to have wrapped up a gift for a blind recipient?

[abigboydidit]

So, DH's Grandad (GD-IL?) is registered blind. I know that covers a whole spectrum of visual impairment but GD-IL really can see very little - only shadows. For his present I had bought him some talking books which MiL was going to drop off for me. She arrived far earlier than expected so I started gift-wrapping the books while she was chatting. She was utterly incredulous at this and started making all these sarky comments about what a ridiculous waste of time/money when he can't see the gift, let alone the wrapping.

She harped on and on about it for the entire time she was here and then made snidey comments to DH and FiL about me too which they ignored as they tend to zone her out.

So - was I being unreasonable? I'm not stupid and I know he couldn't see it but for me it's part of the whole experience. Plus, I had used dried orange slices and cinnamon as a decoration so thought the smell would be nice and festive.

What a lovely thought re the orange and cinnamon, you are so lovely.
Your mil however is not.

Of course his gift should be wrapped like everybody else's. What, don't bother because he can't see it? Her attitude is rotten.

The scented decorations are a great idea. You should lovely OP, Merry Christmas.

Ywnbu.

He's registered blind not stupid. My Gran is registered blind,on good days she can read but on others she can only see shadows. She would be furious if I gave her presents unwrapped because of her disability. It would be very insulting.

Your MIL sounds delightful hmm

Oops that was meant to be!

I think it sounds gorgeous. He will appreciate the trouble you went to and the scented decoration was genius.
Your MIL may have felt inferior because she didn't bother. Some people lash out when they feel embarrassed or perhaps lesser of a person, than others.

To be honest, I think she most likely felt guilty/pissed that she didn't think of that idea and is taking it out on you.

Well I for one think its a really lovely idea. Don't listen to the jealous, bitter old rat bag.

YANBU btw!!!

You sound lovely

Your mil sounds like a right cow. I suspect Itsafree may be right.

YANBU his gifts should be wrapped as would anyone else's.

You sound lovely , she sounds like a jealous baggage.

Hmmm.. I think Itsafree may be on to something. Thanks again everyone and Merry Chrismas!

YANBU why treat him any different to everyone else.

The feeling of unwrapping it may take him back to a time when he could see (if that is the case) and bring back great memories and he might be able to imagine what the paper looks like. The scented decoration is brilliant too.

You have def done the right thing, I wrap all the presents for the lo I look after (who is registered blind) I used crinkly cellophane!