I would think that Covid changes some rules. You might normally invite 100 people and I might be in the top 50 on your list, and I would buy a gift for you. With Covid you are only allowed to invite 10 - in that situation I would most likely still buy a gift. The gift is reciprocating for you considering me a good enough friend to be invited, not reciprocating (what a ****** word) for food and drinks. —
gnasher729 1 min ago