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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to refuse and boycott the 'xmas gifts list' idea?

153 replies

Schoolisback1973 · 16/12/2016 03:06

I am not sure if I am being strong headed/aibu here but my sis says so..
For xmas I always used to buy whatever I thought my nieces and nephews would love within my budget.Ok, maybe I have missed once or twice and got the wrong gift.. I love the idea of choosing their gifts and surprising them but in the last couple of years my DSils have decided to create 'gifts lists' for their kids and pass it around the family. I guess the kids get exactly what they want which is a good thing but I have a couple of issues with this.
They are both wealthy and not very reasonable with it. On the list, you'll find a doll for £110 for DN, a pair of PUMA for £85 and it goes on. The cheapest item is £50.. I am a single mum on a low income and would like to spend most of my christmas budget on my own DD (9). I am angry that they don't see that its not the fair thing to do.. They are buying for 1. I have to buy for 8.
They have been asking all week about their lists and also DD's but I refuse to discuss it. I would like to do this my own way. Don't want the stress pressure. I just can't afford it and may be I am too embarrassed to say it..
My sister thinks IABU for not doing the same and telling DSILs what DD would like. She says she is happy to share the cost for all the kids gifts..I am not comfortable with that either.. Its still bloody too much..
Is this common? IABU?
What would you do??

OP posts:
Nicpem1982 · 18/12/2016 18:31

I always get a text from my bil before dns (4) birthday and Xmas with a specific high (ish) price item or a list of things to buy.

This has ranged from dr marten boots, converse trainers and a 70.00 list of toys from the Disney store.

My dh and I never send a list/text and after my dds birthday where she received an orchard game with bits missing I've stopped complying with bils demands

Stripeyblanket · 18/12/2016 19:07

It's your gift. Get what you want. Don't put yourself in a bad financial position just to buy something expensive. If asked, just say you are getting them a surprise.

I get badgered into making a list every year and it makes me uncomfortable. There is always a range of items on there from £5-£40 as I'm aware some people have varying budgets but to be honest I'm not bothered if i don't get something. What does bug me is being badgered (and I do mean it Grin ) into making a list and being told they haven't bothered with my list because the items aren't luxury or expensive enough! Why ask me to make one? I'd prefer something thoughtful and a surprise anyway.
I feel lists are grabby which is why I dread doing mine. Guarantee I'll wait a year to get a DVD so that it can go on that bloody list as I can never think of much!

Liz38 · 19/12/2016 17:14

In a slight variation, we always do lists in my family (and DH's). I put a mixture of stuff on for me, all sorts of values, and get told by DH that I'm being grabby and I won't get it all. I don't expect to get it all and I'm happy to be given things that aren't on it. i do the list because I'm asked to, because it makes life easier for everyone else! I resent being called grabby for that.

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