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Original poster

To be underwhelmed with gifts

280 replies

VladimirPouting · 25/12/2017 08:11

Just that really. I’m not grabby, I just though after 12 yrs DH would’ve got better at presents by now. I’ve bought everything for DS, him, his family, my family, his work secret Santa etc. I am literally the only one to buy for.

Hat, scarf and gloves set
PJ’s that are too small
Fluffy socks (I do ask for them every year!)
Chocolate
Some Jam
A candle (that he found in the cupboard and is regifted to me again)

Please can you share your underwhelming presents and make me feel better?

OP posts:
ferntwist · 25/12/2017 18:03

@VladimirPouting is funny but @VladimirsPoutine doesn’t mean anything does it? Unless a poutine is a thing?

GnomeDePlume · 25/12/2017 18:04

We decided to do 'no gifts' about 30 years ago. Reading this thread I am glad we did.

It takes a big chunk of stress off.

ButchyRestingFace · 25/12/2017 18:05

Unless a poutine is a thing

According to Wikipedia:

”Poutine is a Canadian dish originating from the province of Quebec, initially made with French fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. The dish emerged in the late 1950s in the Centre-du-Québec area.”

ferntwist · 25/12/2017 18:08

Thanks @Butchy
By the way, there’s a Butchy and a BitchyRestingFace isn’t there? I think both are funny. Let a thousand NNs bloom

nonfatnofoamlatte · 25/12/2017 18:11

I've had some odd presents over the years but nothing too bad. I had a coworker who's DP would go out in the last shopping hours of Christmas Eve to buy her a gift. He'd get frustrated by all the people and come home with nothing. It was her birthday too and she'd get nothing for that too. Every. Stupid. Year.

stressedoutfred · 25/12/2017 18:32

I did well this year as I gave my DS’s ( 9 & 14) some money to go shopping together to get DH and I some presents which was lovely!

I always end up abit disappointed with my presents. I think I’m very easy to buy for - love practical cosy stuff like PJ’s, blankets, fluffy socks and I love sentimental mushy stuff- but DH always says how he struggles so doesn’t really bother Sad

So this year was a real treat! Nothing fancy but they really put thought into what I’d like Smile

lasttimeround · 25/12/2017 18:59

I got a jar of chutney.

I has a quiet word with him that this had hurt my feelings. He was then rather dejected. He'd asked me for suggestions several times and he explained how he had thought the chutney made a good gift. (Yes there were reasons and thoughts)
I realise now I must provide suggestions every year. And that I need to stop being modest. He asked me about stuff I'd buy for me but not ask for as expensive and I realised he really wants to do this well. His eyes alk lit up. "Oh but i could buy that" So I'm OK again. My birthday is end January which helps...

Kippersbigfeet · 25/12/2017 19:03

I got a vegetable spiraliser. I have absolutely no need for one. I also got a set of measuring spoons. They will go in the drawer with the two sets I already have. I spent hours on the internet searching for an item he has mentioned many times but didn't know the name of. My DC asked what I would like. I suggested one of those hand bound journals that have a wraparound leather cover. They have given me a magnetic tab one embossed with dragonflies. I cannot stand dragonflies and they know it. Will just buy my own like I used to from now on.

swampytiggaa · 25/12/2017 20:22

I had nothing from my husband but that’s fine. If I want something during the year I have it as does he. Plus he often comes home from work with flowers or cheese or something else he thinks I might like (he works in a supermarket)

So I feel appreciated which is the important thing x

So sorry so many people have been disappointed and hurt today x

bananafish81 · 26/12/2017 00:04

No presents - we haven't done them for a few years now. We have enough 'stuff', and if we particularly want something we'll generally buy it for ourselves as and when. Or we'll get stuff for each other as and when there's something we know the other will like at other times during the year.

Much less stressful than enforced present buying because that's what you're 'supposed' to do.

NoCanoe · 26/12/2017 01:23

Poutine in a well known dish. Most USA. Very ironic.

NoCanoe · 26/12/2017 01:25

Just saw update .
Sorry !
But I knew about poutine anyway.

NoCanoe · 26/12/2017 01:30

Both great names. But too easy to get confused.
The vlad I know is the poutine one. Sorry.

NoCanoe · 26/12/2017 05:30

I killed the thread!! Blush

RarelyInfallible · 26/12/2017 06:05

Stop talking about poutines - you’re making me hungry :).

russianwife · 26/12/2017 17:26

If buy the presents anyway - get yourself something nice next year - job done

WinLose · 26/12/2017 17:36

DH's present for me was a packet of cookies. I've given up expecting anything more really.

MammaAgata · 26/12/2017 17:37

I understand your feeling OP. It’s the thought rather than the expense. My husband made me a gift this year that was no heartbreakingly thoughtful (difficult to explain) I sobbed for about 10 mins. It was beautiful. Part of my sobbing was related to feeling so treasured and loved. I’m NC with my mother, and one of the reasons (there are many many reasons) is she just doesn’t give a shit about us (her children) to buy or think about thoughtful gifts. She buys others and randoms good gifts and puts a lot of effort into it, but her children? Nah.. I would too be upset with rubbish gifts tbh. Despite loads of people saying it shouldn’t matter.

GrumpyGreta · 26/12/2017 17:39

DH has got me nothing.

I got him a few things, nothing exciting. I booked a weekend away for us and 2dc over Christmas. He did nothing towards that. Paid for out of joint account so both contributed.

We were in town on Christmas eve and I said I was popping into Accessorize to look at their sale. He said 'get yourself a handbag and I'll give you the money'. I didn't bother.

I think I'd die of shock if he actually bought me a gift himself.

MammaAgata · 26/12/2017 17:39

‘So thoughtful’ not no..

User1983 · 26/12/2017 17:45

I make a list of lots of things I like and then he buys me some of the things from the list. There is still an element of surprise on Christmas Day as I won’t know what he is choosing. I still open up presents and he doesn’t want his money on tat I don’t want. Or, we buy a joint experience present like tickets for somewhere. I think some people just need more guiding...doesn’t mean they don’t care though

User1983 · 26/12/2017 17:45

*waste

wildchild554 · 26/12/2017 17:48

the only thing i got this year was a box of chocolates off my sister which I promptly gave back. I have cows dairy allergy and she is well aware. With her being gluten intolerant i would have thought she would stop saying oh but a little bit won't kill you. She has seen how badly i react lol. Tbh I'm not bothered about christmas presents, as long as my children are happy and I can give them some magic I'm happy

McGuire · 26/12/2017 17:49

DH gave me the a book of the complete poems of John Benjamin (I can't bear him) and had said so. Next year before I opened my present I said "I don't mind what it is as long as it isn't John Benjamin - guess what? CD of John Betjamin's poems!

Eve · 26/12/2017 17:50

DH got me a candle , a very exemrive battery operated candle that does scent as well. He could have got me 2 of the Jo Malone candles that I stood in John Lewis and pointed out to him for the same price.

... but apparently the one he choose is better as it was more expensive.

We have had a row over him being an arse and thinking he knows better. Even when I point out what I want, he thinks he knows better.

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