To be insulted by my MIL's idea of a gift for DD

[MsWetherwax]

DD is her 1st Grandchild. She is 3 months old. MIL returned from a shopping break to New York last week bearing thewanky generous gift of a christmas tree decoration with DD's name on it. In September. Am I wrong to think this is a bit odd?

DD has a naff plastic first Christmas bauble, has to be in pride of place every year.
DC signal the end of tasteful decorations, wait till you see what they bring home from nursery

Thanks creme egg. And yes Frutilla, 1st gift, although in fairness we didnt actually need anything.

At least you've got the good sense grace to admit you're being unreasonable MsW.

Wouldn't AIBU be boring though if everyone was so nice?

What did you want her to bring back? Designer clothes? For a three month old.

She is three months old what could your DD possible want or need at that age seriously that you do not already provide?

Think yourself grateful she didn't buy you one.

Maybe she was desperate and searching for something you didn't already have and 'ta - da' the bauble!!! I'm guessing you don't have one already..

A teething toy would have been useful! I got a lovely teatowel though. Not with my name on, sadly....

Your MIL is unreasonable for bringing back a present at all for a 3 month old baby and ungrateful mother who is too young to know

Oh come off it, what kind of new gran doesn't buy a decent gift for their new gc? She is clearly not broke or wouldn't have been in NY.
I got a pram. A bauble (unless it is from Tiffany's - have you checked?!) is an insult.

I think it's nice - a decoration that can be brought out every year. :) Americans have Xmas shops open all year. I don't think it matters that it's September!

Its not Tiffany's. It was $5.99 though, the label was still on it. I am however suitably chastised and therefore sticking to the mantra "it's the thought that counts"

What is odd about it???

it will be nice for her to hang on the tree each yr as she gets older...

Repeat...'it's the thought that counts'....
This will come in handy. You may need to use it again.

You know, you probably think it's a bit of a rubbish gift now.

But believe me in 14 years time when your DD is a gawky sullen teenager, and you're putting the Christmas decorations up on your own because she no longer finds that exciting, you will catch a glimpse of that bauble and it will bring back 100s of memories of your DDs 1st christmas (and 2nd and 3rd etc) and you will positively want to kiss your MIL for being so thoughtful.

Or you will if you're an emotional sop like me

HoHoLaughingmonster my thoughts exactly.

Aw, I hadn't thought of it like that. Feel like an even bigger bitch now!

and without wishing to make you feel guilty, both mine and DHs mothers have died. DH's mum died the day before Christmas Eve when I was 7 months pregnant with DS1.

I buy both of my children a Christmas Decoration every year which they now choose. I would never say out loud that 'it's from Granny' or anything twee like that but I always think of my Mum especially when I hang them on the tree.

So pipe down and say thank you nicely.

ha ha ha ha ha ha sorry $5.99! ha ha ha I agree I'd be miffed too! So made me laugh. Thank you.

I believe that this is a traditional new baby gift in the USA.
When DS was born my US SIL got him a bauble with his name on, and "Uncle" and "Aunt" ones from her DD to DH and I.

I think it was sweet, shows she was thinking about your DD, and her grandchild. I think we can be pretty tough on MIL, wish mine was still around, I would apologise for all the aufull things I said/thought. Now my boys are growing up I expect I will be a MIL one day.....makes me sad to think my DIL might think ill of me.:(

chickydoo, without wishing to hijack, I feel exactly the same . Now i have two sons it fills me with dread that some loud, cocky young girl will one day turn up and steal my son away - and then have the temerity to say how dreadful I am

So you're insulted because your MIL didn't spend enough money?

There's a word for that, and it's not over-sensitive.

If you hate it put it on the christmas tree when she is over accidently knock it off and break it.

My mum bought baubles with my son's name and niece's name in them last year for Christmas (you can get them in Clinton Cards right now, folk!). A little cheesy but also quite a nice gesture, I thought. Am sure both kids will really appreciate it as they get older.

I think it sounds quite nice! I like buying baubles as souvenirs as they are more useful than fridge magnets, and children usually love Xmas!

I'm not sure why you are insulted - it's just a little souvenir, isn't it, not supposed to be a big present. Try not to read too much into it.