Are the floral arrangement and the fruit basket permissible gifts?
The floral arrangement is fine. Although it is to be given to an official superior and to be accepted from a lower-paid employee, it falls within the exception for infrequent occasions of personal significance. The fruit basket, on the other hand, is not permissible. Unlike a retirement or resignation, Glenn’s promotion does not terminate his official-subordinate relationship with Joan. Neither is it an infrequent occasion of personal significance. A third exception to the gift rule permits voluntary contributions of nominal amounts and solicitation of voluntary contributions of nominal amounts for gifts to official superiors– • Recognizing special infrequent events as described above; and • For food and refreshments to be shared in the office. Sonya is taking up a collection for a tennis racquet from everyone in her section to be presented to her section chief on the occasion of his retirement. She tells each person that the contribution amount is $5.00. Is this arrangement permissib
