Is it permissible to conceal the intention of going for Hajj and evade answering questions related to it to avoid food banquets, and is it permissible to refuse gifts for the same reason?

It is permissible to use allusive speech if there is a benefit or need that necessitates it, and it is prohibited if there is no such need. Accepting a gift is permissible and rewarded. However, if the giver intends compensation rather than affection, the recipient may return it. Among the blameworthy customs is when people gift food and oblige the recipient to return the container with something in it, because this turns it from the category of gifts into the category of sales, due to the implicit demand for compensation. Therefore, there is no harm in using allusive speech to alleviate embarrassment, and it is commendable to give small gifts to relatives and friends, based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "Give gifts to one another, and you will love one another."