5. Presents:[1]

Sending gifts to the Avel: It is forbidden to send presents to an Avel during Shiva, or Shloshim. One who is an Avel over a father or mother may not have presents sent to them throughout the entire twelve months of mourning.

Shabbos and Yom Tov: Those places that are accustomed not to greet an Avel even on Shabbos may not send him a present even on Shabbos. However, those places that are accustomed to greeting an Avel on Shabbos may send him a present on Shabbos [assuming there is no Shabbos prohibition involved[2]].

Q&A May an Avel send gifts during Shiva? An Avel is not to give presents during Shiva.[3] Thus he may not give a baby present, Bar Mitzvah gift, birthday present or wedding present during Shiva. He is also not to give a Sefer to a friend during Shiva.[4] During Shiva, he is not even to promise to give a present after Shiva.[5] One may however give a present to a pauper who is in need.[6] See Chapter 22 Halacha 14 for various Q&A on this subject regarding Shloshim and the same applies during Shiva.

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[1] Rama 385:3 regarding Avel for parent; Maharil 31; Kitzur SHU”A 212:2 adds all Aveilim for Shloshim; Nitei Gavriel 14:9

[2] See Admur 306:15; M”B 306:33

[3] So rules regarding Tishe Beav: M”A 554:21; M”B 554:41 in name of Achronim; Nitei Gavriel 107:9

The reason: As this is similar to greeting someone which is forbidden to be done during Shiva. [ibid]

[4] Tzitz Eliezer 8:33

[5] Hisorerus Teshuvah 355

[6] Kaf Hachaim 554:91