My birthday is coming up and there is a relative who always buys a gift from an obligation perspective but I find them increasingly difficult as a person as time goes on. They always ask what I want via DH, and I have to think carefully to make sure I don't suggest something too expensive or that I don't think they would want to buy.
Can anyone help me come up with a tactful way to say I don't want a present? They will still get presents from us unless they say they do not want them (the gifts we give are from DH and I as a couple).
Would saying something like 'oh thanks for thinking of jevoudrais, but she says there really isn't anything I need, could you make a small donation to charity X if you would still like to do something' suffice, and saying that every year going forward?
I know some may think just accept it say thanks and crack on, but that's what I have been doing. The relationship is deteriorating to the point that I would go NC but due to DH LC is probably the only achievable option, and this will help me maintain that.