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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think a meal should not be part of a Birthday Present?

195 replies

zaktha · 08/02/2026 07:10

I recently turned 60. I like material gifts not experiences and my family know this.

For my 60th birthday present, DH got me a pair of earrings (c£200) and is paying for a slap up meal with him, me, and our adult dc (c£300).

AIBU to think the meal isn’t really a gift to me?

OP posts:
Stressedoutmummyof3 · 08/02/2026 07:24

Do you like spending time with your family? If you don't then tell your DH not to waste his money on you.
Why would it not be a present for you? Are you not eating?

Pricelessadvice · 08/02/2026 07:23

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Thumbup · 08/02/2026 07:22

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Cornishclio · 08/02/2026 07:22

Do you not consider having a meal out with loved ones as something you would enjoy? How about if he said here is a necklace and earrings but no money left for meal out so we will just stay home? Get over yourself

Womaninhouse17 · 08/02/2026 07:22

How ungrateful can you get? Tell your husband you don't want to have a meal with him and your DC and let him spend the money on himself instead.

Misspacorabanne · 08/02/2026 07:22

Yes Yabu! You’re very lucky!

Globules · 08/02/2026 07:21

I'm buying my friend a holiday for the two of us for her birthday.

I'm such a cow.

xOlive · 08/02/2026 07:21

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Bilbobagginsbollox · 08/02/2026 07:20

Present AND a meal. You are being ungrateful.

Sirzy · 08/02/2026 07:19

So you would rather have another present than spend time with loved ones? I think they should leave you at home and go out without you!

he is spending £500 and your still not happy!

Londonrach1 · 08/02/2026 07:18

Very normal for the meal only to be a gift. Stop being so greedy. The earrings are a nice extra. Yabvvu

CrazyGoatLady · 08/02/2026 07:17

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PrizedPickledPopcorn · 08/02/2026 07:16

Who should pay for the meal then, or would you rather stay home?

TorroFerney · 08/02/2026 07:15

well you can think what you like, but thoughts aren’t facts. Would he usually spend £500 so you are thinking you are £300 down?

would you have preferred to take people for dinner yourself? I don’t have separate finances so we would just go out for dinner I wouldn’t get taken.

other poster is correct though!

Billybagpuss · 08/02/2026 07:15

What the hell else do you need at the age of 60. I’m nearly there and I personally wouldn’t waste £200 on earrings which if that’s what you like is an amazing generous gift, but would very happily have the memory of a special meal with my family.

dammit88 · 08/02/2026 07:14

I think it sounds lovely. Do you enjoy spending time with them? It's not like you don't have a material gift too! The meal is a bonus!

Ladybugheart · 08/02/2026 07:14

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Dogaredabomb · 08/02/2026 07:13

I don't see the issue.

EmpressaurusKitty · 08/02/2026 07:11

zaktha · 08/02/2026 07:10

I recently turned 60. I like material gifts not experiences and my family know this.

For my 60th birthday present, DH got me a pair of earrings (c£200) and is paying for a slap up meal with him, me, and our adult dc (c£300).

AIBU to think the meal isn’t really a gift to me?

£200 earrings sound like a pretty good present. Would you rather not go out for the meal at all? Or not have it as a celebration of your birthday?

Thumbup · 08/02/2026 07:10

It’s a Sunday morning.
Make a coffee and get outside and stop making silly threads like this

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