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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Christmas gifts and unwanted visitors.

71 replies

Bleakmidwinter1977 · 06/12/2023 13:05

DH wants to buy a small gift for a friend of his and his wife. I have been tasked with the joy of this purchase. Unfortunately, I don't particularly like this friend and don't really want to encourage them to have a reason to call over to exchange gifts. Given that I sound unreasonable, I'm not really expecting anyone to agree, but some advise on what to gift...a like a generic present that doesn't look like I've given it too much thought, when I've probably spent longer dwelling on this that presents for our children.

OP posts:
whatchagonnado · 06/12/2023 14:30

Tell him to buy something on Amazon Prime and it'll be delivered to your house next day. Add wrapping paper to the order, then he can package it up himself too. Job done.

coffeetofunction · 06/12/2023 14:31

sandletown · 06/12/2023 13:13

Hand wash and hand cream set for the bathroom

Thai suggestion made fully belly laugh. Nothing like saying I don't like you like a soap and cream set

AdoraBell · 06/12/2023 14:31

Either a box of chocolates or tell DH you can’t think of anything so he’ll have to buy it.

DupontsYellowDressingGown · 06/12/2023 14:31

This is why Bayliss and Harding exists

CumbrianYorkshireHybrid · 06/12/2023 14:31

Bayliss (sp?) and Harding, never a good sign when received...

MikMak · 06/12/2023 14:33

Turkish Delight and a Yankee candle

BarbaraofSeville · 06/12/2023 14:34

DupontsYellowDressingGown · 06/12/2023 14:31

This is why Bayliss and Harding exists

And Milk Tray or other equally unpleasant chocolates.

Still don't think it's up to you to give time, headspace or money to though.

LifeExperience · 06/12/2023 14:35

He needs to choose the gift, buy it, wrap it and give it. If he's like my dh, he'll never get around to it. Problem solved.

BarbaraofSeville · 06/12/2023 14:35

Bayliss and Harding gift set
Thornton's chocolates
Yankee candle
Pandora bracelet

If the wife is a Mumsnetter, she'll know that you don't like them very much.

Blanca87 · 06/12/2023 14:37

You’ve been tasked with buying a gift for your husband’s pal???????

‘Fuck off and buy your twat of a friend a gift, yourself. And if you want to stay married to me you won’t EVER treat me like your personal secretary again. Thanks in advance babes. ‘
This would be my response to such a request…

ActDottie · 06/12/2023 14:54

I’d just do Christmas hamper you can get varying different sizes depending on budget.

Also why have you been tasked with this?

Dowhadiddydiddydum · 06/12/2023 15:02

YABU to ask what to buy. If DH wants them to have a gift DH can purchase one. Why are you thinking about a gift for people you don’t even like?

WildFlowerBees · 06/12/2023 15:04

I'd suggest an Amazon gift card and when he says no tell him to do it himself.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 06/12/2023 15:04

Bottle of wine/ chocolates/ he can add to your usual shop
Don't give it another thought

Tinkerbyebye · 06/12/2023 15:05

I would tell dh I am not doing it, end of discussion. However if you want to I would get a box of biscuits

OrigamiOwl · 06/12/2023 15:06

My DH would find that task bounced straight back at him.

WildFlowerBees · 06/12/2023 15:08

Please do a Janet and Roy card for them. Find a jar of pickles and give them that with a bow, they won't want to come over to say thank you.

RaininSummer · 06/12/2023 15:11

This is a job for a Bayliss and Harding supermarket gift set although I am another wondering why he can't buy and wrap it.

Zimunya · 06/12/2023 15:13

As others have said, "task" this straight back to DH - "DH, I've given this some thought, but I don't know what to buy this couple, and I am very busy with xyz. As I don't like them, and you are the one who wants to buy this couple a gift, I am giving the responsibility for choosing, purchasing and handing over the gift to you. Happy Christmas" (or another two word sentence if you find it to be more fitting 😀)

SkaneTos · 06/12/2023 15:16

Why can't your DH buy the gift himself?

Unabletomitigate · 06/12/2023 15:18

Just don't do it. He wants to give a gift, he can buy it.

NorthernSpirit · 06/12/2023 15:23

Why have you been ‘tasked’ for getting your DH’s friend a gift (that you don’t even like)?

Because it’s seen as ‘women’s work’?

Tell your DH to get it himself.

DPotter · 06/12/2023 15:26

Definitely not your problem.

I was once given a 2 pack set cardboard file boxes from IKEA, for about £5. That was a low

momonpurpose · 06/12/2023 15:44

Task it back

Lottapianos · 06/12/2023 15:46

'Because it’s seen as ‘women’s work’?'

Well exactly, and sod that for a laugh. This isn't Mad Men and you're not his secretary