To think his aunt should've at least called?

[Hmmmmx100]

DS had a birthday last week, he had a lovely time and was spoiled rotten by us for the day. He has an aunt living overseas who pretty much ignores his existence, and she hasn't sent so much as a card for him. In fact she didn't even text or call to wish him a happy birthday. It burns a bit because her social media is mostly about her buying pretty things to adorn herself with.

AIBU to think this is a bit off? He's her only nephew and she lived with us for six months before she moved overseas, so she's spent significant time with him.

Luckily DS is still v young so not at all affected by it, but he's not far off an age where he'd notice her ignoring him completely.

I'm not bonkers and don't expect the world to stop for DS's birthday, and don't care about presents or cards particularly. But not even a text? Bit mean, right?

I wouldn't expect an aunt to send a card or a present, though certainly a card would be nice. I think calling on the birthday is even less likely to be expected, and actually slightly odd. Maybe if she lives abroad a card/present will turn up later.

If he is too young to notice, then what would be the point of her calling or texting ?

Yes, it would be nice to get a card, but some people are more 'card people' than others. Some are better at being organised / remembering dates. Some live in countries where the postal service is poor.

Don't see how what she puts on social media is relevant.

It really won't affect him at all, unless you draw attention to it.
I come from a big family, but did'nt receive cards from every Aunt, I still loved them though !

Does he have a phone? If not, what is the point of her texting?

I'm with you OP. I'd be mortified if I didn't acknowledge my nieces or nephews bdays and would expect my DS/DB to do the same. How would she feel if you forgot her bday?

I buy presents every Birthday and Christmas for my sister 's kids now 28,21 and 16. She stopped buying for mine when they were 3!! My DH's siblings don't buy for ours either!

I have lots of relatives from overseas, I've never expected birthday cards from them, tbh. And a 10 year old won't be bothered at all. When I was a child we used to get cards enclosing a pound note (yes, showing my age) for the 3 of us, and we'd have to spend time writing a boring thank you letter to this friend of my parents referred to as Auntie who we had never met! That's how children see it. So what does it matter?

And your comments about your aunt being vain sound just slightly immature, tbh.