To think holiday presents are a waste of money?

[lavenderbluedilly]

Do most people bring back souvenirs for friends and family when they go on holiday?

I’m currently away with DH and he has just spent a small fortune on souvenirs for his 9 nieces snd nephews. We have joint holiday money, though I tend to contribute the lion’s share, as I’m the higher earner. He has bought plastic tat and teddies, which will probably not be appreciated (I say this from previous experience). He thinks I’m mean as I said it’s ridiculous to bring back holiday presents. I’ve pointed out that his siblings have never brought anything back for our DC.

AIBU or just mean?

We usually go to Germany in December for Christmas markets and we always buy a Xmas tree decoration
Every year when I dress the tree I remember each trip, it’s great

I don’t understand how you’d have separate money being on holiday with your husband anyway? Why comment on you putting in “the lion’s share”? Mumsnet never fails to amaze me how people think about finances within a marriage.

It’s relevant for us, and not related to this thread tbh. But as it was brought up, we do normally have separate finances. I also have DC from a previous relationship and came to the marriage already owning a house, while DH has a previous bankruptcy. Hope that answers your question

I normally buy something for my friend that feeds our cats and / or her dc. Ds1 usually buys something for his younger dsis. Ds2’s gp’s collect magnets so he usually finds one for them (the tackier the better!) Palma airport in Majorca has a kiosk where you can swap euro coins for chocolate coins!!

When I was a kid it was the beach towels and t-shirts, but thankfully that stopped a couple decades ago.

Now we do still buy each other presents, but something edible/drinkable, usually some local sweets or biscuits. My DM does it, but sometimes just buys a box of biscuits in the supermarket when she gets home as our 'holiday present'.

I was once given a plastic Minnie Mouse fish slice and ladle from Disneyland! I got my own back by buying an ornament of a pair of shagging tortoises from Spain.

I never want to bother but dh does. He will always get his nephew something when we went abroad before having our own kids. It is such a faff trying to find something age appropriate but touristy I.e. not just something generic that you could get at home. How is a teddy from Spain any different to a teddy from the UK? I tend to buy a small memento of our trips for myself though.