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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To buy 2 theatre tickets as a gift but expect to be given 1 ticket so I can attend?

28 replies

Cuppaand2biscuits · 09/01/2017 22:27

I've just noticed a theatre production of a movie that my sister and I loved is coming to our local theatre. I would love to get her tickets for her birthday, I would also love to see it myself. The tickets are nearly £40, I really can only afford 2 tickets.
Can I tell her that I want to go or let her choose between me and her partner (who may or may not be interested in seeing it )

OP posts:
Phial · 09/01/2017 22:30

Could you take her to the theatre for her birthday treat rather than give her two tickets?

StarrySparkles · 09/01/2017 22:30

Could you not buy yourself a ticket and give her the other one for her birthday? Ive done this for my dad and sisters birthdays and they were thrilled as its a show we all like

Original poster
Cuppaand2biscuits · 09/01/2017 22:31

Probably should add that my sister and I are good friends who enjoy spending time together but I would be a bit miffed if I spend £80 and don't get to go.

OP posts:
HecateAntaia · 09/01/2017 22:32

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OydNeverDeclinesGin · 09/01/2017 22:32

Just ask her. Can I take you to see xxx for your birthday?

Original poster
Cuppaand2biscuits · 09/01/2017 22:32

Her birthday is February and show isn't until August.

OP posts:
Imnotaslimjim · 09/01/2017 22:33

I'd just tell her that her birthday present is a visit to the theatre, rather than giving her the tickets and making her take you.

BackforGood · 09/01/2017 22:33

Agree with everyone else. For her birthday you give her a ticket, and then you also buy yourself a ticket to go with her. You don't give her the two.

OneWithTheForce · 09/01/2017 22:34

You don't buy her two tickets. You buy her one and yourself the other and go together.

HecateAntaia · 09/01/2017 22:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
Cuppaand2biscuits · 09/01/2017 22:34

Ask her, that's a great idea then her partner can pay to come too if he wants to.
Thank you! I don't know why I always think presents should be surprises.

OP posts:
harderandharder2breathe · 09/01/2017 22:34

You can still take her "for her birthday", it's just a delayed gift

You can't give her both and insist she takes you.

TeaBelle · 09/01/2017 22:34

I would make a voucher - 'this entitles you to a funfulled evening of music and cocktails with your favourite sister' etc, rather than actually handing over the tickets if you want to go

KatherinaMinola · 09/01/2017 22:34

Taking her to the theatre for her birthday is lovely. Giving her two tickets and asking for one back is a bit weird! It's all in the presentation.

booellesmum · 09/01/2017 22:35

If you give her both tickets as a gift she should be able to choose who to take.
If u want to go give her the one ticket - or don't wrap any tickets just a print out of the advert for the show and tell her you are taking her.
? Say taking her for lunch as well.

MillionToOneChances · 09/01/2017 22:36

I'd make a card using pictures from the show's website to illustrate that you're taking her to that show for her birthday gift.

aforestgrewandgrew · 09/01/2017 22:36

I agree also.

If you say "My birthday treat is taking you to the theater" then it sounds like a wonderful and thoughtful gift.

If you say "here are two tickets, but you must give one back to me" then it sounds mean.

Effectively the same thing, but different expectations / social conventions, depending on how you present it mean you definitely want to do the first one.

Krap · 09/01/2017 22:37

If you won't get the actual physical tickets by her birthday (they often aren't dispatched until close to the performance)
Just print out the confirmation and present it to her saying you're taking her to the theatre for her birthday then out for a meal. Therefore you have bagged yourself the seat and covered the birthday and topped up the value of the present.

MrsJayy · 09/01/2017 22:40

Yes its fine to do that ive done it before, say happy birthday sister i am taking you to this show and have a great night

venusinscorpio · 09/01/2017 22:41

I agree with krap. Perfect. As pp said it's all in the presentation.

Bluntness100 · 09/01/2017 22:42

We do this often, uou just give the person the ticket in thb card and tell them you're taking them for their gift, it's not a biggie.

MrsJayy · 09/01/2017 22:46

I do it with my dc often but 1 birthday i gave dd both tickets instead of 1 and got a bit sweaty that she wouldnt take me Grin

Only1scoop · 09/01/2017 22:48

Easy, present her a lovely card and tickets stating 'I've booked us a girly night at the theatre'.

Helloitsme87 · 09/01/2017 22:48

This is so weird. Why wouldn't you just buy her and yourself a ticket. Her present is £40 and get her something else small and then you buy your own for 40.
I literally wouldn't buy her partner a present when is not his birthday.

crashdoll · 09/01/2017 22:52

My sister and I do this all the time for birthday and Christmas. We both enjoy spending time together but busy lives get in the way. This is our thing. I usually print off a poster or a made-up voucher,