Dear Diane,
Do I have to give a present to everyone who gives one to me? I am having trouble deciding what the proper gift giving etiquette for this particular situation would be. I appreciate your advice.
B.
Dear B.,
It is not necessary to run out and get a gift for someone that you didn’t intend to give to this season. Furthermore, if you are on a strict budget, you will feel worse if you buy for everyone that gives you a gift and you end up broke. It’s no fun to be unable to make your rent payment at the end of the season. A better option is to simply say “Thank you so much for thinking of me,” open the gift (or put it under the tree) and continue with a pleasant holiday conversation. And remember to send a thank you note.
Best,
Diane
You may also like Gift Giving Etiquette Among Friends. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
