AIBU to think that spending just 5 pounds on a grandchild's birthday present is being stingy

[Gogorat]

Grandparents asked what DD aged 5 wanted for her birthday and we told them that she had shown a real interest in a (paperback) book as well as a plastic necklace each of which cost just under a fiver.

The birthday parcel arrived and I couldn't help noticing that it looked as if it only contained the small paperback. When I asked DH if there had been a problem getting the necklace he said that MIL had kept it back as a Xmas present for DD.

To say I was speechless is an understatement. Massively pissed off and hurt on DD's behalf as it feels to me that her own grandparents don't think that she is worth more than a fiver. DH thinks it's because I have issues with MIL but I know I would feel the same if it had been my own mother.

The thing is I would really not consider this to be an issue if I knew that my inlaws were hard up - but they're not. They have good pensions, a 300k home that they own outright, several (paid off) rental properties, expensive cars etc.

So AIBU?

Thanks, yes. ..they did better, and dp is threatening to "have a word"

Yabu. She has gparents who asked what your dd would like and got it. Your dd will love the book she wanted. Cost doesnt matter its the thought and the fact they bothered finding something she wanted.

Beyond tight. Mine spend £100 minimum on each of us... Me, dp, dsis, her dp & kids. We do the same xx

I would rather someone spent £5 on something that I would like than £100 on something I wouldn't like and don want.

I think that it is teaching your child good values for life. Buy what you want/need- don't just buy crap for the sake of it.

Are you suggesting that you and your parents love your family more, because you spend more, Gem?

Gem, assuming 2 kids each, that's £800 a year on birthdays?

No not all, I genuinely thought this was a normal amount as thats how we've always been, so £5 seems not a lot for a gift. My sister especially never treats herself so all like to spoil each other and do the big family think for birthdays and Christmases xx

I wouldn't be able to 'treat myself' if I was shelling out well over a grand a year for birthdays and Christmas. I'd be skint.

Gem that's a ludicrous amount to be spending! I assume you're all wealthy- or up to your eyes in debt?