MIL

[98976528a]

Really not sure whether IAMBU. MIL has asked for a very expensive birthday gift. Apple iphone. Not sure if relevant but parents in law are comfortably off and richer than we are but by no means rich (if that makes sense). We really can't afford to buy one. I have said sorry but already bought gift. I tend to buy things months before key dates if I find bargains, or something I think someone would particularly like. MIL has asked me to return gift I bought to buy what she wants. Needless to say the gift I have bought while something I think she would like is much cheaper. I've said I don't think I can return it. She said ok then give it to someone else... At a pinch could buy bloody thing but feel a bit miffed because will have to cut back on all sorts of other things and break into savings. AIBU

If she wants one she can buy her own.

If she wants an iPhone, she can get it herself. She sounds extremely ungrateful.

A brand new Apple Iphone is a bloody ridiculous gift request. Why on earth does she think you are able to spend that much?

I think this is one of those situations where you hand dh the current gift and receipt and say "you deal with this shit".

What would she say if you said you couldn't afford it?

WTAF

You are not being unreasonable.

The cheeky sod. As if she said take it back, and then give it to someone else!!

Personally I would go no contact after that, can't be arsed with that sot of ridiculousness.

They're hundreds of pounds! How much would you normally spend?

Tell her that it's embarrassing to be forced to tell her but an iPhone is too expensive.

What a cow!

Where is your husband in all this? Surely he should be the one telling HIS OWN MOTHER that you can't afford it?

And why is your DH not sorting her pressie!!!

"sorry MIL but that's really out of our price range, I wish we could afford it but we just can't. I put a lot of thought in to your gift and hope you like it"

Yanbu - I hate when people ask for gifts! The only time it's acceptable is if you're stuck for something to get them and specifically ask

Wow how rude and ungrateful! I wouldn't give her anything after her telling you to give it away! Ynbu

Nip this in the bud now. Don't set a precedent by buying at her demand.

What does she buy you?

If you insist on a particular item, it's no longer a gift! Gift = giving. Asking = entitled and possibly slightly nuts tbh.

I'd express absolute shock and incredulity, and say "Absolutely not MIL, are you barmy? Of course we're not getting you a several hundred pound mobile phone - what planet are you on?!"

What does your husband say?! He should have a word. Maybe you could give your FIL a few quid towards one if she wants one that badly.

I always ask DM what she would like for Christmas or her birthday. Very rarely does she actually come up with anything she wants (which makes buying for her tricky!) but when I've thought of a big gift, I've always split the cost with my brothers and we've got her a joint gift.

Your MIL sounds way out of line, to be fair.

Another one hunting for OP's husband

Maybe she doesn't have a clue what they cost, though.

Tell her to buy it herself and you will contribute to the cost instead of her original gift. Then chuck her a card with a tenner in it. Might teach her to be grateful for whatever she gets and not to demand anything.

Absolutely not being unreasonable. Why is it you handling this? I think you should be asking your DH to speak to her.

I think asking for an iPhone is totally unreasonable. My parents (and in-laws) would be mortified if we had to dip into savings to buy them a gift.

Tell her you can't afford that much on a present.

Yanbu, tell her you can't afford one, cheeky mare.

Is this a sudden request or does she always ask for expensive gifts?

Well, if she's hoping for the new iphone8 that's about to be launched, you'll be looking at around £900 OP.

I think 'NO' about covers it.

Anyway iPhone is tool of the devil

(on second thoughts ....!)

OMG😮