DH spent £300 on one gift, now I need to equalise it

181 replies

Emvid · 15/11/2025 12:54

DH and I have 3 children, this year they are all bringing their partners to join us for Christmas. I hadn’t really figured out how much I was going to spend on each child or their partners yet but probably not a lot.
This morning DH proudly showed me a vintage football shirt he’s bought for DDs boyfriend, then told me it was £300!
Now I feel compelled to spend at least that much on our children and similar on our DS’s girlfriends so there are no accusations or favouritism. When I suggested DH return it he said no as he wants to give it to DDs boyfriend and if not for Christmas he will just give it to him for the sake of it.
AIBU to be annoyed he spent this much on one gift without consulting me?

OP posts:

Original poster

Emvid · 15/11/2025 12:58

Iloveacurry · 15/11/2025 12:56

That’s a ridiculous amount of money to spend on one present. Can you afford to do the same for all?

It’s an absurd amount and not close to what I’d normally consider spending.
We can technically afford to equal it out but I don’t particularly want to spend £1800 on Christmas gifts for adults!

OP posts:

GettingFestiveNow · 15/11/2025 12:58

Well, I guess if you're in a financial position to drop £900 on your kids' partners that's fine....

Has your DH considered this may embarrass the boyfriend if he's not in a position to reciprocate?

weisatted · 15/11/2025 12:58

Would you have run every present past him?

scoobysnaxx · 15/11/2025 12:57

TangyJellyTot · 15/11/2025 12:54

I wouldn’t even spend £300 on a child of mine old enough to have a boyfriend. Wow.

First response nails it.

absolutely ludacrous. Unless I was a millionaire.

Iloveacurry · 15/11/2025 12:56

That’s a ridiculous amount of money to spend on one present. Can you afford to do the same for all?

TangyJellyTot · 15/11/2025 12:54

I wouldn’t even spend £300 on a child of mine old enough to have a boyfriend. Wow.

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