What can I do with these gifts from MIL?

[WhiteStars]

MIL and I generally get on well there are a few small issues but generally we are fine. DH is quite protective of her and sensitive to me criticising her in any way. For Christmas she was generous and kind and got me a couple of nice things and then a couple of random things- a very ugly (IMO) photo frame and a big make up storage box. The photo frame is just meh and ideally I would give it to someone else but I don't know anyone who would want it. The box is annoying as I have one already my mum got me years ago and the new one is a less good version of this. DH wants me to throw out my box and use the new one, I have told him I prefer my old one as its bigger and TBH it's better quality.

MIL is in our house regularly a couple of times a week at the very minimum. What can I do about these things?

[WhiteStars]

I don't have receipts of anything for them.

[YouTheCat]

Put the photo frame up when she visits and use the other make up storage box for storing something else.

[Soubriquet]

Charity shop

Well that's what I would do anyway. Unless she goes rooting through every room and cupboard is she really going to know?

[maddening]

Do you have any dds ? If so give the new jewelry box to her.

Can you paint the photo frame to make it less ugly?

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Charity shop.

[LexieLulu]

I wouldn't use the new make up box. Maybe put some bits you don't use as often in it, then store it at the back of a wardrobe.

I'd probably use the picture frame even if I didn't like it, just to be nice

[CherryChasingDotMuncher]

Regift. If she asks saybyoubhavent put them up yet.

And your DH needs to cut the apron strings. No one likes a mummy's boy!

[SavoyCabbage]

I'd put the frame up and move it to somewhere less prominent in a few months.

I wouldn't use the box. Give it to the charity shop.

[pklme]

Could you store something else in it? Medicine, jewellery, etc?
The frame I'd put up somewhere eventually, then move it around a bit before sending it to charity shop.

[NancyJoan]

Put a picture in the frame, put it on mantle piece for approx 3 months. Then put it away, and if she asks where it has gone, say it got knocked on the floor and broke.

Re the make-up box thing, I'd just not use it. If she asks, you can say you are waiting for the one you have to wear out.

[Patriciathestripper1]

Suck it up. Put up the frame with a picture of her in it and use the make up box as a sewing kit box

[kerryob]

Why does your DH want you to throw away something your dm bought you? That's just rude! He needs to cut the strings and get over himself

[Notcontent]

I would take the box to a charity shop straight away. The frame, I would put on display for a while (so she can see it) and then get rid of it!

I am quite ruthless with stuff because clutter makes me miserable. It it's not useful, beautiful and doesn't have special sentimental value - it has to go.

[Xmasbaby11]

Charity shop, both of them!

[lalalalyra]

Is it a make up box that you could take on holiday or is it too big? I'd use it to store toiletries somewhere. Don't get rid of the one your DM bought you though - it's bloody rude of your DH to suggest that.

Stick a photo of your DH and MIL in the frame and put it somewhere - spare room? hallway? DH's side of the bed?

[dibbley]

Why can't you just find a use for the box?

[FuzzyCustard]

I have a box in which I keep unwanted gifts which get given to the next person who wants a raffle prize. These gifts would go in there.

Or I'd keep nuts. bolts and nails in the unwanted make up container. They're often good for that sort of thing.

[dollydaydream114]

Personally, I would just give both items away. I think if people buy you things that aren't to your taste and see them on display in your house when they visit, they assume you like them and will keep buying you more and more similar items, wasting their money and filling your house with things you hate.

Your DH is being a bit weird if he wants you to throw away something your own mum bought you in favour of something his mother bought you that isn't as good. He needs to be a bit less precious/sensitive about his mum, I think. It's not like you're criticising her as a person; you just weren't keen on the gift she bought. It shouldn't be a big deal for him.

[NameSux]

Print family/wedding/pic of DH graduating etc picture, put in frame. Leave on display for a few weeks and if she comments then gift it to her?

Make up box filled with screws, battery's etc in a junk cuboard?

[Lesley1980]

My MIL tends to buy me ugly stuff for the house including pictures, ornaments & weird candle holders. I have created a bit of a shrine to her in my upstairs loo that no one but us uses.

[S1lentAllTheseYears]

Put up the frame with a picture of her in it



On DH's bedside table perhaps?

Nah, seriously use it for a couple of months, move it around a few times then 'lose' it.

Put the make-up box away for a while in case she asks about it, in which case you can say you're saving it as a travel one or something - then down to the nearest chazza (I love the word chazza since hearing it on mumsnet once!) in a few months.

[Megatherium]

Try having an "Aunt Mabel" party (not inviting MiL). It's a party for getting rid of unwanted gifts and raising money for charity at the same time. Everyone turns up with a wrapped unwanted present with a label on the other side which hints at the contents but doesn't say what they are. Then other people bid for it, up to a maximum of say £10. Sale proceeds go to charity.

I went to one last year and it was good fun. I bid for three things, of which one ended up going to a charity shop anyway, so double bonus for them.

[Krampus]

She won't see the make up box anyway as it'll be in your bed room, I would use it for some other storage for a while. Your dp can want you to switch them other as much as he wants but it's your choice. Unless you sometimes tell him what he can have and use.

Will the photo frame go in a chlds bedroom for a while? I'm another who doesn't like clutter and the few things we have out are because I love them. If we had tons of photo frames out I suppose another one not to our taste could be jiggled towards the back.

They sound like the kind if presents she has just picked up to bulk up your present pile.

[LaundryQueenHatesIroning]

Another one here saying charity shop.

Would DH really notice? I know mine wouldn't even give it a second thought!

FYI I am waiting for my DH to go to work tomorrow to take loads of the things MIL got me (tbf she did get me some lovely things too) to the charity shop. If in the unlikely even he remembers something and asks where something is I will tell him the truth. I'm not worried though

[LaundryQueenHatesIroning]

Also OP if you're anything like me I'm trying to declutter and get rid of anything I don't have use for/want/need/'spark joy' so keeping stuff in cupboards for the sake of it is not something I'm doing this year.