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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Unwanted gift etiquette and the giant dinosaur

423 replies

LavenderSweetPea · 28/11/2023 12:12

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)

OP posts:
Thread gallery
17
AppropriateAdult · 29/11/2023 22:03

tenbob · 28/11/2023 12:39

I think with things that awful, you need to get on the front foot.

When it arrived, you should have called or messaged her straight away with all the 😂😂🤣🤣 emojis in the world saying she is hilarious, and you love her sense of humour so much, the dinosaur is hilarious, she must have remembered that conversation you had last year about the judgemental neighbours complaining about over the top decorations and it’s just the best novelty present ever.
And while you’re not going to poke the bear and put it up, you’ve told a few friends and they think she is brilliant also

So she can’t be offended and will have to pretend to be in on the joke but you’re off the hook having to put it up

This is exactly what I was going to suggest. Lots of appreciation for her hilarious gag gift, "I laughed so much I nearly went into labour," etc.

DoooooWhoop · 29/11/2023 23:01

I'm going to Homebase tomorrow to get one.

Seriously just put it up and have a giggle about it. Life's too short to worry about this stuff.

Altimate · 29/11/2023 23:03

“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.”
Your message is good - you could also add that it had been agreed locally that nobody would put up outdoor free-standing decorations!

Forgottenmypasswordagain · 29/11/2023 23:05

Tell MIL it is a little early for April Fools Day. 😂

LaurieStrode · 29/11/2023 23:14

pollymere · 29/11/2023 21:59

Those things usually need a pump to keep them inflated and to light up - both requiring an external socket. They are not usually designed to use internal ones.

Pleading insufficient electrics sounds like a plan to me! (And also the cost to your electric bill!)

Great suggestion!

anon666 · 29/11/2023 23:24

It's likely she's seen it, thought it was a bargain, and gifted it to you without really thinking it through.

I'd be honest, because otherwise this might happen again.

I'd say "What a really lovely gesture to buy it for us. Regrettably it doesn't really work with our Christmas decoration plans this year, so going to have to give it back to you. Is there anywhere you can put it up yourself?"

I suspect this will make her realise what a silly impulse buy gift this is - she will have to offload it on someone else.

justcantgetenough · 29/11/2023 23:46

Oh no out off stock near me, Homebase are going to be thinking we must buy more off those inflatable dinosaurs next year, they were really popular.!

I'll be on the lookout for one out in the wild and chuckle to myself.

LaurieStrode · 30/11/2023 00:00

anon666 · 29/11/2023 23:24

It's likely she's seen it, thought it was a bargain, and gifted it to you without really thinking it through.

I'd be honest, because otherwise this might happen again.

I'd say "What a really lovely gesture to buy it for us. Regrettably it doesn't really work with our Christmas decoration plans this year, so going to have to give it back to you. Is there anywhere you can put it up yourself?"

I suspect this will make her realise what a silly impulse buy gift this is - she will have to offload it on someone else.

Excellent point! Offer to install it for her!

DoooooWhoop · 30/11/2023 00:03

When I drive down the street and see these blow up dinosaurs I'm gonna know where all you mumsnetters live!!!!

Poodleydoodley · 30/11/2023 00:04

I totally want that dinosaur. Sold out near me :-(

DoooooWhoop · 30/11/2023 00:06

Omg 1 left in stock!!!!

LaurieStrode · 30/11/2023 00:14

OP, you can flog this dino for a big profit!

Tell MIL it was damaged & you have a replacement on order. 🤣

HurkleDurkling · 30/11/2023 00:16

It’s not a Christmas theme. Tell her you have swapped it for a nativity set. That is what Christmas is about! What has a dinosaur to do with the birth of Christ.

most odd behaviour.

LaurieStrode · 30/11/2023 00:47

HurkleDurkling · 30/11/2023 00:16

It’s not a Christmas theme. Tell her you have swapped it for a nativity set. That is what Christmas is about! What has a dinosaur to do with the birth of Christ.

most odd behaviour.

Actually at least dinosaurs really lived in past, unlike mythological human sacrifice victims whom historians find zero evidence existed.

CallMeBettyBoop · 30/11/2023 03:46

Fieldofbrokenpromises · 28/11/2023 12:31

Tell them it was wiped out by a meteor strike

Brilliant!!

GrumpyPanda · 30/11/2023 04:06

Fieldofbrokenpromises · 28/11/2023 12:31

Tell them it was wiped out by a meteor strike

😀😀😀😀😀😀😀

Calliopespa · 30/11/2023 07:24

Imagwine · 29/11/2023 21:17

I was going to say put it in the back garden because the kids will love it, but being as you have no kids, just tell the truth.

But they practically do have kids! I think that was MIL’s point: OP is so pregnant she was worried dismantling it would coincide with the birth. I think MIL had bought in happy celebration and anticipation of Christmases with DC! It’s an heirloom now!

theduchessofspork · 30/11/2023 08:17

This is hilarious.

You do just need to tell her it isn’t your thing.

You are either a 6 foot lit up inflatable dino person or you aren’t.

theduchessofspork · 30/11/2023 08:19

LaurieStrode · 30/11/2023 00:47

Actually at least dinosaurs really lived in past, unlike mythological human sacrifice victims whom historians find zero evidence existed.

Show quote history

JC did exist, that’s well documented

It’s whether you believe he was the son of god or not that is the question

Maybe a new question is did dinosaurs light up?

randomchap · 30/11/2023 09:05

I hope everyone who bought one have a roarsome Christmas with their Father Rexmas

Sickdissapointed · 30/11/2023 09:22

Oh what a shame ! Dino has a hole in him !

Robinni · 30/11/2023 09:40

Just to say a thank you to OP for how much this thread is making me smile! 🦖🦖🦖

ButterMelonCauliflower · 30/11/2023 09:43

I fear this may be the start. Once your baby arrives you should prepare for an onslaught. People love buying shit for babies. My MIL has given us a series of enormous tacky and loud things for our kids - often things she’s spotted on freecycle or tk maxx and just grabbed in a whim. She freely admits she wouldn’t have them in our house but apparently thinks it’s fine to dump them on us.
My advice is to try and nip it in the bud

Lamelie · 30/11/2023 10:00

That is the most glorious thing I’ve ever seen. I’m buying it today.

Nipsmum · 30/11/2023 10:03

It's your Mil Your husband / partner can tell his mother you don't want it and that's it. She a woman not Good.