Dear Mrs. McVeigh,

What is the proper etiquette when someone gives you a gift and you do not have one for him?  It is so embarrassing, and we never know what to say.  Should you make up an excuse or get them a gift as soon as you can?

Neighborsgo Editors

Dear Neighborsgo Editors,

Just because someone gives you a gift, you do not have to give him one.  I remember just out of college giving a friend a Christmas present, and him mumbling something how mine was coming soon from a catalog that he ordered. I was not surprised when I never received the gift from him, because I knew he just made that up because he felt bad he had nothing to give me.  He was still in college and I knew he could not afford a gift, so I was just expecting a thank you, and not something in exchange.

Every year I get calls from my side of the family and my husband’s side of the family asking if they are exchanging gifts or not.  My opinion is if you want to give someone a gift during the holidays do not expect anything in exchange, and do not feel obligated to give a gift because you received one.  Also gifts exchanged between two people do not have to have equal dollar value, and it really is the thought that counts.