DEAR MISS MANNERS: My 11-year-old granddaughter wants to register online for birthday gifts for her party. I told her I didn’t think that was appropriate, especially for 11-year-olds.

By doing so, she is telling her friends how much they need to spend and depriving them of the fun of choosing a special gift for her. Plus, it just seems tacky. Am I old-fashioned?

GENTLE READER: You may tell your granddaughter that the equally old-fashioned Miss Manners says that registering for presents — at any age and for any occasion — is rude.

Starting this young will only lead her friends to retail exhaustion — or worse, resentment from their parents when their children get the bright idea to do the same.

Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, [email protected]; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.