About picking up presents

[lofthouse]

Had to rearrange Christmas as we're in London. BIL and SIL live 2 hours away, we're due to see them but obviously didn't. Assumed we would exchange gifts when we saw them. We both have small children of a similar age.

They have now sent our presents up with a friend. The friend (as they well know) lives a good hour away from us. So a two hour round trip, when we shouldn't be leaving our houses for anything. Even when restrictions are lifted I have little appetite to make this journey - we will - but probably only when we're allowed to visit BIL and SIL, as it's on the way (though would add 30 plus minutes to that journey too).

I can't for the life of me think why they did this or thought it was a good idea (or didn't at least ask). But they are now getting increasingly grumpy that we haven't collected it !

Very strange behaviour indeed.

That’s so annoying of them! For you and the friend. I wouldn’t bend to this I don’t think.

Bizarre. Why could they not have posted the gifts?

That’s really annoying!
I arranged a cheap courier to send my presents to my brother. I did add extra insurance so it was about £10. But worth it to me as I wanted them to get their presents before Christmas.

I agree that's odd. They should have asked. Definitely not reasonable for them to be annoyed that you haven't made a special trip to retrieve the gifts. Either the gifts could have waited until you're able to see one another again or they could have had them delivered.

Not sure I understand their logic at all. The presents are just going to be sitting with the friend now instead of them. Bit crap of them to do that really.

Who is grumpy BIL/SIL or friend. Friend I can understand because they want rid of the package, could you meet half way if they are willing? Somewhere nice where you can also walk, no one too far from home. If BIL/SIL then they should have checked first.

Thanks all. It seems such an illogical thing to do that I had to check myself ! Friend is not annoyed, it's BIL and SIL (who have form for not thinking things through).

Ask friend to post the gifts to you? Should be cheaper than petrol costs?