AIBU to think my DB WBU to send me this email?

[dougierose]

I quote:

"Dear XX

Thanks for the thank you card. Thanks also for the teapot and mugs.

I am however perplexed by the presents you gave [XX ( his son) XX]. Clothes for a five and a seven year old. Five, I could just about understand, as something to grow into in a couple of years, although we thought it a little peculiar, when paired with a card for a three year old. Seven, I'm sorry, makes no sense whatsoever. XX [his wife] and I found it quite upsetting.

I really don't want to have to experience a feeling of dread every time we get something from you, which is the case now. I would therefore prefer not to exchange cards or presents in the future.

I'm very pleased to hear that you have found a nice house that that [XX your son, ie my own son] is settling into the new school and [XX your daughter, ie my own DD] is thriving at her school. We wish you the best of times."

We have a no gift agreement with one of DH's brothers. The other 2 didn't bother sending anything for DD (4) at xmas (presents were sent up for their children in plenty of time). DD's (October) birthday present from one of them still hasn't managed to find its way to her. It's an outfit, apparently. (Luckily DD isn't much bothered by presents.)

I breathed a sigh of relief. I need make precisely no effort for them from this point on.

I bought myself a size 10 T shirt once when I am clearly a size 12.
I did not send myself an e-mail

I have just bought my 3 yo DD a Tshirt aged 4/5. She wore it today and I wish I had bought a bigger size. She is not particularly big but the top does look small on her.

Snort at Dudley

You could send a note of apology addressed to "Mr and Mrs Dursley" to their address, apologising for the poor quality of Dudley's presents this year.

What a knob! I'd be tempted to send an email back saying 'gosh, you must be so embarrassed to have written and sent something as stupid as this' but it's probably best just to laugh at him. Dread? Really?

Awful behaviour from your brother and SIL! I have a relative who always buys bigger sizes for my kids- I love putting clothes away to grow into though and they're often brands that come up small in my opinion (Gap and Debenhams in this case)

I can't believe anyone would have an issue with this- kids do grow!

Send a £50 monopoly money note next time.

Your brother is unbelievably rude and a twat.

I buy my dc older aged bits if I see something I like. I buy other peoples children the next size up always. I don't know what their current stock of clothes is like so it makes more sense to send the next age knowing it'll get worn more than once and helps the parents plan what clothes the child needs more off.

I didn't realise some people had such appalling manners that they would complain about a well intended and thought out gift.

Sorry, 'of'

Yes, I've been known to buy something for DS1 that was about 3 years too old for him - because it was quite expensive and I wanted him to be able to wear it for more than one year, mostly (and I REALLY liked it).

I think the email was rude. The only time I have ever and would ever comment on a gift is if it were so age inappropriate it was actually potentially dangerous. I had to do this once. Slightly bigger clothes- drama queen and rude.

OP here

Thank you, everyone, for overwhelming support. The vast majority of you have made me feel a lot better about what happened.

I think this thread has finished now, so xxxxxxxxxxx

My auntie, notoriously tight, one year gave my 14 year old dd a gift bag of toiletries, saying breezily, " I thought I would get her a selection of different things rather than just one thing" , several had "from a multipack, not for resale" on them. I did actually lol at the thought of her going through her Xmas gifts, taking out the toiletries she wanted and discarding the unwanted ones into dds gift bag :)