not sure what to do. Not shower related

mhickey426

Ok so I am asking you guys because you will be honest and seem to be pretty good with etiquette.

My friend from college sent me a Christmas gift basket.  We were very close in college and each others wedding parties.  We have grown apart because of distance and life.  I live in NYC and she lives in CT.  We have not exchanged gifts since we were in college which was 5 years ago. I had no idea that this was coming.  We had tried to make plans to get together a few weeks ago but it didn't work out.  

My question is do I send her a gift or a thank you/Christmas card? I feel bad not sending anything but I feel like it is weird to send something just because she sent me something.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  Thank you

EastCoastBride

If you have no desire to exchange gifts with her, send a nice thank you note.  Which is what I would do.

Getting a gift does NOT require you to reciprocate. 

dreadiemama

EastCoastBride:

If you have no desire to exchange gifts with her, send a nice thank you note.  Which is what I would do.

Getting a gift does NOT require you to reciprocate. 

This. If you still feel guilty/in debt next time you hang out then pick up the tab or buy her a drink.  

nlscroggins

dreadiemama:

EastCoastBride:

If you have no desire to exchange gifts with her, send a nice thank you note.  Which is what I would do.

Getting a gift does NOT require you to reciprocate. 

This. If you still feel guilty/in debt next time you hang out then pick up the tab or buy her a drink.  

ditto to both of these. 

rhubarb123

EastCoastBride:

If you have no desire to exchange gifts with her, send a nice thank you note.  Which is what I would do.

Getting a gift does NOT require you to reciprocate. 

I agree.  You definitely have to send her a thank you card.  Maybe mention that when you finally get together you will pick up the lunch tab.

526SadieSadie

If this happened to me, I would send her something but I don't think you *have* to.

rpalen29

i hate when i reach out to people; whether its a gift, card, letter, and they don't respond back. it's very tacky and unclassy to not send back a thank you card. send her a card, and just say thank you, and next time you meet up you'll treat her to lunch. IMO, I would send a christmas card back and probably a small gift card to a spa or restaurant.