To worry that people hate my Christmas gifts

[gggggogogo]

I think I buy thoughtful considered gifts for family and friends. We are on a budget, but I try to hunt out bargains, do Black Friday etc. Spend more on less. I just get that worry now it's the start of gift swapping time that they will think What the hell is this?

Some of the gifts I get are not thoughtful. I'm not ungrateful ok yes a little disappointed. But they might think it's an ideal present.

AIBU to worry?

Anyone who doesn’t appreciate a thoughtful gift, even if it’s not to their taste or not what they would have chosen, is an ungrateful git

When I get a present that I don't like I feel sad that someone dear to me doesn't really know my tastes anymore because we are separated by such a physical distance that we now spend very little time together. I don't think they are thoughtless or that they don't love me. I'd never describe a present as thoughtless because most people buying me presents are obviously putting thought into the present even if they've got it a bit wrong. And if they really aren't putting thought into it (thinking toxic family members) then I know they aren't important.

Why do you think they'll wonder what the hell it is? Can you give any examples? There's nothing wrong with seeking out bargains, but why is that making you think people will hate the gifts? Are they weird or irrelevant in some way?

I'm not buying anything particularly crazy.

I've bought someone a nice pen before. Like a £20 one.

I think sometimes DH asks me what WE got someone and then he questions what I have purchased. It makes me wonder if I'm getting it wrong. However his invaluable input is never forthcoming on gift buying and if we waited for him to do it then Christmas wouldn't happen

Oh I tie myself up in knots every year. I’m terrible at making decisions and overthink presents massively.
I’ve cut down on who we buy for which has saved a lot of stress. I tend to then treat people to food and drinks when we meet up instead.

@CountFosco awwww 😢

We have relatives a long way away too. I see the kids maybe every 3-4 years and I know they grow up so much in that time. I send loads of little gifts for them and usually just nice English chocolate for the adults. I hope that something is right. I try to research and ask what they are into.

@gggggogogo anytime dh questions what you bought the answer is, "if you want to do it all yourself next year then by all means..." 😂

I think it's just normal! I feel the same every year, last minute regret!

It's the thought that counts and if DH can't or won't give you any ideas, then he has no right to question or make you feel like you got it wrong. Everyone will know you did your best. I got a nice swarovski crystal pen for Christmas once and I loved it. Don't worry, just enjoy Christmas. I always worry I'm not spending enough on people, even though I know that's not what counts. My mum always tells me I spend too much on her, and she adores getting pressies!

I have bought some random stuff this year! I think that is part of the fun though, buying people stuff they wouldn't usually buy. For example I have bought my mum a painting kit. She has never shown any interest in painting but does like crafting so thought, why not?

I'm terrible at buying presents. It's become a notorious joke among my family and friends. It's not that I don't try and buy things that people will like but that I panic and get stressed.

Luckily people just accept that while I am terrible at presents, I have other qualities.