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To feel slightly put out by DH's lovely surprise?

520 replies

GinIsABreakfastFood · 24/12/2015 07:41

Ok, firstly I want to clarify I did not look for my present on purpose! Xmas Blush

Basically DH and I agreed that we would only do tiny token presents this year so that we can have a mega holiday later on. We agreed a set limit, which I found a huge struggle as I bloody love giving presents and spoiling people, and have spent the past few months trying frantically to pick up lovely, thoughtful little bits and pieces within the £20 limit.

Was feeling quite pleased with myself until.... Was packing to leave for family for Christmas and noticed his smart work coat which he won't need was a bit grubby so thought I'd leave it with the dry cleaners so it's fresh for next year, and found a mega expensive piece of beautiful jewellery hidden in the pocket.

DSis has helpfully pointed out that this happens in Love Actually and it turns out the husband has bought the gift for his mistress.... Hmm

Pretty sure it is for me, thanks, Dsis, and it's lovely, but soooo not what we agreed.

We have got to leave in the next 20 mins to drive to remote Scotland for massive family Christmas so no time to get him anything else to even the balance. Which means that when we open presents in Christmas morning, in front of about 30 people, I will get Tiffany diamond earrings, and he will get socks and a robot bath bomb. AIBU to feel absolutely mortified, a bit cross, and completely love my darling DH for the beautiful surprise, but also a bit want to kill him?!

Should I just buy £500 worth of petrol station tat at at the services on the way there?! Pretend I forgot his main present at home and lie about what it is?!

HELP!!

OP posts:
MrsLeighHalfpenny · 24/12/2015 09:36

Please, please, please give us an update tomorrow OP even if it turns out to be a plastic ring in a fancy box
(Place marking)

clarrylove · 24/12/2015 09:35

Perhaps they are a £20 fake.

Inertia · 24/12/2015 09:31

Could you open them and be delighted, and then declare amazement at his cleverness in getting Tiffany jewellery within budget?

GinIsABreakfastFood · 24/12/2015 09:31

I have no idea how much whatever it is costs, I joked about getting him £500 of petrol station tat....

OP posts:
diddl · 24/12/2015 09:30

Maybe he's bought his sister a necklace or bracelet to match her earringsGrin

GinIsABreakfastFood · 24/12/2015 09:29

Oh fuck if they aren't for me this is going to be a shitty Christmas....

practices Emma Thompson Noni Mitchell cryalong face

DH is driving along looking quietly smug so am cautiously optimistic..... Xmas Smile

OP posts:
Headmelt · 24/12/2015 09:29

How do you know how much it cost op? £500 is a shed load of cash if you were meant to be saving.
There's more holes in her story than a colander Xmas Wink

IWasHereBeforeTheHack · 24/12/2015 09:29
IWasHereBeforeTheHack · 24/12/2015 09:28

Might be a while before we get any meaningful update

GinIsABreakfastFood · 24/12/2015 09:28

hums 'Both Sides Now'

I didn't take the coat to the dry cleaners - once I found the little box I sheepishly hung it back up and pretended I hadn't touched it! Blush

QOD - THE COAT IS IN THE CAR

I didn't open it, I just found the little blue box, but DH, bless him, is not famed for spontaneity and at Sunday lunch last month, SIL had some lovely Tiffany diamond earrings in that I did say a few times I loved so my best guess is it's those....

OP posts:
Vedamakesthebesttoast · 24/12/2015 09:27

Haven't rtft, just wanted to say No to the 500 quid of tat from the petrol station. Just put on your reddist lipstick and hmmm give him the best Christmas themed blozzle you've ever given him later (not around the Christmas tree obviously... )
He broke the rules, so not your bad to fix, just show your appreciation Xmas Wink

2016IsANewYearforMe · 24/12/2015 09:25

Don't buy anything more. Give him what you intended to give him.

Let him be the hero in front of his friends and family. Be delighted with his gift to you. That is what he really wants, not to have you compete to be the most generous present giver.

Theydontknowweknowtheyknow · 24/12/2015 09:24

Just enjoy it! I'm sure no one else will care.

Lweji · 24/12/2015 09:24

So she had time to get further gifts if it was yesterday
Not if it was in the evening - when I usually pack.

It could also have been much earlier in the morning, but certainly not 20 min before leaving.

Finola1step · 24/12/2015 09:23

Ate you sure that he has actually packed the jewellery?

Sparklycat · 24/12/2015 09:21

Just enjoy the surprise gift Smile

BolshierAryaStark · 24/12/2015 09:21

So she had time to get further gifts if it was yesterday & wouldn't be panic buying on the Internet now then?

diddl · 24/12/2015 09:21

I wouldn't get anything else for him.

If he's got any sense he would give the gift in private anyway.

Or would he be wanting to make a grand gesture in front of an audience that could potentially embarass you?

Hope that it's for you, OP!

Lweji · 24/12/2015 09:19

The OP said she was posting and leaving in 20 min.
She had found the present earlier and had time to talk about it with her sister.
I presume it was yesterday.

BolshierAryaStark · 24/12/2015 09:18

I'm confused, when exactly did you find the gift? Were you going to take the coat to thedry cleaners with 20 minutes to go before you left for your trip? Also how have you had time to discuss with your DSis? Xmas Confused
Anyway, whatever, accept graciously-it's a lovely gift even if it did come from your holiday fund

GoooRooo · 24/12/2015 09:18

Opps I am guilty of doing this this year.

DH has jokingly mentioned a PS4 every chance he has got, knowing we can't afford one. We agreed on a £50 limit - partly for money reasons and partly because he is SHIT at gift buying and I don't want £300 of rubbish gifts (previous years include a cooker, microwaveable slippers and a Jim'll Fix It badge soap on a rope).

I've bought him the PS4 using our Clubcard vouchers so technically, I stuck to the limit because I didn't spend anything.

WhatamessIgotinto · 24/12/2015 09:17

With 20 minutes to go any presents would be packed in the bags surely?

Oh I didn't think of that. Sad

Is it your birthday soon OP?

GinIsTheBestChristmasSpirit · 24/12/2015 09:16

I had this with our anniversary. Bought zero (as usual) got an expensive necklace... I felt awful but DH was insistent that I just "take the nice thing and don't spoil the nice gesture with guilt" do this and feel loved.

Perfectlypurple · 24/12/2015 09:16

I disagree that he has panicked. Sometimes people just like to do nice things for people they love. One year I got my dh a very expensive jacket for his birthday. He had talked about it for years and I had saved the money to buy it. He was a little worried that h couldn't spend that much on mine but I told him not to worry, there are times when he has got me something more expensive. It all evens out in the end.

Arkkorox · 24/12/2015 09:15

[santa]