M. Commemorative Items

You may accept a plaque, trophy, or other substantially commemorative item that is presented in person.[109] In person presentation, alone, does not make an object substantially commemorative. The Committee looks to the following characteristics to determine whether an item is substantially commemorative. This list is not exhaustive.

• The engravings commemorate an occasion and not just a person, including the name of the event, the presenting organization, and the date; and
• The item does not have significant utility or artistic value.

Example (Impermissible). After speaking at an event, the event organizer presents you with an expensive pen engraved with your name. The pen does not have any other information engraved on it. Although presented in person, the pen is not substantially commemorative.

Example (Permissible). After speaking at the same event the following year, the event organizer presents you with a Waterford crystal bowl engraved with your name, the name of the event, and the date of the event. Although the bowl has utility and is decorative, it is still substantially commemorative, and you may accept it.

Example (Impermissible). An organization would like to offer you a flat screen television to honor your efforts on an issue near and dear to its heart. The organization intends to put a small plaque on the television with your name, the date, and the reasons for the honor. Even if presented in person, the television is not substantially commemorative.

Example (Impermissible). An event’s organizers commission a famous artist to paint a picture for you that will be presented after their event. The artist plans to incorporate the name of the event in small letters in the corner of the artwork. Even if presented in person, the commissioned artwork is not substantially commemorative.

Example (Impermissible). An aircraft manufacturer in your district wants to mail you a scale model of an airplane that it builds. The model will be inscribed with the date of the airplane’s first build. Because it will not be presented in person, you may not accept it as a commemorative item. You may be able to accept it under a different exception to the Gift Rule.