DEAR MISS MANNERS: When giving a gift certificate, is it acceptable to give an amount that only covers part of the cost?
For example, after the birth, I gave the obstetrician who delivered my son a gift certificate to a local restaurant. The place is a little fancier, and while our gift was substantial, it probably wasn’t enough to pay for a glass of wine, an appetizer, dinner, and dessert for the doctor and his partner.
After giving him the voucher (along with a handwritten, sincere thank you note), I reconsidered, knowing he would have to contribute some of his own money to pay for the meal.
DEAR READER: How much easier would it be to give a gift that has no price and does not force the recipient to spend extra money on something he might not otherwise want.
Instead, Miss Manners suggests giving a gift basket, a good bottle of wine, or another small luxury item for which you don’t have to pay the balance or fork out a large tip.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners on her website, www.missmanners.com; to your email, [email protected]; or by mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
