To return my birthday presents

[iambouddica]

It was my birthday yesterday and AIBU to be really unhappy with my presents fromDH and to tell him this and get him to return them.

He has form for getting me quite random stuff and stuff I don’t want or need so I had a very clear conversation with him a months or so ago about what I did and didn’t want this year.

I said I didn’t need or want any kitchen stuff- (his usual go to as I am a keen cook) but really wanted things for the garden.

He has given me half a dozen presents- all on the theme of kitchen. AIBU to insist he return them and let me go and get the garden things I wanted.

YANBU.

I think that’s fine, you’d given some guidance on what you did and didn’t want so he can’t be hurt that you don’t like the results of his decision to ignore you. Unless he’s got a good explanation like “I saw you look at that blender when we were in the store the other day and thought that meant you liked it” then he was just taking the lazy route.

But I think both kitchen and garden things are shit presents tbh. We both live here, that sort of stuff gets bought from our joint household funds on any random Tuesday. It’s pretty lazy and sad present buying on his part.

What sort of things did he buy? Are they things that usually you’d like? Even so, you made it clear you didn’t want kitchen things and he’s chosen to completely ignore that, so I’d probably tell him that.

Kitchen/garden stuff is not suitable for gifts, imo, unless it’s something you want as a luxury eg a fabulous Creuset. Send them back.

You're an adult, stop doing gifts, go out for drinks or dinner for your birthday and just buy your own stuff.

Sounds like its time to make a stand or he is going to continue in the same way for the next 30 years

Definitely do it and tell him you are doing it.
Maybe he will listen next time.

I'm an adult and I like getting birthday gifts. Why shouldn't adults get a treat (aka a gift) for their birthday if that's what they like.

This. Take them back, swap them. But don't shame him. I assume he had the best intentions because he probably didn't do it to make you sad. Be kind with his feelings. Move on and get what you want.

As this poster said, you are an adult, opening wrapped gifts shouldn't be a big deal that needs planning a few months in advance and huge disappointment