutic or professional relationship.

• It creates unequal dynamics among patients.

• Most institutional policies prohibit it.

If you really want to show appreciation, consider giving a general holiday card - or better yet, just a warm, verbal greeting.

Receiving Gifts at Work: What’s Acceptable?

Just as there are rules for giving, there are clear expectations for receiving gifts in professional settings.

1. From Patients or Participants:

In hospitals and research settings, many institutions set a cap (usually $20–$50) on what staff can accept. Here’s how to respond when a patient offers a gift:

• Politely decline any expensive or personal gifts.

• Accept cards or verbal appreciation when appropriate.

• Encourage them to bring in treats for the entire department if they wish to express gratitude.

Suggested phrase: “That’s so kind of you. While I can’t accept gifts due to policy, I truly appreciate the thought and your kind words.”

2. From Industry Representatives (e.g., Pharma Reps)

Accepting high-value gifts from stakeholders like pharmaceutical reps can raise ethical red flags. Stick to branded merchandise (pens, mugs, notepads) or official greeting cards that clearly fall under your company’s policy.

If in doubt, check with your HR or compliance department.

3. From Supervisors:

Holiday gestures from supervisors—such as gift cards or team dinners—are common and well within ethical bounds. If you're ever unsure, just consider your own comfort level and the culture of your organization.

4. From Peers:

Secret Santa exchanges, handwritten cards, or homemade cookies? Yes, please. These gestures are fun, inclusive, and low-pressure—just keep an agreed-upon budget ($10–$20 is typical)

Holiday gifting in the workplace doesn’t need to be grand or expensive—it just needs to be thoughtful.

Use this time to reconnect with colleagues, strengthen bonds, and spread genuine appreciation. Instead of a store-bought greeting, consider crafting a personalized card that references a shared memory, team joke, or moment of support.

After all, in the STEM and healthcare fields, it's the thought that counts.