To think you can't ask for a gift back?

[chipsnmayo]

So many years ago I had a fairly close friend, we were colleagues and then became quite close due to similar interests and circumstances (we were both single parent's and lived away from family). My friend was quite talented artistically, and when my DD was a little she made my DD a beautiful dolls cot as a gift for her (I think) 3rd birthday.

12 years ago I then relocated 200 miles from where we both lived, and as time went on we slowly lost touch and I haven't talked to her / seen her in about a decade.

Anyhoo we have been friends on Facebook for a few months now. She sent me a message last night asking for the dolls cot back and could it be delivered to her address. (I don't even know where she lived anymore)

DD is nearly 19 so obviously doesn't use the dolls cot anymore, however she loved it and I think she would be quite sad to see it go.

But also it's the principle, surely you cannot turn around after umpteen years and ask for a gift back? As far as I remember, there was nothing said about her wanting it back and when I left she could have easily asked for it back.

Aibu to just ignore the message? Or would you do the right thing and give it back?

My dad's an artist and despite selling images on, there's a sense in which they're still his, as he created them. So if he thought one might be up for sale or worse be about to be binned, he'd want first dibs. It's his creation, even if legally ownership has passed elsewhere.'

fair enough if the art work were no longer wanted and was going to be binned or donated to a charity shop.

Definitely don't lie that you gave it away - if a photo were to crop up on FB of your daughter's future children with the crib in the background it would make things awkward for everyone!!

Agree it's a bit unusual for her to ask after all this time but perhaps she thinks it's just been chucked in the loft and that she'd have a better use for it than your daughter.

I'd just go along the lines of

Posted too soon!!!

Was going to write that I'd say similar to previous posters in that you'll pass on the request to your daughter but as it's one of her most prized possessions you're not sure she'd be willing to part with it as she's hoping to pass it on. That way you can give her some comfort by saying her effort and kindness in giving the gift is very much still appreciated.

Hope it goes well