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AIBU?

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Original poster

Am I being ungrateful to not want a 'sentimental' gift?

33 replies

mumtomaxwell · 20/04/2017 19:20

I'm turning 40 soon and my family and DH want to buy me a gift. There's nothing I really have in mind except some spending money for our big holiday this summer or vouchers towards a new iPad. They keep asking if there's anything I'd like that I'd keep for a long time?!

I'm being ungrateful aren't I?

OP posts:
WonkoTheSane42 · 20/04/2017 19:22

Yes.

gleam · 20/04/2017 19:24

Not ungrateful. Hmm

Content with your life, perhaps.

EveEve13 · 20/04/2017 19:24

I get it though
Maybe ask for jewellery or a family photo - or they buy the bag or whatever you would buy yourself

StillMedusa · 20/04/2017 19:25

I wouldn't want a sentimental gift either...as I'm not sentimental!
For my dh's 50th we clubbed together to get him a much covered new bike... and he and the kids are clubbing together for my 50th... to get me a new Saxophone Grin

I think saying 'that's a lovely idea but I'd really really love an Ipad' is fine!

chastenedButStillSmiling · 20/04/2017 19:26

I LOVE the family photo idea!

Allthebestnamesareused · 20/04/2017 19:27

I had a lovely sentimental Mulberry handbag that my parents and a group of friends clubbed together to get me for my 50th. Hopefully it will see me out and I use it all the time! I love that so many people close to me clubbed together to get it and would prefer it over lots of smaller gifts.

jo10000 · 20/04/2017 19:30

I agree, sometimes you just don't want anything. However, to please them (and make sure they don't mither you again next time ) why not ask them to put together a digital photo album, they can find old photos of you and do it online. That would be nice for anyone. .. and keep them busy!

TheFlis12345 · 20/04/2017 19:34

Could you persuade them to pay for a special day out or fancy meal on your holiday instead?

rollonthesummer · 20/04/2017 19:38

For my dh's 50th we clubbed together to get him a much covered new bike

I have an image now of a shiny new bike hidden under layers and layers of blankets!!

As you were...!

Cheaploopaper · 20/04/2017 19:42

You should be given a gift YOU would like regardless of how long you are able to make it last. I hate all the 'significant birthday' sentimental rubbish.

readthethread · 20/04/2017 19:50

choose an "heirloom" handbag Grin

RitaMills · 20/04/2017 19:53

Tell them to buy you an iPad with a little sentimental birthday message engraved on the back. Two birds, one stone.

Stopyourhavering · 20/04/2017 19:53

For my 50th I got a new digital SLR so I could take loads of photos of all our travels, creating great memories

Fragglez · 20/04/2017 19:55

Could they club together and get you an 'experience' for your holiday? Bungee jumping or hot air balloon or swimming with dolphins or something?

AcrossthePond55 · 20/04/2017 19:56

It almost sounds as if they already have something in mind and are trying to figure out if you'd like it or not. I'd probably ask them "Why? Do you have something in mind?".

d270r0 · 20/04/2017 19:57

Is there anything you'd like to keep- yes! An ipad!

Whathaveilost · 20/04/2017 20:07

I hear you!
I don't want anymore jewellery for sentimental reasons.
I don't want a family portrait
I don't want any nick nacks cluttering up the house.
And while I'm at I don't need tat that my mother is throwing out and trying to give to me saying I should have it for 'sentimental reasons!' E.g. A cheap ornament I won at Eastham fair when I was 9, a picture I made in primary, an ash tray I got my mum for Mother's Day in the 70s

I am in my 50s I don't want stuff around me, I never have and hopefully never will!

(Gosh that was a rant but it feels better)

statetrooperstacey · 20/04/2017 20:08

Just swap sentimental for expensive and give them a few ideas. That's possibly what they mean. They are letting you know that this year it won't b £20 in a card so fill your boots !

wigglesrock · 20/04/2017 20:11

I got money towards an iPad for my 40th. My mum bought me a watch, not a hugely fancy dan sentimental type watch - no engravings or anything, just the kind of everyday watch I like. My sister, aunt and my granny gave me money towards my iPad, which I had coveted and cooed over when I bought it. Three years later I still love it.

Ohyesiam · 20/04/2017 20:12

Yanbu, stick to your guns. Keep saying no to unwanted gifts. Just remind than that the present should be for you, not them....

mydietstartsmonday · 20/04/2017 20:17

For my 50th Louis Vuitton hand bag perfect!

MuffinMaiden · 20/04/2017 20:28

Make a joke of it when they ask! "Anything you like to keep?" Good answers are, "my stunning figure", "my health", "a chocolate covered Tom Hardy" Wink, then add, "seriously though, ipad vouchers" Grin

Meekonsandwich · 20/04/2017 21:03

Ohhh nooo! If they said that to me I'd automatically think of that sentimental tat they sell in Clintons or the card shop you know the like,
Mugs, picture frames, wine glasses and other dust collectors with "forty and fabulous!"
Nooooo! Get away.

I second the iPad with an engraved case, much nicer

Questioningeverything · 20/04/2017 21:28

An iPad is sentimental isn't it? I don't have one. I'd like one. I'd use it for sentimental stuff like pictures -ordering online- keeping in touch with family and friends...

CheshireDing · 20/04/2017 21:43

YANBU

I turned 40 last year and asked for some nice patio furniture Grin

It's what I wanted and I had just watched a documentary on Minimalism so don't see the point in some "stuff" just for the sake of it.

Very happy with my furniture