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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To cut my sister off if she does this again this year?

269 replies

CrimboDilemma1 · 17/12/2025 14:17

I have 2 sisters. Sister 1 is 27, sister 2 is 25. Both still live at home and have no children. I am the oldest.

I have one DD, aged 9. We all live close together and see each other regularly.

Last year, sister 2 (25) didn’t bother buying my DD anything for her birthday or anything for Christmas. Not even a card. DD’s birthday is right before Christmas Day, and she came over to see her - so it’s not like she forgot. She also didn’t buy me, my other sister or anyone else in the immediate family anything for our birthdays - again, not even a card.

She works full time, earns a good wage and hardly pays any ‘rent’ for living at home. She has plenty of money to spare but prefers to spend it on her hair and lashes and Botox.

I don’t care about myself - I don’t need presents - but I think it’s bloody selfish to not bother with the only niece she has - when she can afford to do so. A card and gift for £10-15 would be enough. Last year, she bought her a pair of trainers 6-7 months after her birthday and Christmas, and only because I called her out on it.

AIBU to completely cut her off if she doesn’t bother with DD again this year?

OP posts:
LML1989AL · 17/12/2025 18:30

CrimboDilemma1 · 17/12/2025 14:17

I have 2 sisters. Sister 1 is 27, sister 2 is 25. Both still live at home and have no children. I am the oldest.

I have one DD, aged 9. We all live close together and see each other regularly.

Last year, sister 2 (25) didn’t bother buying my DD anything for her birthday or anything for Christmas. Not even a card. DD’s birthday is right before Christmas Day, and she came over to see her - so it’s not like she forgot. She also didn’t buy me, my other sister or anyone else in the immediate family anything for our birthdays - again, not even a card.

She works full time, earns a good wage and hardly pays any ‘rent’ for living at home. She has plenty of money to spare but prefers to spend it on her hair and lashes and Botox.

I don’t care about myself - I don’t need presents - but I think it’s bloody selfish to not bother with the only niece she has - when she can afford to do so. A card and gift for £10-15 would be enough. Last year, she bought her a pair of trainers 6-7 months after her birthday and Christmas, and only because I called her out on it.

AIBU to completely cut her off if she doesn’t bother with DD again this year?

You both sound horrid, her because she doesn’t even acknowledge DN birthday & you because of your extreme reaction to her behaviour…. Your parents did a great job raising you both 👍🏼

LemaxObsessive · 17/12/2025 18:28

I’d cut her off for your DC’s sake. What kind of influence is she going to be for your DD?

Namechangerage · 17/12/2025 18:14

Have you heard of quiet quitting? I’d do that. No big drama or blocking her. But no presents or cards at birthdays or Christmas. If she asks why just say you assumed she didn’t want to anymore as she hadn’t done anything for DD and that is fine by you. Just quietly step back and laugh to yourself when she does something selfish. Maybe get counselling if you are really upset by your mum’s favouritism. There’s no shame in counselling!!

CaragianettE · 17/12/2025 18:08

The fact that she came to spend time with your DD on her birthday seems more meaningful to me personally than just popping a cheap gift in the mail (though I appreciate your DD may not see it that way). I definitely think YABU to consider cutting her off, it's not as if she didn't make an effort or acknowledge the birthday. Just don't buy her gifts if you don't want to and she isn't buying them for you. Probably less hassle and less clutter all round. I don't think there's anything wrong with valuing meaningful time spent over 'stuff'.

5128gap · 17/12/2025 18:06

You want to act like your sister doesn't exist, wipe out and disrsgard all your shared history, never speak to her again, have a lifetime of Christmases when either you can spend the day with your family, or she can, because it would be too awkward to have you together, cause awkwardness for every wedding, christening birthday and funeral going forward....
because she doesn't buy your DC presents? Are you sure?

EssaDiTractor96 · 17/12/2025 18:04

YABU. Some people don't believe in things like that, and it's a very small thing to cut someone off over. If she doesn't do gifts or cards then don't do them for her.

ThePerfectWeekend · 17/12/2025 18:03

WTF! You don't go NC with all the family fallout it entails over something as trivial as gifts.

Anonanonay · 17/12/2025 18:02

OP, match her energy. Don't put yourself out for her in any way whatsoever. She reaps what she sows.

Anonanonay · 17/12/2025 18:01

Sneesellsseashells · 17/12/2025 14:24

Have you considered that your expectations might be part of the problem here? It would be really lovely if your sister bought your DD a present but it is entitlement to expect it from her.

This is demented. Exchanging gifts at Xmas or giving gifts for birthday is not pandering to entitlement. It's the absolute barest minimum of civility and thoughtfulness.

CinnamonBuns67 · 17/12/2025 18:01

Cutting her off for not buying presents is OTT and very unreasonable. However it's fair enough to not get her presents for her birthday and Christmas.

LBFseBrom · 17/12/2025 17:59

I am completely gobsmacked at a 25 year old girl thinking she needs botox! She is young for goodness sake. I got engaged and was married at 25 and I was lovely, and young (back in the dark ages, fifty years ago). What is she thinking, putting poison into her skin.

Your sister certainly does sound very self centred. A tenner in a card wouldn't hurt her to give to her niece. However that's how she is. Don't bother to buy her anything.

I know young people stay at home longer but it's usually to save a bit of money. If I was your mum I'd encourage her to get her own place, it sounds as though she can afford it. It's not fair on your mum to bring chaos home when a relationship goes wrong. Still that is up to your mum.

EasternStandard · 17/12/2025 17:58

UncannyFanny · 17/12/2025 17:55

You realise you’re not exactly coming out of this well yourself, right?

Agree

Nightlight8 · 17/12/2025 17:57

CrimboDilemma1 · 17/12/2025 14:20

I stopped giving her anything last year when she didn’t buy anything for DD on both occasions. It’s the lack of effort on her part that is hurtful - that she can’t take 5 minutes out to buy a birthday card for her next time she’s in the supermarket 🤷‍♀️

Just do the same back do not buy your sister a single thing either. Don't cut her off.

UncannyFanny · 17/12/2025 17:55

CrimboDilemma1 · 17/12/2025 14:26

No-one really likes my sister anyway - because of her behaviour - so I’m sure it won’t have too much of an impact 🤷‍♀️

You realise you’re not exactly coming out of this well yourself, right?

Rainbowcat77 · 17/12/2025 17:53

No I wouldn’t cut her off for this, it’s really very trivial in the grand scheme of things. I might be a little bit miffed about it but it’s really not worth a big family fall out…people just have different attitudes to gift giving.

KimTheresPeopleThatAreDying · 17/12/2025 17:51

“Mum, why don’t you speak to auntie Ella? Why do I never see her?” “Because she didn’t buy you a Christmas present”. Really? Life is short, people are precious, sometimes we all fuck up and can be a bit selfish for a while. Then your parents get old and you get old and you realise what actually matters. You’d be insane to cut off a sibling for this.

Mapletree1985 · 17/12/2025 17:51

CrimboDilemma1 · 17/12/2025 14:17

I have 2 sisters. Sister 1 is 27, sister 2 is 25. Both still live at home and have no children. I am the oldest.

I have one DD, aged 9. We all live close together and see each other regularly.

Last year, sister 2 (25) didn’t bother buying my DD anything for her birthday or anything for Christmas. Not even a card. DD’s birthday is right before Christmas Day, and she came over to see her - so it’s not like she forgot. She also didn’t buy me, my other sister or anyone else in the immediate family anything for our birthdays - again, not even a card.

She works full time, earns a good wage and hardly pays any ‘rent’ for living at home. She has plenty of money to spare but prefers to spend it on her hair and lashes and Botox.

I don’t care about myself - I don’t need presents - but I think it’s bloody selfish to not bother with the only niece she has - when she can afford to do so. A card and gift for £10-15 would be enough. Last year, she bought her a pair of trainers 6-7 months after her birthday and Christmas, and only because I called her out on it.

AIBU to completely cut her off if she doesn’t bother with DD again this year?

I mean if you're not getting gifts out of the relationship what even is the point of being sisters? You obviously don't like her, and she's not shelling out for her niece, so why continue the relationship? She's dead weight; cut her loose.

harlemshake · 17/12/2025 17:50

why do you feel like she owes it to her just because she is your daughter? it's not by force and cutting her off is likely for other reasons

Power26 · 17/12/2025 17:49

As the person who birthed your child, the only person responsible for getting them gifts is you. It is grabby to expect that from your little sister. You don’t even like her anyway, so you’re literally just using her for gifts.

ChocolateCinderToffee · 17/12/2025 17:47

You can't dictate how other people spend their money. Why does this mean so much to you? Cut her off if you want - if you're given to throwing strops because she doesn't acknowledge you in the way that you want, she'll be very pleased.

AmyDuPlantier · 17/12/2025 17:44

Well cutting her off when she still lives at home with your parents will cause all sorts of unnecessary drama. Why bother? Just be aware she’s selfish when it comes to gift giving 🤷‍♀️

YouDriveMeCrazyButICanDoThatMyself · 17/12/2025 17:41

CrimboDilemma1 · 17/12/2025 14:24

grabby behaviour? 😂 we are talking about a quid for a birthday card to show a bit of effort and acknowledgement. It actually shows that I care about who makes an effort with my child and who doesn’t - blood or not 🤷‍♀️

She visited.
That is effort and showing she cares, far more than a £1 but of card does.

Poodlelove · 17/12/2025 17:39

I would not buy her a gift and only a card and then tell us what her reaction was.

mumofoneAloneandwell · 17/12/2025 17:32

CrimboDilemma1 · 17/12/2025 14:26

No-one really likes my sister anyway - because of her behaviour - so I’m sure it won’t have too much of an impact 🤷‍♀️

This is the post I was expecting to see down the line 😄

Your sister is 25. Shes young, the youngest, and therefore has a different understanding of life than you so doesn't think buying presents on time matters. She still sees her niece and presumably gets on with her

Noone likes her anyway? Wow. In fact, cut her off, she deserves better than you!

You are jealous of her life and that at 25, she is able to be selfish while youre loaded with responsibilities

Yabvu

#teamyoursister

Christmastimeandwine · 17/12/2025 17:31

CrimboDilemma1 · 17/12/2025 14:17

I have 2 sisters. Sister 1 is 27, sister 2 is 25. Both still live at home and have no children. I am the oldest.

I have one DD, aged 9. We all live close together and see each other regularly.

Last year, sister 2 (25) didn’t bother buying my DD anything for her birthday or anything for Christmas. Not even a card. DD’s birthday is right before Christmas Day, and she came over to see her - so it’s not like she forgot. She also didn’t buy me, my other sister or anyone else in the immediate family anything for our birthdays - again, not even a card.

She works full time, earns a good wage and hardly pays any ‘rent’ for living at home. She has plenty of money to spare but prefers to spend it on her hair and lashes and Botox.

I don’t care about myself - I don’t need presents - but I think it’s bloody selfish to not bother with the only niece she has - when she can afford to do so. A card and gift for £10-15 would be enough. Last year, she bought her a pair of trainers 6-7 months after her birthday and Christmas, and only because I called her out on it.

AIBU to completely cut her off if she doesn’t bother with DD again this year?

This can’t be real it’s absolutely rediculous

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