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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To not buy a £1,000 present for DH birthday?

326 replies

DandyReader · 19/01/2026 18:20

Usually, dh and I buy each other an experience for each other's birthdays. But this year, DH is turning 30. He said he'd prefer if I get him a gift. Fair enough, he'd like something to keep.

He has been banging on about getting a 'nice watch' for years. He could afford to buy one himself but knows it's a splurge. He has shown me multiple watches around the £1,000 mark and keeps dropping hints how he really wants a nice watch but can't justify that for himself. He hasn't explicitly asked, but I think he's hoping.

I could easily buy one for him, but I don't want to. I have savings targets to meet and don't want to start a precedent of spending silly money on gifts. AIBU?

OP posts:
ToKittyornottoKitty · 19/01/2026 18:22

It’s not really setting a precedent when it’s for a milestone birthday is it. I’d do it if I could easily afford it, its not like he’s asking for something stupid that won’t last, and it’s no different to a man spending decent money on jewellery for a woman’s birthday. But I don’t think you are BU, it’s still a lot of money

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