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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be a little annoyed by this token gift

307 replies

slightlyjadedbythis · 26/12/2025 13:47

I do a lot of free babysitting for my nieces and nephews.

One family got me a really lovely gift voucher. It was really appreciated and came with a really lovely card. It genuinely brought tears to my eyes.

The other family (who I’ve probably babysat for for over 200 hours this year) have got me a gift set that is currently on sale for £3. My nephew gleefully declared “we got that on Christmas Eve!” as I opened it, and my sister in law just laughed awkwardly.

AIBU to think that this is a little cheeky when I do so much free babysitting?

OP posts:
cocobanana922 · 26/12/2025 13:56

Do you want to do the babysitting, or not? Surely nobody is forcing you to do unpaid work especially if you have a full time job yourself.

RememberBeKindWithKaren · 26/12/2025 13:54

Why do the free baby sitting? If you aren't enjoying it or getting any good feelings of appreciation, I'd let them know you have other demands on your time

Original poster
slightlyjadedbythis · 26/12/2025 13:53

NewPinkJacket · 26/12/2025 13:52

I always used to babysit my nieces and nephews, which was my choice and a pleasure really.

It never would've occurred to me to make some sort of connection between that and a gift at the most expensive time of the year for parents.

They have explicitly stated that all gifts at Christmas are in recognition for the babysitting. As they handed it over they said “this is from the kids to say thank you for looking after them” (obviously not paid for by them)

OP posts:
Dealingwithscrooges · 26/12/2025 13:53

MyOliveStork · 26/12/2025 13:49

Well you know how much you are appreciated at least…. Maybe you can state your new resolution is to charge for babysitting or become less available

This

NewPinkJacket · 26/12/2025 13:52

I always used to babysit my nieces and nephews, which was my choice and a pleasure really.

It never would've occurred to me to make some sort of connection between that and a gift at the most expensive time of the year for parents.

Original poster
slightlyjadedbythis · 26/12/2025 13:51

MyOliveStork · 26/12/2025 13:49

Well you know how much you are appreciated at least…. Maybe you can state your new resolution is to charge for babysitting or become less available

I’m already committed to loads for next year and I’m feeling really pissed off

OP posts:
MyOliveStork · 26/12/2025 13:49

Well you know how much you are appreciated at least…. Maybe you can state your new resolution is to charge for babysitting or become less available