Unwanted gift etiquette and the giant dinosaur

[LavenderSweetPea]

So basically, in the mail yesterday we received a 6ft inflatable, light up Christmas dinosaur from MIL.

DH and I both agree we really really don't like it - it's very much not our style (or the style of the people in our neighbourhood either judging by last years christmas decorations). It's an outdoor thing so the only place it could go would be directly outside the front of the house.

Usually, when getting a gift you don't like, obviously you smile, say thank you, pretend you do like it but then either put it away and dont use it or donate/regift it if appropriate. Unfortunately we aren't going to be able to do that because we've already got a text asking to see a picture of it up (it's not even December so I figure we've got at least a few days to kick that can down the road) and MIL lives locally so comes round to us all the time so will know if we don't have it up throughout December. She's also spending Christmas with us and staying for 5 days so I don't see the normal 'we love it' and then putting it away forever is going to work here.

We don't want to offend, but at the same time I really don't want a 6ft inflatable dinosaur outside my house from now until NY, environmentally it seems incredibly wasteful to accept a giant plastic gift that's ultimately going to landfill. Added to that I'm 7 months pregnant and cba with additional christmas decs to take down right before my due date.

I have said DH needs to politely speak to MIL and explain that it was kind of her to think of us, but unfortuantely it's really not our sort of thing and can we take it back to the store for her and get her her money back for it (she's not awash with cash so I really don't want her to waste her money on this). DH said we should put it up, send her a picture and that claim a few days later that high winds etc damaged it and take it down, but I feel that she might buy us another or insist we return it for a replacement if it's not withstood normal weather conditions, plus I'm a terrible liar!

What do you all think? (ps. Yes I know this is ridiculous)

You or your DH just need to be honest with her, your message suggestion is perfectly fine.

Can we see a picture. I’m almost tempted to buy one myself

Your message is fine - tell her it was really kind and thank you very much but not the kind of decoration vibe you're going for.

If she's offended that's her look out TBH - you can't go around randomly buying people 7ft inflatable outdoor dinosaurs and not expect a little bit of push back!

In these situations it is best to regift! Who do you really dislike

You need to just be honest and say you don’t want it.

Could you put it in your back garden? (do you have DC who might still play in it?!) or in your hallway or on the landing as a bit of fun? Otherwise I'd have to say it's really not to your taste and ask to return it, but be aware it could cause offence! Does she have form for this sort of thing?

That won’t help MIL wants to see it up.

OK, I need this in my life.

Link please 😁

"Sorry but it's too big. Can we swap it for something smaller?"
Why people just can't be honest with their family members I don't know?

Put it up, photo, then puncture it. Or say it blew away. Does she know you’ve definitely received it? Could always deny all knowledge if not.
I wouldn’t want that either.

Absolutely this. There are things that you can grimace and accept, but giant dinosaurs are definitely not in that category. There is no way that would be going outside my house.

Was it from Homebase? They were on offer, if that makes you feel better.

https://www.homebase.co.uk/6ft-rexy-the-dinosaur-with-gift-christmas-outdoor-inflatable-decoration/14510492.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping&affil=thggps&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&affil=thgppc&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvJarBhA1EiwAGgZl0Kpp44FmStOjWARJW5P9apwU70UqG6ze2a_TS0pEEd-FtxT0KkhYnRoCqAQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

This. Just 'Thanks for thinking of us but it's really not our style.' from your husband to his mother would do.

@Cryingbutstilltrying but that's wasteful to purposely damage it. Because then no one can use it.

I suspect it is this

https://www.homebase.co.uk/6ft-rexy-the-dinosaur-with-gift-christmas-outdoor-inflatable-decoration/14510492.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping&affil=thggps&switchcurrency=GBP&shippingcountry=GB&affil=thgppc&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAvJarBhA1EiwAGgZl0IFY6RUpLiErm1MGWrR1W1Ylu-6lqqODWZFFReQwdmS0fJpy8_y5JRoCLkEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Could you put it in the back garden?

Nothing says Christmas quite like a traditional giant inflatable dinosaur 😂

This thread is going to accidentally boost sales in giant dinosaur decorations. I want one.

OP you just need to be honest. Failing honesty stick it up, take photo then say someone stole it and post it to me.

I was on another thread just yesterday about unsuitable gifts and what to do.
I can't believe grown adults cannot simply be honest with one another.
Just be honest about it. Seriously. @LavenderSweetPea

Is it for you or do you already have another child?

If it is for you as a couple, that’s bloody weird and DH should tell her to return it (politely).

If it is for an existing small child and they would like it - put it up, it’s for them not you.

If it’s for your yet unborn child then say you will keep it “until they are big enough to enjoy it” then it can be hidden away and have a tragic accident in x years time.

@LavenderSweetPea oh and if MIL gets in a huff about it then that's her pathetic issue. Not yours.

Could you donate it somewhere and say we thought it was so great now lots of people can benefit from it?

@Cheeesus yes you got it in one, it is the homebase Dinosaur 😂I know it was half price, but I still feel bad her wasting money on it!

So many of you are keen, perhaps I should hold a raffle to win the dinosaur!

Put it up, take a photo, take it down, tell her it was stolen.

@AlltheFs no we don't have any DCs, the one due in the new year will be out first, but I'm thinking that it'll be at least Christmas 2026 until they are old enough to enjoy a dinosaur