If you're thinking about giving gifts to your employees during the December holidays, that's a good idea, but approach it with caution. Here are some basic pointers:

Don’t exclude people. Give gifts to your entire department. Handing out presents to some and not others will only cause resentment and trouble.

Be consistent. Give everyone the same item or a gift that is similar in price and style. Don’t give any one employee a present that stands out from the rest.

Go beyond the workplace. Don’t limit yourself to professional or workplace-related gifts. Decorative items for the home are usually appreciated as much as workplace accessories. 

Be careful when giving food. Some employees might have religious or medical restrictions on what they eat or drink. You should know your recipients well enough to steer clear of potential minefields.

Make returns simple. You can’t please everyone. Include gift receipts so people can return or exchange your presents without trouble.