Question

callie opened a letter she got in the mail. it was an invitation from the parents of her friend michael. they were throwing him a surprise birthday party in a banquet hall at the helmsley, the most expensive hotel in town. callie wanted to get michael the perfect gift. at first, her plan was to make him homemade magnets using cut - outs from the superhero comics they both loved. but that wouldnt work anymore. obviously, a fancy party called for a fancy present. one day in class, she saw him checking the time, which gave her an idea. a watch! there were lots of expensive watches. it would be the ideal gift. callie went to a jewelry store to pick one out. she swallowed hard when she paid for it. the watch cost nearly all the money shed saved from her part - time job. even the glossy paper she wrapped it in cost more than regular paper. however, she was relieved that she had gotten an appropriate gift. the night of the party, callie invited some of the other guests to hang out at her house beforehand. it was fun to see everyone in formal attire. but something unexpected happened when people started comparing birthday gifts. richard had gotten michael a squirt gun, the kind they had played with as kids. molly had made michael a big card. and jasmine had baked a batch of michaels favorite cookies. suddenly, callie imagined michael as he opened the presents. she could picture his warm smile as he unwrapped the squirt gun, the card, and the cookies. then she pictured the confused look on his face when he saw the expensive watch. callie recalled the price she had paid, and she blushed. luckily, she still had the receipt. she put the wrapped box in her room before leaving with her friends. her gift would be late, but at least it would be special. which of the following best describes the main theme or lesson of this story? the most meaningful gifts dont have to cost a lot. good manners reveal a lot about a person.

Explanation:

Callie spends a lot on a watch for Michael's party thinking a fancy party needs a fancy gift. But then she sees others give simple, personal gifts like a squirt - gun, a card, and cookies. She realizes that meaningful gifts don't have to be expensive.

Answer:

The most meaningful gifts don't have to cost a lot.