Ungrateful or over reacting?

[Chocolatevsgym]

Tomorrow is my 24th birthday and it's the first birthday since moving out and getting my own place, I've just seen my parents before going out for a meal tomorrow night and they have given me a card with money in but told me they haven't bought me a present because they didn't know what to get me, I see my mum every Saturday to go shopping with and I'm always pointing things out and I'm obsessed with candles so she knows what I like. I've also got a brother 2 years younger who I know would never go without a present even it was just socks. Am I acting like a spoilt brat? I can't help but feel sad they didn't make the effort even to find me something small.

Both.

But the great thing about money is you can buy candles with it

Perhaps they thought that as you have a new place you might like to use the money for something for your home?

Happy Birthday!

You haven't 'gone without a present' - you have money.

I agree you are being a little ungrateful

We'd always give ours a thoughtful present even if it was tiny and cash was the real present. I think you can't complain really but can see why your miffed.

I guess I knew I was over reacting and I am extremely grateful for the money they have given me and it is very true that I can buy whatever I like with the money I just feel there's a lack of thought gone into it and I feel sure if I was still living with them they'd of made sure I had a gift to open on my birthday. Guess this is what getting older feels like

Money is a present. I expect they know that moving into a new place often causes additional set up expenses while you get settled and sort things out as you like them. Having a bit of extra cash is useful, and not having to stress over a couple of bills because of it is nice too.

Maybe dm sees you as a 'real grown up' now you have your own house and would prefer to choose your own things now? Tell her if you still want surprises though for next year!!

Isn't money classed as a present anymore?

You have a house, she was probably thinking you could use it to spend on what you wanted.

They probably thought money was better as you can choose what you spend it on rather than getting you something. My parents stopped doing presents as soon as I left for uni, jsut gave me money so I could decide what to buy and now with my own place I prefer having money. Last year I chose to spend it on my heating bill, sad I know but the extra money meant I put my heating on a bit more than I often do especially as I was down with tonsilitus for most of christmas and being so ill I couldn't even think of what else I would want more than jsut a warm house lol