Birthday Gift - Confused

[TerryHearn]

Bought my dear girlfriend a very expensive 30th Birthday gift (IPhone 12). AIBU to be upset that she wants to keep it in the box until April 2021 before using it? She thinks she can get more use out of her very old iPhone until then. Until then the phone will sit in a cupboard collecting dust.

Good advice. Thanks.

Agree with @shadow1986, whilst that was a very well-meaning and generous gift, it was quite a practical one. For a big birthday I think it's more about sentimentality and something to look back on in future years. Like other PP have said, she was going to get a phone-upgrade anyway at some point.
I know it feels crap to give a gift and have it backfire though, so maybe have an honest conversation with her about what she would actually really like? I'm sure deep down she has some ideas!
Also, engagement is very much separate - do not combine the two like someone suggested!

Update- she loves the gift but still wants to open it and start using it in April 2021 when her old phone reaches 3 years old.

That's just weird. After 3 years I'd expect someone to know my likes enough to be able to get me something I'd love and want to use straight away. I hate birthdays though and hate opening presents even more. I got a fitbit for Valentine's Day one year. Sure, I'd said I wanted one but I'd also said that I wanted something slim and he got me a great ugly chunky thing that wasn't me at all. I was also quite insulted by the insinuation that I needed more exercise and thought it was spectacularly unromantic. I'd bet she was hoping for romantic. You've made this all about you and what you have done to be a great boyfriend rather than how she feels and what would make her feel happy snd loved.

Seems like you don’t really know her very well

Your just buying expensive stuff rather than stuff she wants

Designer handbags, expensive phones aren’t very thoughtful tbh

Yes I think you’re completely right.

I feel for you @TerryHearn you’ve made an effort, listened to what she’s said she wanted, tried to buy something which is, I’m guessing, more expensive than you usually would and you can’t do right for doing wrong. It’s the thought that counts and you thought you were getting something that she wanted and would like. Not quite sure why you’re being piled on like you bought her a frying pan or something like that. Be content that you had good intentions and made an effort.

I would have loved the phone, cake and balloons.

Perhaps she was expecting a pile of smaller presents rather than one big thing. I know I love the excitement of having a good few things to open. They don't have to be expensive. My favourite birthday presents this year were socks and some body cream.

This all sounds very made up.

You do sound lovely, so I would only wan't a smallish house plant for my birthday, it will cost about £ 6.99. ok..