MIL's birthday is in two weeks. I asked DH what we should get her, two years ago when our DS was born, we decided to buy presents as a family as oppose as individuals, which is what most couples do regardless.
He told me that he would be giving her £150since it's what she had asked for and didn't want any gift, to which I agreed and said I would get her a perfume on the side, because he would be happy to cover the £150. Since then she's texted him a few times asking how much he'll exactly be giving her. She no longer wanted the £150 she had asked for but said £300 on behalf of us both would be a better help for her and that way I wouldn't need to buy a separate gift.
Now, when DH asked what had happened to the change of ideas, she said she was in need of the money as she would be spending a lot splurging on her birthday party.
Is it unreasonable of me to think it's absurd to throw a massive party and waste so much if she's tight on money and expecting her gifts to cover the cost?
I think it's important to mention that we've got more family members born in the same month, so have 4 other gifts to add on top of this. We've also just moved into a house that is unfurnished and needs complete renovation. Our costs aren't exactly high, and I think she may be asking for a little much and that money is the only acceptable gift.
If you're not financially stable for a huge party why go all out and then ask for bigger gifts, when you're aware people are also struggling?