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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

You will love this

56 replies

GoneGirl · 15/04/2013 10:49

Name changed as identifiable.....possibly...

My neice's 1st b'day .Invitation states..

No boxed gifts.

They are crackers aren't they?

OP posts:
Original poster
GoneGirl · 15/04/2013 11:11

It really means money only. I could tell you endless stories about their love of money. Her demanding my DB buy her a new engagement ring with a bigger diamond was just the tip of the iceberg.....

OP posts:
MidniteScribbler · 15/04/2013 11:17

I would buy the biggest, noisiest, most annoying toy you can. Take it out of the box to comply with her request and wrap well. Make sure that you pour plenty of glitter and confetti in to the parcel and make sure the gift is opened indoors. That shit goes everywhere, and she'll be finding bits of confetti for months!

MrsMangelFanciedPaulRobinson · 15/04/2013 11:19

What a rude, grabby cow she sounds.

I'd buy whatever you want to buy, and make sure it comes in an extra-large box Grin

LizaRose · 15/04/2013 11:19

First birthday? The best thing you could give her is a massive cardboard box. Doesn't need to have a gift in it.

Trills · 15/04/2013 11:21

Get her a toy that makes noise. Lots of noise. Preferably one where it makes noise even if you take the batteries out.

freddiefrog · 15/04/2013 11:23

I'd be buying the biggest, noisiest toy I could find, take it out of the box before wrapping and pretend I didn't get what she meant

My friend sent round a gift list for her eldest's first birthday as they only wanted wooden toys and like a twat I complied with it

NatashaBee · 15/04/2013 11:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sparklingbrook · 15/04/2013 11:24

I would wrap a bag of Haribo. Grin

digerd · 15/04/2013 11:29

Possibly they mean nothing too difficult for a 1 year-old to open herself.
I have difficulty undoing all packaging and is annoying.

A one year-old could possibly rip open wrapping paper, but not boxes.

YoniDaChillOut · 15/04/2013 11:29

surely it just means no gifts. as opposed to no gifts but make the cheque out to meeeee!

for both my dses birthdays i specified no gifts but that i was collecting for a children's charity and any donations would be welcome.

1 year olds dont know about opening presents so they're not missing out.

LilyAmaryllis · 15/04/2013 11:38

I love LizaRose's suggestion of a desirable... box

catgirl1976 · 15/04/2013 11:38

Eh?

I would be Confused by that

I would assume they were worried about packaging but if it really does mean 'cash only' I would be Shock

Tbh, I would give a book or two as they don't come in boxes.

How rude Shock

PeterParkerSays · 15/04/2013 11:39

Go to TK Maxx and get your DH the toy that won't switch off when you press its buttons on the shelf you know, the ones you look sheepish and skulk away from as if you weren't responsible for seeting it off, oh no

Then pick up a blank TK Maxx gift voucher and add it to the gift without putting any money on it, and leave your SIL to wonder what went wrong.

PeterParkerSays · 15/04/2013 11:40

DH? sorry, DN.

Blast you typing fingers...

HorryIsUpduffed · 15/04/2013 11:44

Given her form, it sounds like the first draft said "no gifts please" meaning "no tat, just dosh" and she thought that might risk no actual loot at all Shock

ISeeSmallPeople · 15/04/2013 11:45

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ChocHobNob · 15/04/2013 11:53

I would do as she says and give your DN a teddy, some clothes or books. No boxes in sight.

maddening · 15/04/2013 11:55

I would get a keepsake gift - totally useless to be put away or on show.

Original poster
GoneGirl · 15/04/2013 11:56

Yep...lots of brightly coloured, noisy unboxed but gift wrapped presents from me. The thing is that giving money as gifts is very usual in both our families so not sure why she would even bother with the stupid request.

OP posts:
FattyMcChubster · 15/04/2013 12:00

She's specified what gift to bring?! I'm very Shock at this. Planning DD's 1st birthday at the minute and when people ask what they can buy I'm a bit Blush as we don't expect a thing! Just come celebrate!

WestieMamma · 15/04/2013 12:02

If I received that invite I wouldn't be able to help myself. The child would be getting a small gift inside a series of boxes, each increasing in size.

lunar1 · 15/04/2013 12:08

I would write a cheque in your DNs name, that way at least her grabby parents cant have the money.

TheWoollybacksWife · 15/04/2013 12:09

All you need is a noisy toy carefully chosen present in a gift bag, an industrial sized bag of confetti and an innocent face.

BoredBeingSamWestsMistress · 15/04/2013 12:09

Take her a cow!

FryOneFatManic · 15/04/2013 12:09

WestieMama The child would love your idea. All those lovely boxes to play with....... Grin