DDad and his present

[helpmefigureit]

We bought my DF and his partner a pretty expensive Xmas gift this year, as he has a big birthday coming up very soon too, so we combined the two. Usually it's £30-50 on slippers, whisky, jumpers, food stuff etc, but because he's only this age once we thought we would push the boat out so we got him and his partner a night in a very fancy spa hotel with dinner and breakfast included. Chosen because it's not too far from them as he gets anxious about going anywhere these days.

I spoke to him on Xmas morning and mentioned he'd be hearing from us later with present and that I hadn't forgotten, I was just sorting it. Then I sent him the order confirmation msg on WhatsApp and said he would also have an email. He replied 'thanks helpme' and that was it.

I dunno, I just thought he might ring to say thanks. I certainly would if he bought me a treat like that. Just feeling a bit deflated. I don't even know if he liked the gift.

To him I'm the big disappointment of the family, so am quite sensitive. I just wanted him to say he liked it. I didn't need praise showered upon me.

But I just got 'thanks helpme...'

I dunno. AIBU?

And maybe he hates texting

Stop looking for his approval.

If my parent thought I was a disappointment I wouldn’t be bending over backwards to please them with extravagant presents.

Yeah tbh I think telling him on christmas day that you were still sorting his present and texting him an order confirmation absolutely screams "I forgot you/couldn't be arsed and now I have to spend more than I planned." I hate when people do this in all honesty. Christmas isn't a surprise, there's no reason to leave it so late and receiving a present by text is a bit shit and low effort.

Does he have to open up something on an email link? Maybe he hasn’t done it and isn’t clear what you have sent him.

Just give him a ring and see what he says

That's a shame OP. I wonder can you get your money back? If so maybe you can let his partner know there would be no bad feelings if they don't fancy it.

My parents wouldn't really appreciate this as a gift, and to be honest, whilst I would take a night away anywhere - and would appreciate the thought, what you have booked would not be my first choice.

Maybe better to tell him you'd like to treat him and ask if there is anything he would like.

Seems a bit weird to whatsapp a nice hotel voucher and even weirder to ‘sort it’ on Christmas afternoon.
The whole exchange is just a bit odd from both sides.

Just ring him and asked if he liked what you'd got him?

He did say thank you.

Does he normally like that sort of stuff?