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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Presents with batteries

42 replies

angelcat3 · 26/12/2017 13:07

You're giving a present that takes batteries but batteries aren't included. Do you put some in before you hand it over or just present it as it is?

OP posts:
Thebookswereherfriends · 26/12/2017 13:08

I would include batteries with the gift. The gift is a bit pointless otherwise.

Mumsymcmumface · 26/12/2017 13:09

Bloody hell!

MumGoneMild · 26/12/2017 13:10

I would plan to add batteries but would forget to put them in.Xmas Grin

Floralnomad · 26/12/2017 13:10

We gave our step great niece and nephew presents that needed batteries and sent a pack of appropriate batteries with the gifts so that the parents can put them in .

Hopeful103 · 26/12/2017 13:11

I usually hand them separately as I prefer not to open up the packaging

Rossigigi · 26/12/2017 13:11

Put a packet of batteries in with the gift!

angelcat3 · 26/12/2017 13:11

I only ask because I would always provide batteries yet it seems acceptable to others to not provide them which baffles me.

OP posts:
Sirzy · 26/12/2017 13:13

I always do but don’t expect others to do so and always make sure I have a supply of batteries in for Christmas and birthdays

etap · 26/12/2017 13:13

Always some batteries in a stocking or whatever

Olympiathequeen · 26/12/2017 13:14

Before Christmas we stock up on all sizes of batteries.

angelcat3 · 26/12/2017 13:17

I know it's only a small thing but it really grinds my gears. Like gifting a tv with no plug Grin

OP posts:
LivingInMidnight · 26/12/2017 13:59

I always try to provide them. If the present has its own battery I charge that too before wrapping if I can. I don't expect other people to though, I only do it because I remember being a bit sad when I couldn't use my presents when I opened them.

TheSnowballFairy · 26/12/2017 14:37

Before Christmas we stock up on all sizes of batteries.

^^ this

angelcat3 · 27/12/2017 15:26

I did stock up but used them all on the things I was gifting Grin

OP posts:
YellowMakesMeSmile · 27/12/2017 16:00

Yes, I'd wrap them alongside the gift.

I think I'm rare though as nobody else seems to do it so when at the age that toys needed batteries we'd stock up in advance to avoid disappointment on the day.

Greenshoots1 · 27/12/2017 16:04

Of course it is acceptable not to provide them. Better if they are provided though

EB123 · 27/12/2017 16:08

Provide batteries with the gift.

My mum always forgets and it drives me mad!

KioskKeithForPresident · 27/12/2017 16:08

Depends on gift and the age of recipient.

Toy for a 3 year old = unreasonable to not include batteries. In fact a breach of human rights.

Nose hair trimmer for a 60 year old man = not unreasonable to think he's capable of buying batteries himself.

Bambamber · 27/12/2017 16:09

I would tend to give batteries alongside the gift. I don't think it's unreasonable not to give batteries either though, it's just useful if you do

FluffyWuffy100 · 27/12/2017 16:37

I would assume that parents had a stock of AAA and AA batteries at Christmas time TBH but it would be nice if they were included.

NearlyEaster · 27/12/2017 16:40

I open and insert batteries - it’s always a nightmare trying to find the appropriate teeny screwdriver otherwise!

LapdanceShoeshine · 28/12/2017 15:13

Generally insert before giving, but I did the maddest thing one Christmas.

We were living in the US, brother with 3 small children in the UK. I bought toys requiring batteries, and they were BIG FAT HEAVY size C or D batteries.

The sensible thing would have been to alert DB to what was coming so he could stock up on batteries before Christmas, but no - I inserted the big fat heavy batteries into the toys before wrapping and posting.

Postage was more than the toys had cost! D’oh! ShockGrin

sparklytrees · 28/12/2017 15:20

I stocked up on AA and AAA
only present needing batteries but not sent with them used C ones.
He had to play with it without them til Boxing Day. And of course he doesn't like the noise so we needn't have bothered

JennyBlueWren · 28/12/2017 15:53

DM pre-warned me that I would need batteries (and what size) for DS's present. There are restrictions on posting batteries.

MongerTruffle · 28/12/2017 15:56

Like gifting a tv with no plug

Until 1992 the law allowed electrical appliances to come without plugs.