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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Present buying etiquette

27 replies

Nikki3009 · 24/12/2025 14:23

I'm a single mum to one (late teens), my brother & his wife have 3 boys (9, 11, 14). I asked my SIL for gift suggestions for the boys for christmas, this year she asked for clothes. I have struggled to find anything decent for them in my budget of £15-20 per child. Clothes are ridiculously expensive now - how does a Next hoodie with a nice graphic on it cost £25 for an 11 yr old!!

Anyway, after much to-ing and fro-ing to shops and mucking about with having to go and get different sizes, I've managed to get their presents, but does anyone think it's a bit of an imposition to ask for clothes for their older kids (given how expensive they are)? For context they usually get my DD a £20 voucher.

Anyone else in a similar situation? We only buy for the kids so they spend £20 and I've spent around £50. I don't even think it's the money as much as the effort. What would you do - AIBU in thinking they should be trying to match the effort/spend in some way.

OP posts:
RandomUsernameHere · 24/12/2025 18:21

Just get them a voucher, they’ll probably prefer it anyway.

Theslummymummy · 24/12/2025 18:24

Clothes as presents should be criminal (unless child has asked for something specific) what's next, weve paid the water bill in your honour? 😆

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