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Original poster

What's the worst birthday present your OH has bought you

218 replies

justasking111 · 08/09/2023 10:12

I've just asked my OH politely to return my birthday present. He sulked a bit but will do. It's the first time I have done this.

So am I alone?

OP posts:
Justrolledmyeyesoutloud · 09/09/2023 22:07

My twatty ex bought me a mobile phone top up voucher one year. He thought as l liked gift vouchers and talking, it really was the perfect gift.

I cried so much not because l was angry, just felt so sad that he was genuinelly thrilled with himself.

NellyTimes · 09/09/2023 22:15

Tesco vouchers. He worked at Tesco. This was after I found a receipt for a necklace in his wallet, so was surprised not to receive that, was even more surprised when I found out a couple of weeks later about the lady who the necklace was bought for..

Enzobear · 09/09/2023 22:17

Randomly a light shade (we were renting at the time and didn't need a light shade) and a beach towel (nor were we planning on going on holiday). It's like he went into Debenhams or the like and purchased the first two things he saw. He has improved over time luckily.

AngMogs · 09/09/2023 22:19

My, now ex DH, said to me on my birthday one year ...
"I didn't know what to get you. If the Lump screening had come back saying you had breast cancer, I was going to get you something you could plonk on the cupboard in the hospital while you were in to remind you of me and DD..."

Having nothing / returning would have been a bonus ...

Original poster
justasking111 · 09/09/2023 22:21

It's interesting how many men who obviously didn't care about the gifting become exes

OP posts:
daydreamsaplenty · 09/09/2023 22:27

My husband got me nothing this year (after I already sent him the exact website link to the £10 mascara I wanted), not even a card with nice words. He then flooded the kitchen when filling the sink up to wash up and promptly fell asleep. I gave him an absolute bollocking, and sent him to his parents for the night (a slight overreaction). He gifted me the mascara a fortnight later. I think he's learnt his lesson

ilovepixie · 09/09/2023 22:29

DarkPsy · 08/09/2023 17:13

Himself, covered in whipped cream and cherries.

Sounds appealing right? Picture a skinny, 6 foot, 20 something man as pale as a ghost, laid on a sticky bed with rapidly melting cream collecting in his nether regions followed by glacé cherries. About as sexy as turd.

😂😂

ilovepixie · 09/09/2023 22:30

SparkyBlue · 08/09/2023 17:49

A Pandora bracelet. I just couldn't speak I was so surprised as he normally he is great with gifts

What was wrong with that?

Snippit · 09/09/2023 22:42

We no longer buy each other presents for any occasion. We’re at an age where we just don’t need anything, we’re not materialistic, and there’s no sulking about being gifted a crappy present, sorted.

Fallingthroughclouds · 09/09/2023 22:48

justasking111 · 09/09/2023 22:21

It's interesting how many men who obviously didn't care about the gifting become exes

Or just made mistakes. Screams of shallow giftees! Crying shame that someone would end a relationship over crappy present choices.

HarryBlackberry1 · 09/09/2023 22:52

Ex husband bought me an ironing board cover. Note, he's now an ex!

Fizbosshoes · 09/09/2023 22:56

Fallingthroughclouds · 09/09/2023 22:48

Or just made mistakes. Screams of shallow giftees! Crying shame that someone would end a relationship over crappy present choices.

Show quote history

I imagine it's not just about gifts in most cases, but the crappy "un-thought or lack of effort" gifts are symptomatic of other problems in the relationship

adviceatthislatestage · 09/09/2023 22:59

For my 40th, I was given a piano. Reason being, a passing comment I'd made about wishing I could play the piano. Had lessons for a while but was never that keen. DS loved it, had lessons and even now 20 years later still plays when he comes to visit.

For my 50th, I was given a bike. DH loves cycling, and I'd vaguely said I'd go cycling with him if and when we were away on holiday. Sold it a couple of years later after trying to enjoy this joint activity, but I just didn't.

Recent anniversary gift was an antique cast iron kettle. Where the heck can that go in our 1930s semi? Was an eBay purchase so can't return/ ask for a refund.

AppleDumplingWithCustard · 09/09/2023 23:01

Fushia123 · 09/09/2023 10:49

My tired and stressed out sister in law took her chr regularly to ride on the small railway run by volunteers in her local park.
For her birthday her husband gave her a voucher to spend a day driving the train.

I’m sorry but this has just creased me up. 😂

stayingright · 09/09/2023 23:04

A Belkin phone charger

Fallingthroughclouds · 09/09/2023 23:05

Fizbosshoes · 09/09/2023 22:56

I imagine it's not just about gifts in most cases, but the crappy "un-thought or lack of effort" gifts are symptomatic of other problems in the relationship

Show quote history

Yes I can see that might be true👍

DrLucyVanPelt · 09/09/2023 23:13

A lifesize model anatomical human skeleton.

Iwiicit · 09/09/2023 23:40

I got anti wrinkle cream for my 23rd birthday.
I have also received a pair of black gloves for Christmas for about the last 7 years.
A jumper that like someone had vomited down the front of it but it was very cheap in the sale apparently.
I actually asked for a bread maker one year and got .......a toaster. We already had a perfectly fine toaster. I could go on but it's too depressing!!

CurlewKate · 10/09/2023 03:50

I've already been told to "bore off" but it was a while ago, so I'll try again! Why is there anything funny about men not being prepared to put a moment's thought into buying a present for the person they love?

athomemama · 10/09/2023 04:21

I didn't get anything for my bday this year. Not even a card. He didn't get me anything from my 2 YO either. He said I was being a twat... I was in my first trimester & a bit emotional. Men are pricks.

Redlarge · 10/09/2023 04:40

My most recent ex never bought me a decent gift. He used to buy me stuff that I swear was what he wanted so it would end up with him... a mens designer jacket, a mens necklace that Mr T would have been proud of???? But swore they were unisex, a purse from a brand I hate for moral reasons, plus really tacky. A weird bracelet that looked like a child made it etc
The best gift he got me was a candle. I literally used to ask for chocolate or candles, i didnt want anything more.

LizzoBorden · 10/09/2023 05:09

A portrait of me. It was absolutely horrifying. I cried when I saw it, and not with joy.

FionaChapman · 10/09/2023 07:28

Mr T jewellery and thigh firming cream. My thighs could use some firming but I’ve never used it on principle!!

ConnieTucker · 10/09/2023 07:33

athomemama · 10/09/2023 04:21

I didn't get anything for my bday this year. Not even a card. He didn't get me anything from my 2 YO either. He said I was being a twat... I was in my first trimester & a bit emotional. Men are pricks.

@athomemama Theyre not. But it sounds like yours is. Have you had the baby now? Is he still calling you names?

ConnieTucker · 10/09/2023 07:37

justasking111 · 09/09/2023 22:21

It's interesting how many men who obviously didn't care about the gifting become exes

Because it is often another example of generally being thoughtless and selfish.