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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

About buying BIL underwear for Christmas

45 replies

PurpleTinsel · 04/12/2012 23:24

I had a chat with DSis on the phone today. During the conversation, I asked if she had any idea what BIL might like for Christmas. She said that BIL would like some underwear. I was a bit Xmas Confused "Really???" but DSis insisted that this would be a good present. Even told me what size to get.

The more I think about this, the more uncomfortable I'm getting with the idea. It just seems a little too intimate.

WIBU to call DSis back tomorrow and tell her that I don't feel comfortable buying BIL underwear for Christmas? Or am I being a bit prudish here?

OP posts:
McChristmasPants2012 · 04/12/2012 23:27

Yanbu I would be very worried if my sister bought DH some boxers

chrismissymoomoomee · 04/12/2012 23:27

I think you are being a bit prudish tbh. Its no more intimate than buying socks.

jennywren123 · 04/12/2012 23:28

YADNBU that is a bit ewwwww Hmm

I would buy something else and if the topic comes up in conversation, just say one of the following -

Sorry, I'd forgotten I'd already brought him xyz

Sorry, people must have been panic buying, none left in M&S

Sorry, I would find it a bit weird buying underwear for BIL

Original poster
PurpleTinsel · 04/12/2012 23:40

Chris - surely it's a little bit more intimate than a pair of socks? Feet have no sexual connotations as far as I'm concerned (but maybe they do to everyone else?)

OP posts:
TuftyFinch · 04/12/2012 23:42

Buy him a nice thong or some big Y fronts. She won't suggest it again.

chrismissymoomoomee · 04/12/2012 23:43

If I had a BIL then his penis would have no sexual connotations to me either Xmas Grin
Would you buy him trousers?

catus · 04/12/2012 23:48

If your relationship with them is normal, they obviously think it's an ok present to ask for. What you do is up to you, but unless you are really, really, really bothered, I suggest you go to M&S and buy some nice quality underwear.
I don't think it is a big deal personally.

floweryblue · 04/12/2012 23:49

Your DSIS is just getting familiar with her DPs undies and she doesn't l;ike what she she sees, so fresh ones that justify her getting rid of the old ones, seems a good idea to me x

TuftyFinch · 04/12/2012 23:54

I wouldn't want my BIL buying my pants. I just wouldn't.

ravenAK · 04/12/2012 23:55

We (collectively, me dh & the dc) bought BIL some Big Pants last year.

As expected, he immediately donned them - over trousers - & wore them all day. Dc thought it was hilarious.

But then, dh & I once had to practically carry each other out of Hallmark due to the hysterics engendered by buying BIL birthday socks embroidered with the name 'Ken' (BIL is called Ben), so we possibly already have an unhealthy relationship wrt to sniggering at poor BIL's underwear.

But no, I probably wouldn't buy BIL grundies as a proper present. Get him some nice socks!

ChippingInLovesAutumn · 05/12/2012 00:06

Wouldn't bother me at all - it's not as though he's going to strip off and try them on is it Grin

StuntGirl · 05/12/2012 00:08

My DP days buy him extra small and say "Dsis told me this would be the right size" - she won't do it again!

marimama · 05/12/2012 00:11

My brothers, dad and my DH got same underwear for christmas one year. Forget which one of them bought for the others, but they were tiny camouflage pants, and they put them on over trousers and still laugh about it now. Guess it depends on your family!! Wink

Mostly on how you think your BIL will react to gift. Good lick shopping!

marimama · 05/12/2012 00:13

Errr. Good LUck shopping. Blush

Stonefield · 05/12/2012 00:17

If I received underwear from SIL or anyone else other than my DP I would feel weird. Get him something else. It's not like getting socks, but then I reckon no one but my mother or my DP can buy me socks anyway.
Just sounds weird to me, can't she suggest something else?

TrazzleMISTLEtoes · 05/12/2012 00:31

My MIL always bought me lacy pants for Christmas. When she died, my Aunt in law took over Xmas Blush

OkayHazel · 05/12/2012 00:58

If she has suggested it, it is okay.

It's not buying a man undies on a whim, it's his wife saying that he needs some and asking you to help.

Steer clear of man thongs though!

AdoraJingleBells · 05/12/2012 02:31

YANBU, I wouldn't buy undies for a BIL, or a DB. Maybe get him a voucher from whichever store he likes his undies from. It's such a personal thing, IMO, that I just wouldn't feel comfortable.

SomersetONeil · 05/12/2012 02:40

It was only a suggestion, not a command.

If you don't want to buy BIL undies, then don't. Just get him something else.

Am I missing something? Are either of them even going to notice, let alone mind if you decide to buy him something else?

HalloweenNameChange · 05/12/2012 02:46

Just a multi pack from m&s or next right? not a big deal..wouldn't go picking special ones though. Get something xmasy.

honeytea · 05/12/2012 02:52

I buy my brother funny underwear, ones with transformers or something we liked as kids on some years.

If you don't feel happy about it just buy some vouchers and give them to BIL.

catgirl1976geesealaying · 05/12/2012 08:51

Wouldn't bother me at all

It's only some pants

It's not like you have to see him in them

I'm sure DSis has bought DH some boxers in the past

I don't think he boffed her in gratitude

SomersetONeil · 05/12/2012 09:04

It's all this talk of calling DSis back and being 'prudish' that I don't get.

Putting aside the fact that it's men's undies - plastic-wrapped and multi-packed up - they really are pretty a-sexual. Surely a bit of a mountain being made out of a molehill. Buy them, don't buy them. No need for any angst.

TheShriekingHarpy · 05/12/2012 09:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SomersetONeil · 05/12/2012 09:09

A stunt/comedy codpiece might be pushing it too far... But standard gruts? Not so much...