Holiday party and gift giving guidance

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Susan L. Davis
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The holidays are a time for family, friends and co-workers to come together, have fun, and in many instances, exchange gifts, especially those involving military members and their units.

However, as with all things, there are guidelines in place governing office holiday parties and gift exchanges.

"The holiday season is a good time to remind people that, even in the spirit of the season, rules and regulations still apply," said Mark Hanson, 319th Air Base Wing Legal Office chief of general law. "There are many pitfalls people can fall into if they are unfamiliar with guidance governing events and activities associated with this time of year."

Hanson named a few of the most common mistakes he has seen people make, and ways to avoid them.

"First and foremost, keep gifts at or under a $10 value, especially in the case of subordinates giving gifts to supervisors," he said. "Supervisors don't necessarily have to follow this rule as closely when giving gifts to subordinates, but should still use their best judgment."

The next point, he said, is being sure not to use appropriated funds (funds allocated to the unit by Congress) to pay for parties, gifts or other unofficial events and activities.

"That is what private organizations and fundraisers are for, which are governed by a separate set of rules," he said.

Federal guidelines also warn party-goers to beware of door prizes and drawings that could be construed as gambling, which would require compliance with local and state laws as well as federal regulations.

"Including a raffle at a holiday party may involve having to apply for a raffling license, which may cost money, and may not be guaranteed for approval," said Hanson.

Although this list is just the beginning, Hanson said that the best rule of thumb is simply to use common sense and good taste.

"Please remember that this guidance only highlights some of the most common questions, and does not cover every situation," he said. "If you're unsure about a situation, contact your ethics counselor."

For more information, call the Grand Forks AFB Legal Office at 701-747-3618.