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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Is this a terrible present?

75 replies

maskingtape · 02/08/2018 22:28

I'm really strapped for cash. It's a family member's anniversary on Sunday. They always get me amazing presents for birthdays etc so I can't get them nothing. I was thinking of doing a hamper in a canvas bag. Most of the things are unused things I have in my cupboards: prosecco, sparkling water, sweets, chocolates, pasta etc. I'll then spend around £5-10 adding to it e.g. fancy hand wash, a magazine each etc.
Is this a terrible gift or can I get away with it? I already have a card.

OP posts:

JakeBallardswife · 02/08/2018 23:46

Perfect gift!

Andrewdavid1 · 02/08/2018 23:52

If this is a REAL friend, especially if (s)he knows your circumstances, this a WONDERFUL well though out Beautiful gift, that your friend will LOVE. (Have you heard, the 'Old Adige' that it's The Thought That Counts? I'm sure that your friend has). (S)He will LOVE your gift, without doubt.

Andrewdavid1

Chocolatecoffeeaddict · 02/08/2018 23:59

It's awful sorry, presumably they won't want a handout of your food leftovers. Prosecco and chocolates will be enough.

Lalliella · 03/08/2018 00:12

You could make them something? E.g. some fudge and out it in a nice bag or box, or some cupcakes.

AlbaChick · 03/08/2018 00:15

What a brilliant idea, I would love something like that. I might make some hampers up for Chrissy pressies, put in the things I know will be eaten and enjoyed. Thanks OP

Mammyloveswine · 03/08/2018 00:24

Being pregnant I'd HATE to get sparkling water... Sainsbury's do a nice non alcohol prosseco for about 6 quid! Get That!

LilMadAgain · 03/08/2018 00:46

Magazines would be brilliant in a hamper but only if they are relevant to the recipient, eg I crochet and like craft activities so anything in that field would be such a lovely gift.

Bacere · 03/08/2018 00:47

You know them better than us but I'd imagine they would appreciate such a thoughtfully put together useful oresent. Oddly enough I could drink nothing but sprakling water in my first pregnancy. Some of the bottles are ideal for reusing as vases so double up as a keepsake too.

SirVixofVixHall · 03/08/2018 00:49

I am coealic (and greedy) I would love having a gluten-free cake made for me. Or some GF biscuits in a jar . Homemade presents are great. I’m always touched at the effort. The best present anyone has given my dd was something that had cost the giver nothing, but had involved lots of time and thought. Cash makes buying presents easier but it doesn’t always make them better.

Lightshines · 03/08/2018 00:54

Could you use the pasta to make a pre-cooked meal that they could heat up? Pasta bake?
Buy a cheap romantic DVD from the supermarket.
Put the DVD, Prosecco and a bottle of something alcohol-free (Schloer or nicer!) with the chocolates and DVD in the canvas bag.
Write a label 'enjoy a night in on us!'
Take the whole lot round with a big smile and a hug. I think they'll love it.

rosewater09 · 03/08/2018 01:15

I would just write a really lovely long card and let that be the gift. If you feel like you want to give a gift, then do the card and the bottle of prosecco, but I would leave out everything else.

MissLadyM · 03/08/2018 01:16

I think it's very tacky. I would just give the booze otherwise it'll look like a foodbank donation

dragonflyflew · 03/08/2018 01:21

What an awesome gift. I’d put the pasta into a beautiful jar or tin. But I’ve never bought an anniversary present unless it was a big anniversary and I’d been invited to their party. Even then just a nice bottle is adequate, plus chocs if you feel like you have to give something.

Original poster

maskingtape · 03/08/2018 07:18

Lovely to know I'm tacky. Thanks for that.

OP posts:

chocatoo · 03/08/2018 07:30

Buy some sticky back crystals for £1 and bling up the bottle of bubbly. Give that plus chocs. No more needed.

Bluelady · 03/08/2018 07:35

Just the prosecco and a bunch of flowers would be fine. The rest of it's a bit random.

OneStepSideways · 03/08/2018 07:35

I wouldn't. Unless it's all fancy ranges or from the same luxuary brand it will be obvious you raided the cupboards for unwanted stuff! And unless you bought it all in the last few months it will be nearing its BB date

chopsychopsy · 03/08/2018 07:37

You sound really thoughtful,OP. Agree with PP: less is more. Card, bottle of bubbles they can both enjoy, flowers and chocs.

Oh, and ignore the posters who have no manners. Everyone’s brave behind a keyboard.

pictish · 03/08/2018 07:57

I’m sorry...I wouldn’t want a gift of the unwanted contents of your cupboard.
Much better a gesture gift of wine and flowers, yes. Write a nice message in the card and leave it at that.

Crunchymum · 03/08/2018 08:16

Get a naice / posh non alcoholic drink. Not sparkling water!!

Waitrose do a nice pink lemonade.

Original poster

maskingtape · 03/08/2018 12:24

Thank you. I got a lavender plant, some posh lemonade and some chocolates.

OP posts:

Clionba · 03/08/2018 13:18

Fancy hand-wash and magazines are going to cost more than £5-10. Give a nice card, the prosecco and spend the tenner on quality chocs.

stevie69 · 03/08/2018 13:20

I'd love it, too: it's had some love and thought put into it

stevie69 · 03/08/2018 13:20

I think it's very tacky. I would just give the booze otherwise it'll look like a foodbank donation

Pffft!!!

FrancisCrawford · 03/08/2018 14:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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