AboutAmanda Gamble Expertise I will answer any etiquette question you`d care to ask!
I will be happy to give friendly non-judgmental advice on any situation.
If your question is rude,incoherent or demands I confirm your "victim" story,
I reserve the right to refuse to answer. Life is too short.
Certain cultures and customs are not part of my personal
experience,but I will research to get the needed answer.
Time specific questions may or may not get answered by your deadline.
Experience I have been writing a daily etiquette advice column for 8 years.
I have taught as well as given lectures on the subject.
Question A friend's child has been invited to the bar mitzvah of a child of one of the wealthiest families in the country. I suggested that in lieu of a gift that she make a donation in the kid's name to one of the family's pet causes.
Appropriate? Event is in late July. Thank you
Answer Dear Caroline,
It's a lovely idea for the adults to give and get donations to
favorite charities. Even those who aren't "uber-wealthy" generally
tend to have more than enough 'stuff'.
However,I think the idea will be lost on the birthday celebrant.
Not intellectually,of course,but emotionally it probably just isn't
going to connect for him.
If your friend would still like to do this (make a donation),why
not pair it with a small personal gift from his peer. The invited
friend could burn a mix CD or make a home movie tribute or play for
the Bar Mitzvah friend. As long as it's done by a kid for a kid.
After all,no matter how much or how little money you have,you can't
buy true friendship. Sometimes the most inexpensive gifts are the most
meaningful because of the thought put into them.
