Girly Christmas presents

[DamsonGin]

At the risk of sounding tremendously ungrateful, DH's lovely family have once again for me girly things for Christmas while he's got interesting things. We're very much equal in interests and I'd much rather tramp across the hills than have a manicure (and they know this), how do I politely change this for the future or do I just need to accept it?

It shouldn't get to me but it has, though possibly because other things have lately.

Had a good chat with DH about this and have stated a list on a small bit of paper for future reference (his suggestion). So far it has gin, walking socks and a smallish penknife / multitool to include a screwdriver and corkscrew (also his suggestion, he knows me well). And a torch. He and the DSs got torches and I got lip balm, which I will use but who doesn't like a good torch?

I read on another thread how people will get what they think you'll like based on what they themselves would like, which is very kind really, and also means I know who to get perfume for next year. And a torch.

My male partner got quite a lot of “smellies” this year. I got a cheque. I’m going to tell him his gifts were girly

If it makes you feel any better, it is a two-way street.
I've been getting socks gloves aftershave and the occasional tie for all of my adult life.

I would not want to be given a torch for a present - to me it sounds like the most boring gift imaginable!

Dunno. I mean, I got some bubble bath and candles from someone. It's fine, they'll get used, but they're nothing particularly me-focused - likely the kids will use them. TBH I'd prefer they saved the postage and not waste the money.

I think it's different if the thought persistently goes into one partner and not the other though - that's a bit dismissive (no matter the sex of the partner)

A ‘good’ torch? One that turns on?

If someone gave me a torch for a present I’d be a bit bemused tbh. But agree it’s wierd to gift the rest of your family torches and not you if all you share an interest where torches are useful.

My poor grandad got socks and hankerchiefs every year. I'd hardly call them interesting, 'active' our 'outwards'.
Anyway - amazon wishlist is useful.
My in-laws get me better presents than my parents, because they ask what I want or look at my wishlist, whereas my mum buys me boring stuff that she likes, and sadly she likes bath bombs, soaps and stuff.
My sister-in-law does too - very easy to buy for as she likes literally anything bath related.
But she finds me difficult to buy for, despite the fact that I have loads of hobbies and interests.

But she finds me difficult to buy for, despite the fact that I have loads of hobbies and interests

That does not necessarily make it easier. My brother is very keen on horses and riding but I would not get him anything related to that as I'm not and know nothing about horses. I don't know what he already has and what he might need.

My husband and I have been getting a bottle of brandy from someone for over 20 years. We assume it is because we are both solicitors and the person thinks that is what solicitors drink. Husband doesn't drink spirits at all and I very occasionally drink whisky or gin. I use it for cooking or pass it on.

That does not necessarily make it easier.

I suppose not, although it seems to me like there are tons of things that I want if only they ask!