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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to feel guilty after matching my husband’s birthday present budget?

179 replies

Iliveforglitter · 10/07/2026 07:15

Me and DH have birthdays a few days apart, I had my 30th and he had his 33rd last week.

I got him a new travel mug, his broke a few weeks ago and he has never left for work without a cup of coffee in hand so he’s been taking an actual mug in the car. I also got him some clothes for our upcoming holiday as he’s not got many shorts.

The night of his birthday he told me he thought is brought him a new game that he wanted, the game is £80.

it did cross my mind a while back, so I feel a bit guilty now.. but I specifically didn’t spend that much because he brought me an £15 throw (one I had looked at to go in our lounge) for my 30th. he asked me for ideas ages ago, he spoke about potentially organising a trip to Florence for a weekend. and I’ve been directly saying “if you want an idea for my birthday I would love a..”

So I just feel I was trying to be equal, but now I feel guilty that he’s disappointed.. AIBU and should I just buy the game? 😫

OP posts:
GreenEyesMillennial · 16/07/2026 13:14

Freakyfriday777 · 14/07/2026 21:56

Experiences over material things ALWAYS! I love this, we always do city breaks for each other for birthdays/ Christmas over “things” and we have amazing memories and stories we still talk about all the time from them, it’s the best ❤️

Absolutely, i mean i do love jewellery too 😂😂 but we love organising trips for each other or together!

BeMellowAquaSquid · 16/07/2026 13:16

You’re married and still navigating the cost of gifts is my rumbling thought

Shinyandnew1 · 16/07/2026 13:27

Are there any updates on this? What did you decide to do?

Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 16/07/2026 22:19

He's got a bloody cheek - 1 for only getting you a throw for the lounge! Ffs and 2 for trying to guilt you into spending £80 for a game. Stand firm OP

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