Dear Rachel,
I graduated from college in May and recently started my first agency job. With the holidays coming up, I'm a little uncertain of office etiquette. Do I get my boss a present? If so, how much should I spend? --Sign me New York City Newbie

Dear Newbie,
This is always a hot topic at this time of year, and I'm afraid I won't cool it down much with my advice.

There are two things to consider when it comes to holiday office gifts.

First is how you feel about giving gifts generally.

A number of people, me included, think gift-giving should be restricted to family and friends and think giving gifts at the office should be avoided. Offices are workplaces, not families, and gift-giving tends to blur those lines. Over-familiarity at the office can lead to all sorts of consequences we needn't get into.

But I believe a larger share of folks think giving gifts at the office is just fine and dismiss the concerns I raise as just so much bunk. Giving someone you work with or for a small gift at Christmas time is a harmless gesture in itself and should be regarded as such.

Besides, it's the end of the year, and a good time to shed one's reserve and celebrate the best of the past year and what the new year might bring. Or that's how these people see it.

So, yes, you need to consider how you feel on the subject.

The second thing to consider is what the general policy, official or unofficial, is at your agency.

If it's an accepted practice, then go ahead. Just don't spend big bucks. Your boss presumably makes a lot more than you do, so a gift in this sort of situation is considered a token.

If gift-giving is strictly taboo, obviously don't do it.

The best way to learn what the policy is to ask fellow workers.

You won't have to ask too many people, either. It's the sort of issue that people are pretty well versed in.