As the holiday season approaches, it's important to remember that gift-giving is not always straightforward in the business world. While it's a thoughtful gesture, requesting donations from vendors can put them in a difficult position. As a vendor myself, I've had clients ask for donations ranging from $500-$1,000 per property. While I love giving back, it's important to have a clear understanding of expectations. If vendors are donating significant amounts, it's challenging to provide rock bottom prices and meet budget expectations. Managers, make sure to be clear about your company's policies on gift-giving and donations. Not all companies allow staff to request gifts, and those that do may have a limit on the number of gifts that can be received. Let's make sure that we approach gift-giving with transparency and respect for all parties involved.