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)

@MrsAlgernon I know?
I really don't understand all this nonsense people seem to go through about what is actually a really simple issue.
It's the same with the "all my gifts were crap" threads we get on Boxing Day - people saying that they had "given plenty of hints about what they would like". Why "hint" ? Just open your mouth and speak 🤔😂

Did your DH really like dinosaurs as a kid or something?

I found a pin on things to make with your children's dinosaur toys but sadly I think Rexxie is a bit big for a fridge magnet.....
https://youkaiyume.tumblr.com/post/142803782778/19-genius-ways-to-upcycle-your-childs-plastic

@SalmonWellington contrary to what is popular these days, I also love my MIL 😂

@Pigeon31 I think DH liked dinosaurs a standard amount boys usually like dinosaurs... but he is now in his 30s.

Good news is DH has agreed that excuses about the dinosaur aren't going to cut it, and he is going to talk to his mum and offer to return it, or find someone who will love and cherish it for years.

Was going to suggest same as a PP. - offer to lend it to a local school, nursery, day centre, children's hospital etc. They get to put it up and enjoy it, send pics to MIL, then keep it packed up and do the same each year.

If either my Mum or MIL bought this for us unsolicited I would just be honest straight away. I'm sure your relationship is strong enough to withstand politely saying thanks but it's not your kind of thing. It was unfair of her to get you something so large for your home without consulting you and expecting you to roll with it! Glad to see that you DH will be directly addressing it as it really should be his job given that it's his Mum.

Just tell her thank you for the gift, but it's not your style and wouldn't be used. Ask her to return it to the shop but thank her for thinking of you. I've had to do the same with my MIL in the past who has totally different tastes to me.

Can't it go in the back garden?

Or just tell her straight, with the price of utilities, you aren't wasting money on that bit of tat.

Why? The OP doesn't want it.

Out of stock near me !!! 🤦‍♀️

Aaw that's a great dinosaur and you will be the toast of the neighbourhood!

This is an opportunity to learn not to care what people think. And who needs another intensely dull tasteful wreath when you could have THAT?

And me. Not even available online. :(

I’ve just looked at it and the ad says it’s less than 1p an hour to run! Who knew??

reminds me of a gift from prick of an ex BIL who gave a neon pub sign as a gift - we lived in a listed cottage so not really in keeping with the vibe!

I love dinosaurs (I'm a palaeontologist) but I still wouldn't want that in my garden!

I LOVE your MIL! She sounds like a riot!

Lighten up, OP! It's funny

You take it round to her house when she is out and set it up on her roof where she cannot take it down.

When she complains you say that you thought it was a joke and you're just playing the joke back on her.

I've bought one, ds will love it

Neighbours will hate it but I don't care

Yes, I’d do this - well, I’d make DH do this.

I know it’s not the point of the thread but I’ve just bought one

I hope your DH will be doing the cooking and hosting as you’ll be heavily pregnant?

Whose idea was it to invite them all this year?!

This gift is so oddly specific it's hilarious.

And thanks @KatBurglar for the additional morning laugh!

Oh this thread is too good, you’re hilarious op and your comment about offending a child dinosaur had me snorting 😂 bless MIL, she tried 😂

Love mn, this is one of those things I didn't even know I needed until this thread 😆