As the holiday season unfolds, one of the challenges we face as BCBAs and RBTs is gracefully navigating the “no gifts” policy set forth by our professional ethics guidelines. It can be tough, especially when families and caregivers want to show their gratitude through thoughtful gifts. Here’s how I handle this delicate situation while maintaining the trust and respect of the families we serve.
Setting Expectations
Every year, I proactively communicate our policy in a warm and respectful manner. Below is the letter I post in our clinic and share with families:
Dear families, caregivers, and those with whom we work,
I hope you are all doing well and your holiday season is off to a wonderful start. What a year 2024 has been! More so than ever, we are especially grateful, at this time of year, for the opportunity to do the work we do and to be a part of your team and/or family. 2024 has given us many things, and perspective is certainly one of them. I am hopeful this will be an incredibly fun and fulfilling time of year, and I hope we can be a part of that with you.
Another part of the holiday season is, of course, holiday giving. Whereas we appreciate any and all offers of treats or gifts at this time, please be reminded our therapists are not able to receive gifts for their work. We certainly do not want to be rude or unappreciative, but we are simply not able to accept gifts based on the guidelines set forth by our Professional Certification Board.
The greatest rewards we receive from our work are seeing progress, being with others who are involved in the work we do, seeing other people succeed, and learning new skills. However, a handwritten note, an email to a supervisor, or simply words of appreciation are incredibly powerful and invigorating to our team members. If you are so inclined, these gestures can be more powerful than any purchasable or consumable gift. Working with your team and family truly is our gift.
Thank you again for having us on your team. Please keep in touch and let me know how our team is doing, and how we may be able to serve you better.
Have a wonderful and safe holiday season,
I end the letter with my signature and contact information, I find a wet signature gives a nice touch.
Why This Matters
The “no gifts” policy isn’t about being ungrateful—it’s about ensuring fairness, maintaining professional boundaries, and upholding the integrity of our work. By explaining this to families, we can help them understand that their support and gratitude don’t need to come in the form of material gifts.
Alternatives That Warm Our Hearts
I emphasize that a simple note of appreciation, kind words, or an email sharing their positive experiences with a supervisor can mean more to our team than anything else. These gestures reinforce the value of our work and fuel our passion for helping others succeed.
Creating a Culture of Gratitude
At the end of the day, the best gift we receive is being part of each client’s journey. By celebrating progress and highlighting the meaningful impact of our work, we keep the focus on what truly matters during the holiday season.
For anyone navigating this situation, remember: kindness, clarity, and gratitude go a long way. Happy holidays!