Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To tell my sister that if she's going to be ungrateful, I'll return my nephew's Christmas gifts?

35 replies

callmelover · 21/12/2025 15:21

My nephew is nine. I have bought for him, amongst other things, a boxset of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. My sister asked and I told her what I got him.

She has now gone on a rant, saying the books are inappropriate for his age. When you google, the stated age range is 8-12. I read them at age 10, and loved them. She says that because they mention "butts" and kissing, and she says it's stuff she doesn't want him to know about yet. She's actually, genuinely angry about it.

AIBU to tell her that if this is how she will be, I'll send it all back?

If she had just said "thank you for the thought, but we think he's a little young for that", I would not care in the slightest. It's the sheer anger that has me thinking that I can't be bothered to deal with it.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
whyyousohollyjolly · 21/12/2025 18:13

Even if she doesnt think he's ready for those books yet, he won't be 9 forever. He can enjoy them when he's ready.

themerchentofvenus · 21/12/2025 18:09

callmelover · 21/12/2025 16:25

I’ve generated the returns label and will drop it off tomorrow morning before work. It’s just annoying because I only have about £30 left in my budget before pay day. I’d hoped to treat myself to a nice little ready meal dinner but it’s going on a new main present for him instead. I know I’m really selfish for being annoyed about it, but I’d hoped to treat myself.

You're being daft.

Just give him the books anyway. Your sister needs to lighten up. My twins (age 10) have read most the Wimpy Kids books and loved them. He will already know what a bum is 😂

You certainly don't have to buy him anything else.

Also, if you're short of money, try your local freecycle parents group on Facebook for gifts, or a charity shop. Lots of charity shops are full of amazing kids toys/book sets as parents are having a clear out.

CutePixieGirl · 21/12/2025 18:03

She was very rude to ask you what you had bought him and she’s not the brightest spark if she didn’t think of putting them aside for a few years until she feels he’s old enough for them.

I would continue to buy for him but I wouldn’t buy anything for her again.

Very ungrateful.

DanceMumTaxi · 21/12/2025 18:03

How ridiculous. Both of mine read these at around 7, they’re fine. They’ll probably have them in the school library too.

cantbearsed27 · 21/12/2025 18:00

DS loved those! Your sister sounds awful, poor nephew!

MomOfTwoGirls2 · 21/12/2025 17:48

Text your DSis that you have returned the books and will buy something for DN once the refund is processed in the new year, as you are skint this close to Christmas.

Your sister is being very silly.

PInkyStarfish · 21/12/2025 17:39

It’s fine for her to think he is too young for them so the decent thing to say would be that she is going to keep them back until he has matured a little and thank you for the gift.

Brefugee · 21/12/2025 17:39

callmelover · 21/12/2025 16:25

I’ve generated the returns label and will drop it off tomorrow morning before work. It’s just annoying because I only have about £30 left in my budget before pay day. I’d hoped to treat myself to a nice little ready meal dinner but it’s going on a new main present for him instead. I know I’m really selfish for being annoyed about it, but I’d hoped to treat myself.

don't do that, keep your 30 quid for yourself, and nephew can have fewer gifts.

If he says anything (he'd be a rude brat if he did) refer him to his mother.

If your sister says anything, just look at her, saying nothing.

ETA: ask her if she'd prefer David Walliams books instead

JustMe2026 · 21/12/2025 17:36

Well I'm in the middle because any parent it's there choice what the kids read,play,watch and shouldn't be criticized just because a non parent thinks it's ok. But there is a nice way to go about saying so

TeaRoseTallulah · 21/12/2025 17:33

Ds read them at 8 and loved them. Silly woman.

ShawnaMacallister · 21/12/2025 17:31

Don't buy him anything else! Or if you must, a £5 selection box or something. She complains, he loses out.

Theclocksticking · 21/12/2025 17:26

Hufflemuff · 21/12/2025 16:12

What a wet blanket!

Take it back and get him a set of bongo drums.

Agreed!

If returning the item, buy something ‘loud’, make her regret not accepting the books!

Elmspringwater · 21/12/2025 16:42

And some parents wonder why kids grow up and dont act the bloody age, instead they act like kids in their 20s, because parens baby to much.
I was reading mills and boon books at 9, didnt turn me in to a whore.

Mycarsmellsoflavender · 21/12/2025 16:41

They’ll be in the school library anyway.

amber763 · 21/12/2025 16:36

Youre not being selfish. Your sister is being so weird. What's wrong with her?

Id have just given him them anyway.

grinchmcgrinchface · 21/12/2025 16:33

Return it but dont replace it.

Original poster
callmelover · 21/12/2025 16:25

I’ve generated the returns label and will drop it off tomorrow morning before work. It’s just annoying because I only have about £30 left in my budget before pay day. I’d hoped to treat myself to a nice little ready meal dinner but it’s going on a new main present for him instead. I know I’m really selfish for being annoyed about it, but I’d hoped to treat myself.

OP posts:
EineReiseDurchDieZeit · 21/12/2025 16:20

I also have an ungrateful sister and a tricky to buy for niece, so I hear you loud and clear!
I also have health issues and start budgeting for Christmas early!

Hufflemuff · 21/12/2025 16:12

What a wet blanket!

Take it back and get him a set of bongo drums.

Theclocksticking · 21/12/2025 16:07

These books are already on the book shelves in primary schools and your nephew will have seen his class mates reading them. He may already have read one or two himself.

The full collection is a great gift. I’d give them to him, but tell your sister it’s up to her if she lets him read them yet or not.

Edit: And also add ‘never ask me what I’ve bought anyone again!’

Moonnstarz · 21/12/2025 15:56

My 9 year old loves these books.

Hankunamatata · 21/12/2025 15:55

Tell her to look at accelerated reader which many many schools use. Interest level 9-13 age

And will be avaliable in the classroom

SingaporeSlinky · 21/12/2025 15:51

I’d just return the books (if you still can - if not keep them for next year?) and give him the rest of what you bought. Message sister that you’re hurt by her reaction, since you were trying to buy a nice gift, in the appropriate age range. So nephew will be getting the other gifts mentioned. I wouldn’t bother replacing the books.

No1YouKnow · 21/12/2025 15:45

My DS read them from 7 onwards - completely fine. Your sister sounds odd! What a great gift!

Original poster
callmelover · 21/12/2025 15:45

It’s just put me in a huge grump. I’ve had a really tough year, I lost my job and had to take some time off due to health issues. But I still put money aside each month to ensure I could get him something, and this is how she reacts

OP posts: