Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Who got the worst gift?

489 replies

arcticpandas · 25/12/2025 21:47

Very very lighthearted. Some people are starving so no whining about not getting the perfect gift. Instead looking at it from a humoristic perspective: who got the worst gift in our family? Please add yours as well..
In our family;

  1. DH got 200 ml cologne while he wanted/needed 100 ml to bring with him on airplane (travels every week).
  2. I got fine chocolate with alcohol from uncle again (everyone has told him I do not like it but he just can't get it). He even added "I know you can't get enough of those". Not passive aggressive- that would be sinister. He really likes me and is convinced I like them.

Also got a large hand bag from DH. Not wildly expensive but still- the cords are too thin- I keep loads of stuff in my handbag. He bought it 3 months ago so can't return it.

  1. DS1 got a sort of a travel bag for mobile Phone to attach on bike from an aunt. He hasn't been riding his bike for years.

4.DS2 got a shirt of his favourite team that was so large on him it looked like a dress. Can't return it. Bil said he will grow in it😅

  1. Dh got Mil a a stylish coat size L. It was too small. Yet Mil isn't a big woman. I'm a medium and it was perfect on me but she's got bigger breasts. She wasn't happy about large being too small.. didn't say anything because very polite but it was obvious she was unhappy.
  1. Aunt got a big box of chocolate. She's on wli and barely eats anything. Def not chocolate. She discreetly passed them on to dh.

So who wins?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
11
Missstified · 27/12/2025 17:26

I received an oversized band t-shirt from DP.
I'm sure many people would appreciate this, but it's really not my style, I don't wear t-shirts at all! We've only been together for 4 years....

Fatrascal27 · 27/12/2025 16:56

I would like that calendar!

Everintroverte · 27/12/2025 16:35

My one and only present this year was the RSPB garden birds calendar.

I'm slightly miffed, but it's better than the present I got for my 40th earlier this year which was absolutely bugger all.

TheatricalLife · 27/12/2025 16:15

PopTheKettleOnx · 27/12/2025 15:59

I didn't mean to come across as calling anyone snobby, Im just baffled why it's hated so much 🙂 sensitive skin here too, I can never predict what's going to set my exzema off or give me a rash.

I do love sanex though it's one I always go to when shopping - but brands like simple give me a rash, and I was gifted a set from an Australian brand, can't remember what exactly it's called, apparently all natural and that set me off too. Can't win, the body is a weird thing sometimes isn't it!

Show quote history

It really is. Deodorant is my worst enemy currently. I can only use Sanex or I end up with red raw armpits 🙄. I was always fine until peri and then suddenly I had to be really picky! I've also had issues with other "sensitive" or natural brands, so it's guess work. Such a pain in the arse isn't it.

PopTheKettleOnx · 27/12/2025 15:59

TheatricalLife · 27/12/2025 15:47

I'm not snobby about it and honestly wouldn't care if I could actually use it. Unfortunately my skin HATES it and anything like that and I can only use bloody Sanex shower gel, especially since perimenopause weirdly. I know loads of people with sensitive skin who would struggle with it as well.

Show quote history

I didn't mean to come across as calling anyone snobby, Im just baffled why it's hated so much 🙂 sensitive skin here too, I can never predict what's going to set my exzema off or give me a rash.

I do love sanex though it's one I always go to when shopping - but brands like simple give me a rash, and I was gifted a set from an Australian brand, can't remember what exactly it's called, apparently all natural and that set me off too. Can't win, the body is a weird thing sometimes isn't it!

TheatricalLife · 27/12/2025 15:47

PopTheKettleOnx · 27/12/2025 15:40

Am I the only one who actually doesn't mind a B+H gift set? My favorites are Molton brown and liz Earle but a baylis and harding set is alright and saves me buying shower gels etc for a little while too... 😁

Show quote history

I'm not snobby about it and honestly wouldn't care if I could actually use it. Unfortunately my skin HATES it and anything like that and I can only use bloody Sanex shower gel, especially since perimenopause weirdly. I know loads of people with sensitive skin who would struggle with it as well.

PopTheKettleOnx · 27/12/2025 15:40

Ebok1990 · 26/12/2025 23:53

Don't waste your money. It's awful stuff. Cheap n nasty. It's nothing like Molton Brown or even cheaper brands like Nivea.

Show quote history

Am I the only one who actually doesn't mind a B+H gift set? My favorites are Molton brown and liz Earle but a baylis and harding set is alright and saves me buying shower gels etc for a little while too... 😁

elliejjtiny · 27/12/2025 15:28

I've decided to use my awful presents as motivation. Mil got me 2 awful summer dresses. She always asks me for a list and I always give her a list. But she bought these 2 dresses because she thought I needed new clothes (I don't). I've decided to try harder at losing weight in 2026 so the awful dresses are too big for me in the summer. I lost 3.5 stone a few years ago and then stayed the same, gaining and losing the same half stone.

zingally · 27/12/2025 14:52

AhBiscuits · 27/12/2025 14:20

If I were you next year I'd have a conversation with my brother about no longer bothering with gifts for eachother if you're just buying things like chocolate bars. Seems a bit pointless.

Show quote history

Yeah, you're absolutely right.

This guy has spent 20 years pissing me off in micro-increments, so I can't see the wood from the trees!

AhBiscuits · 27/12/2025 14:20

zingally · 27/12/2025 13:58

I gave my BIL a gift bag of individually wrapped chocolate bars (there's about 30), plus a box of chocs I know he likes, so that he could take a lucky dip snack to work each day, just a bit of fun as he fancies it. Took me bloody ages to wrap the little sods.

He got me a single box of chocolates in a brand I've never once specified any interest in, costing about £7. Mine probably cost me 3x that, yet he's the one on a 6-figure salary. I'm certainly not.

Anyway, I've already started a list for Christmas 2026, and have made a note under his name to match his energy for next year!

If I were you next year I'd have a conversation with my brother about no longer bothering with gifts for eachother if you're just buying things like chocolate bars. Seems a bit pointless.

zingally · 27/12/2025 13:58

I gave my BIL a gift bag of individually wrapped chocolate bars (there's about 30), plus a box of chocs I know he likes, so that he could take a lucky dip snack to work each day, just a bit of fun as he fancies it. Took me bloody ages to wrap the little sods.

He got me a single box of chocolates in a brand I've never once specified any interest in, costing about £7. Mine probably cost me 3x that, yet he's the one on a 6-figure salary. I'm certainly not.

Anyway, I've already started a list for Christmas 2026, and have made a note under his name to match his energy for next year!

TheNinkyNonkyIsATardis · 27/12/2025 13:42

Cheryllou · 26/12/2025 22:59

I asked my mum for inexpensive trainers or money for them if she couldn’t manage the internet (she can’t). Instead I got an ornament of a cockerpoo. She knows I hate ornaments but ‘thought I’d like this one’…

Sometimes people use gift giving as an excuse to buy something they want to temporarily possess themselves.

Isayitasitis · 27/12/2025 11:17

CountryMusicFan · 26/12/2025 14:27

Because I’m vegan and it goes against my principles. It’s not my responsibility to feed other people’s families, least of all something I don’t agree with.

Show quote history

I felt for you until that comment. What a waste.

AlmostAJillSandwich · 27/12/2025 09:13

Lots of chocs from my dad..... i'm making a Dr app in new year as having loads of type 2 diabetes symptoms and was previously pre diabetic on a blood test.
I did also get money to pick my own bigger gifts though, choc was just something to unwrap. He is brilliant and i adore him.

SusanChurchouse · 27/12/2025 08:56

Ebok1990 · 26/12/2025 23:57

Why put yourself through it. Just dont buy them in future. Just buy him one thing that you absolutely know he wants and will use.

Show quote history

Because he didn’t ask for anything so there was no one thing I knew he’d like. He mostly gets money in lieu of gifts but would be equally upset if he had no presents on Christmas Day while his sister had a pile. She fucking loves presents. We have to get a few things and hope one lands (he liked one or two things). Most of the binned (then retrieved and bagged for donation) items were gifts from extended family who will be told again next year not to bother.

SapphireSeptember · 27/12/2025 02:32

Ebok1990 · 26/12/2025 23:53

Don't waste your money. It's awful stuff. Cheap n nasty. It's nothing like Molton Brown or even cheaper brands like Nivea.

Show quote history

I use Bayliss and Harding and it's fine. Currently got a strawberry scented body wash on the go, and they had one that smelt like Bakewell tarts that I loved. Dove hates me, I find their body wash makes me feel dry, although I do like Nivea.

SapphireSeptember · 27/12/2025 02:27

I seem to have got flu for Christmas! Currently feeling very sorry for myself. 😭

Wonderlandpeony · 27/12/2025 01:35

My DM's friend gave me a drawstring laundry bag that looks like it's from a pound shop. I gave her a scarf from White Stuff that cost £25.

Kingscallops · 27/12/2025 01:02

Happilyobtuse · 27/12/2025 00:59

I also got 16-18 size pjs from DH, I am also a 12/14 or M. Usually he gets it right and has bought me clothes before but I think he only went shopping last weekend and all the smaller sizes must have run out!

Show quote history

I hear you on that one but at least they will give you some air! I'm finding, with the menopause, lighter nightwear is a relief!

Happilyobtuse · 27/12/2025 00:59

OSTMusTisNT · 25/12/2025 23:47

Size 18 PJ's from DH - I'm a 12.

He's usually spot on with gifts and was a genuine mistake 🙈. Unfortunately they were Xmas ones though so doubt I'll get a straight swap.

I also got 16-18 size pjs from DH, I am also a 12/14 or M. Usually he gets it right and has bought me clothes before but I think he only went shopping last weekend and all the smaller sizes must have run out!

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 27/12/2025 00:40

ReinsOfBucephalus · 26/12/2025 09:20

MIL gave me underarm deodorant! 😭😆

Better than vaginal deodorant I guess..

HerRoyalNotness · 27/12/2025 00:21

H asked me a week ago, where is your stocking,
do you have a stocking I have some things for your stocking. He managed to find it. Right next to his and the kids.
his some things for my stocking was a tshirt, too big, not in my style or colour. Oh well at least it’s from your home country he said.

as DD watched me unpack the rest of my stocking the look on her face told me she knew that I’d bought myself things and filled it myself.

he is so crap at gift giving so I matched his energy this year and bought something for the kitchen we needed to replace.and wrapped that for him

MidnightMeltdown · 27/12/2025 00:15

ElatedFox · 26/12/2025 15:29

What's wrong with that?
The one shown is a nice colour (I'm not sure about pink though.)
It's a good length and has nice deep pockets. 🙂

Show quote history

@ElatedFoxAre you a MIL?

Ebok1990 · 26/12/2025 23:57

SusanChurchouse · 26/12/2025 19:48

My son apparently as he literally chucked half of his gifts straight in the bin after opening them. Sweets, a book and a few other bits. Reason no 3576 I hate Christmas. He is PDA autistic so I suppose it’s all a demand for him but I’d be lying to say it doesn’t get me down.

I’m sorry for those who are genuinely dealing with some shit though, cheating spouses and the like. So thanks for helping me get some perspective.

Why put yourself through it. Just dont buy them in future. Just buy him one thing that you absolutely know he wants and will use.

WtP · 26/12/2025 23:54

JaquelineHide · 26/12/2025 22:52

Please stop arguing about the voucher. You're not going to change the poster's mind and it's clogging up the thread..

Fair enough, I'll consider myself told off.

Swipe left for the next trending thread