Question:
1. We plan to give someone a thank you gift but it will probably only be available once the 3 weeks begin. We hope it will bring them simcha. Is it okay to give it during the 3 weeks? Does it matter if pushing it off would not be as good for shalom?
2. I bought a sefer for my husband, can I give it to him during the 3 weeks?
For both of these, is it better not to?
Answer:
- It is permitted to give presents during the three weeks, but not if it is something significant enough that the person would have to make a shehechiyanu on it. If there is a special need, that has to be evaluated on an individual basis.
- It is permitted to give a sefer as a present, because it usually does not require saying a bracha on it.
Sources:
M:B 551-45, The Three Weeks pg. 45
