Gifts Between Employees
Executive branch employees may not give a gift to an official superior nor can an employee accept a gift from another employee who receives less pay, except in certain circumstances.
On an occasional basis, the following individual gifts to a supervisor are permitted --
- gifts other than cash that are valued at no more than $10
- food and refreshments shared in the office
- personal hospitality in the employee's home that is the same as that customarily provided to personal friends
- gifts given in connection with the receipt of personal hospitality that is customary to the occasion, and
- transferred leave, provided that it is not to an immediate superior.
On certain special infrequent occasions a gift may be given that is appropriate to that occasion. These occasions include --
- events of personal significance such as marriage, illness or the birth or adoption of a child, or
- occasions that terminate the subordinate-official superior relationship such as retirement, resignation or transfer.
Employees may solicit or contribute, on a strictly voluntary basis, nominal amounts for a group gift to an official superior on a special infrequent occasion and occasionally for items such as food and refreshments to be shared among employees at the office.
Reference: 5 C.F.R. §§ 2635.301-304.