Asking Eric: At a birthday party for three different people, must I bring a gift for each of them?
May 31, 2026
Dear Eric: My close cousin will be turning 95 this year and her daughter told me a while back she was planning a birthday party for her. Recently I received a save the date card stating it’s a birthday party for Mary (95), John (76) and Susan (70). Susan is my cousin Mary’s daughter and John is
her husband. I didn’t realize all three were being honored at the party. Am I obliged to give a gift to each person? Since they live out of state, I have only seen Susan a handful of times over the years, and I’ve never met her husband. Family members have asked me what I plan to do regarding gifts. I haven’t a clue. Is it all right to just give a gift to my cousin and not her daughter and son-in-law? Please advise. Also, what do you buy a 95-year-old?
...read more
read less