Expensive Gift - exchange, no refund

[Dilemmadayz]

Name changed. I am fully aware that I sound like a spoilt brat and feel terrible about it.

DH bought me a completely unexpected, expensive watch as a birthday present. He is not one for surprises, so I was genuinely touched by the thought and effort he put into it. The problem is... I really don't like it and can't see myself wearing it. It is not my style and I wouldn't feel comfortable wearing it every day anyway. I have a watch that I wear and love and have no need for another one.

He was clearly a bit put out when I gently broached the subject of returning it and choosing a less expensive, more practical gift. I don't want to upset him, but it seems an extraordinary waste of money for something I can't see myself using and don't need.

The store (a watch store) will only exchange, but not refund which seems a bit harsh, but there we are. What do I do? Wear it and hope I grow to love it? Feel like such a cow.

Keep it and wear it on special occasions?

Would you wear a different watch if you exchanged it? Could you and DP go and choose another watch together? Or if it’s very expensive and that’s part of the reason putting you off, buy two watches (one each) instead?

Otherwise if no refunds can you look at selling it via eBay or similar? I wouldn’t keep it just for the sake of it and make yourself wear it occasionally if you don’t like it, I guess the only reason to possibly keep it is if it’s likely to gain value rather than lose it over time.

There is something about men and watches, maybe your DH wants a watch for himself and u could just offer it so he can exchange for his?
Or if u have DC's, maybe for one of them?

Thanks for the sensible advice. Agree that I shouldn't keep it for the sake of it. And it's not really something I would want to wear for special occasions - it is just not my sort of thing. I will broach the subject of him getting a watch instead.

I dont see anything bratty about not liking the gift that isn't your style or you can't find a good use for, OP, don't feel bad about this! Definitely see if your DH would want to keep the watch for himself or exchange it.

I don't see how him buying you an expensive watch equates to 'thought and effort' especially seeing as it's not your style and it sounds like the expense is outside your normal spending patterns.

Almost the opposite of thoughtful, it's like he doesn't know you or thought about what you would like.

Better you say something rather than just have something valuable not being used, plus ongoing extra cost of needing to be serviced and added to your house insurance?

It's not one of those that's likely to go up in value is it? If you keep it you can sell it at a profit in a few years time? That might make it worth keeping.