Question:
I am graduating college this week, family members will have gifts for me – do I need to wait until after Tisha bav to open them?
Answer:
According to a number of poskim it is preferred not to give presents, others say that it is permitted if it isn’t an expensive one. Therefore, you can take it from them, but it is preferable to wait until after the nine days to acquire it and use it.
Best wishes
Sources:
Halichos Shlomo 14 ftnt. 26, Ashrei Ish 3 chap. 69-21, Mesores Moshe 1-368, Mikdash Yisroel 83, The three weeks pg. 69, Kovetz Halachos 12-9 ftnt. 8, Vayivorech Dovid 1-71.
