By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – It’s the holiday season. So, do you get the boss a gift? If so, what do you buy and what do you not buy?

President of Cherry Hill-based etiquette firm Pachter and Associates Barbara Pachter says the first question you need to ask is, “is it appropriate to give the boss a gift?”

Barbara Pachter. (Credit: Pachter and Associates)

“The general guideline is that you don’t give the boss a gift. It looks as if you are culling favor. When the boss gives you a nice project in January, it’s because you got him or her a nice gift and you don’t want that going on in your organization.”

And if it is appropriate to give a gift, what should you give?

“If you know the person loves basketball, you could get them tickets. If you know the person likes music, get them an iTunes card.”

To hear the full interview with Barbara Pachter, listen to this CBS Philly posdcast:

She says stay away from anything religious or too personal. Nothing too pricey either. She says food is always a hit. If you knit, a scarf would be nice. And if your office puts together a “Secret Santa” Pollyanna she advises you to participate as a show of team spirit.