...to ask a shop to reserve a dress so my mum can't buy it?!

[gagamama]

It's my mum's 50th birthday in 2 weeks time. She has had her eye on a dress in Debenhams but every time she goes in to get it they don't have her size. My present to her is (hopefully) going to be this dress plus a co-ordinating necklace and bag, and a trip for Tea the Ritz, the idea being she can wear the new outfit. I know she's going shopping today and I know which town she's going to.... AIBU to call the branch of Debenhams and ask them to keep the dress in her size aside (assuming they have one) so she can't get it?

If they do have it I will probably try go and get it this evening, so it's not like they'll lose out on a potential sale. But even if they do, I'm sure people ask things to be put aside and not come back for them all the time. AIBU?

[Niecie]

No go for it.

If you can pick it up this afternoon, I am sure they won't mind. I think it happens quite a lot.

[Lilyloo]

what if they have more than one though ?

[geordieminx]

Oooo tricky... lovely idea, but what happens if they have more than one? Can you reserve them all?

[funnypeculiar]

Go for it - in fact, I'd be tempted to explain the situation to the shop staff - it's a lovely story, and they might do some extra covering up for you .

One question - when are you letting your mum know you're getting her the dress - if she wants a special frock for her birthday, isn't there a danger she'll end up buying something else that she doesn't actually need?

[ninedragons]

Funnypeculiar's point is a good one. Could you ring the department, ask if they have the dress, pay for it over the phone and then when your mum goes in they can just hand it over with a big smile?

[gagamama]

Argh I didn't think of that! It's Petite 16 though, they don't usually stock heaps of those.

[Laurenypops]

No, that sounds like the sort of cunning plan I would enjoy plotting! Hope it all goes to plan for you, and that they don't have two dresses in that size, otherwise you'll have to be very deceitful!

[gagamama]

She doesn't know about the Tea at the Ritz yet so I doubt she'll buy a different one. She just loves this dress and wants it 'just because'. Her mum died a few weeks ago so she wants to keep things low key and won't be expecting a fuss.

[2rebecca]

I would just say something to your mum like "I don't think it's a good idea to buy yourself new things just before your birthday". I think surprises are overrated and unless you drop hints if she really wants this dress she'll find a way to get it.