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AIBU?

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Original poster

To hate Christmas present wish lists

36 replies

AquaFaba · 29/11/2019 13:07

Yes; they are helpful when buying gifts for children.
But I really resent adult members of the family sending over wish lists of gifts. It just feels so ....grabby.
I can’t help but feel it just reduces Christmas down to one long shopping fest; totally strips out the element of festive bonhomie.

I wasn’t brought up this way; perhaps I’m in the minority.
Do other families send out wish lists for gifts? Not just for children, but adults too.

OP posts:
wendz86 · 29/11/2019 19:52

I much prefer it. We all do it in my family. Much prefer buying something someone wants than guessing.

Onthetrain75 · 29/11/2019 19:48

We gave up on lists after my sister and I decided it was more like being sent an order form, especially from various the nieces and nephews (brother’s kids). Now we all ask for more general things e.g anything at all from White Company/Montezuma etc. or a complete surprise. I think it gives the giver more scope but we know they’ll be on the right track. And no novelty gifts!

Gabrielknight · 29/11/2019 19:46

All our family have amazon wish lists. With ideas on not just actual items. We keep them up to date with things we like. Saves on receiving things I don't want!

Redglitter · 29/11/2019 19:41

God I'd love if my brother & sil sent a gift list. I'm always stuck for what to buy them.

Original poster
AquaFaba · 29/11/2019 19:33

Yes, this was an unsolicited gift list from BIL consisting of 17 items. It has now prompted SIL to send over her list too.

OP posts:
NoIDontWatchLoveIsland · 29/11/2019 15:03

I know what you mean OP. Ive got relatives who send over an unsolicited amazon wish list or similar. Its too definitive, and very different from a giver casually asking if there's anything someone particularly wants or needs

meredithgrey1 · 29/11/2019 14:23

I sort of agree. FIL and BIL both do a list, which is given to MIL, who then gives each family member an item off the list to buy. All it does is mean that family members ask MIL "what would x like for Christmas" rather than just asking the person directly, I don't know why FIL/BIL can't just tell people themselves.

(MIL does not have a list that she gives FIL to sort, she just answers when you ask her what she wants.)

5foot5 · 29/11/2019 13:22

I think that it is normal to ask what someone would like. I think it is daft to then give the whole list to each person who asks as you might get duplications.

Each year I ask (adult) DD for a list and then when other family ask me what they can get her I suggest one of the items off this list (suitably chosen so as not to sound too grabby) Then we usually get her the bigger items or anything that's left

FelixFelicis6 · 29/11/2019 13:16

Yes it’s normal, often requested by present giver so you buy a present someone actually wants rather than unwanted tat. It’s not grabby done for those reasons. I often end up throwing away presents I won’t use other wise, same for everyone else.

Original poster
AquaFaba · 29/11/2019 13:16

I agree...suggestions are really helpful, but a list feels more definite

OP posts:
bookmum08 · 29/11/2019 13:14

"what would you like for Christmas" is a perfectly normal question in my family. A few suggestions are given, not all suggestions are bought. A few surprises are bought as well. Twice a year (Christmas and birthday) gifts are given so why shouldn't it be something specific that the person wants? I wouldn't get some of the items I love in my life otherwise.

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