DEAR MISS MANNERS: When giving a gift certificate, is it acceptable to gift an amount that will cover only part of an expense? For example, after the birth of my son, I gifted the obstetrician who delivered him a gift certificate to be used at a local eatery. The establishment is on the fancier side, and though our gift was substantial, it was likely not enough to cover a glass of wine, appetizer, dinner and dessert for the doctor and his partner. After giving the certificate (along with a handwritten, sincere thank-you note), I second-guessed my gift, knowing he’d have to kick in some of his own money to cover the meal.
GENTLE READER: How much easier it would be to give a present that does not have a price attached, and that does not force its recipient to spend extra on something that may not otherwise have been wanted. Miss Manners suggests that instead, you give a gift basket, a good bottle of wine or another small luxury item that does not require paying the balance -- or ponying up a costly tip. Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.
missmanners.com ; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com ; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St.
, Kansas City, MO 64106..