Who gave you the worst present yesterday?

[cheezncrackers]

My DM wins the award from me. She always gets me awful things that I don't want. The problem is that she thinks she knows me, but she really doesn't any more. My tastes are nothing like hers. She loves ornaments and goes to the market every week and picks up second-hand tat that she thinks is a bargain. It isn't, because no one wants it!

Yesterday I received book I've already read, a hideous jug that's going straight to the charity shop, and a cheap, sugary version of the chocolate that she knows I like (but is too cheap to buy the real thing).

Honestly, I just wish she wouldn't bother. I have a wish list on Amazon if she wanted to get me a book and I'd have much rather had one book that I actually want to read than all the shit she gives me.

/ungrateful rant over

A few years ago my Dad bought me lovely pyjamas in size 26. I was a 10. Luckily he included a gift receipt. They were exactly the sort of thing I would wear though, so the thought was definitely there even if the sizing was a bit out.

MIL asked for my list twice when the first answers weren't enough.

She gave me 80% of it, then gave me a hideous pink jumper as she didn't want to buy more of similar items I really liked from the stuff she did buy me.

I'm not ungrateful, I just don't get asking people for ideas then deviating from the list.

You are so lucky to have your mum and it's the effort she has put in. My mum is no longer with us and I would have loved all the presents you got
I hate this reply; should no one complain about a mum because someone's mum has died? it's so pathetic.

DH is terrible at buying presents. I bought myself a jumper and a new coat using his card, wrapped it up myself and put it under the tree. He then messaged my mum asking what to buy for me. She suggested something. He ignored it. I told him not yo buy me anything because id already bought it and we are not meant to spending lots. Then he bought and prepared 3 hampers full of food that HE loves, which I never eat because I don't like that sort of food, and then gifted it to me. Last year was 3 empty photo frames.......I mean he gifted me a job to do... previous year more empty photo frames. At least get off your arse and put some bloody photos in them.

Not me but my son. He's 14 and struggles to think of things that he would like. This year he asked ExMIL for some LED lights which she has duly gotten and he is quite happy.
However she got his cousin a full gaming PC setup.
I suppose it's not awful because he is happy but I can't help but wonder at the disparity in price and the reason given - because me and his dad are separated he will get X2 Christmas days whereas cousin only gets 1.

Indeed!

Imagine if all the posts over the last few days about DH failings (humorous and otherwise) were invaded by widows telling the OPs they were lucky to have a husband to complain about.

Completely agree! It's so nasty.

Sure as night follows day, any thread about a parent issue will draw at least one comment like that, even the ones where the parent is horribly abusive. I should know better by now, but it never ceases to amaze me.

I did quite well this year. A hat that was WAY too small from my parents (it’s a family joke how big my head is so no excuse for that!) and a cereal bowl from my in laws. In a box of a brand of toiletries that I like but with a cereal bowl in. It is pretty but honestly!

Why? I feel for you. It’s only a bargain if it’s useful for the recipient.

exactly how I feel. Your suggestion is so good.

What posh pjs have you got?

In your mums defence, she picked out a book that must have matched your tastes, because you've read it before. She also did buy you chocolate, as you asked.

My nomination is the gift my PIL gave the DC. For the second year in a row they both got slime sets. Really tempted to take them along to do at her house next time we visit.

It is a way for someone to make it about "me". They have nothing to offer by way of advice but see an opportunity for a "poor me" moment.

Or, for those with no dead-mum card ( or no taste for using it) a chance to provide a little moral lecture to us less spiritually evolved beings.

My SIL got me wine for the nth year in a row. I don’t drink! I’ve said politely at family gatherings that I don’t drink but obviously fallen on deaf ears. My husband thinks I’m being ungrateful - what, so should I drink it and make myself feel I’ll just to make her feel better?

Couldn’t agree more. So many threads on this this year.

A cross stitch dolphin. I have no interest in sewing of any kind.

My DH really did try but he got me a foot care set because I've been really struggling with eczema on the tops of my feet. I didn't have the heart to tell him the lotion it came with would make my eczema a thousand times worse! I have told him a billion times that I can't use generic / scented stuff on my skin but I don't think he gets it. Oh well, I'll still use the socks that came with the set!

Sorry op but I feel for your mil- every year that I get my sil for secret Santa I can just tell that my ideas have fallen flat again. We have absolute opposing tastes, she has everything she needs (and her hints are all tiny) and I can’t seem to put myself in her shoes. Your mother in law is probably trying her best, try to appreciate it and don’t give her lists or try to lead her, she probably enjoys finding things she thinks you’ll love!

And my ‘worst’ present was from an elderly relative who was thrilled I told them I’d use their gift, two cushion covers and an interesting looking ornament. I will put all of them in the sitting room and smile at the thought of him searching for something I’d like .

yes I’m sure I’m annoying but wouldn’t Christmas be so much worse if all anyone did was vouchers and shopping lists?

Ok, but you must like dolphins.
Everyone likes dolphins.

Same here !