No gifts - would you be miffed?

cakeadoodle

My mum (it's always mothers isn't it!) made a huge fuss about the fact that none of my siblings bought her a birthday card or present (I did!). But she didn't seem to see the irony in the situation (she didn't bother her bum to get me anything for my birthday).

To add insult to injury, just days later I gave out Christmas gifts - at a family dinner, so not a surprise - and I didn't get as much as a Christmas card from any of my family.

I've always been generous with gifts - I'm not talking spending insane amounts but I will spend a long time making sure I buy something thoughtful that they will love, even if I end up spending a little more than originally planned. I save for Christmas and birthdays by putting away money every month to make it more affordable as I have a large family (5 siblings). I bought for siblings, wives and children, my mother, her partner (didn't even get a thank you from him!) my stepfather and his partner. Mum claimed that she had been too busy to buy pressies - since it's now almost March I think it's safe to say that there shall be none.

I know that you shouldn't give to receive and I certainly don't expect my family to spend loads on me. I make a point of asking for inexpensive, practical gifts if asked what I would like (for example, some inexpensive moisturiser, a new nail file, some primark jammies). A £3 bunch of flowers from tesco would have been fine!

I can't decide if I'm more annoyed about the thoughtlessness or all of the energy expended in searching out and buying gifts whilst in the midst of moving home, renovations, working stupid hours in a stressful job and running my own business.

Would you be peed off with this? Or am I just being too sensitive?

Funky_Bold_Ribena

Perhaps you need to stop being so 'thoughtful' to such a bunch of ungrateful ahem - people...

meritaten

Hun - why are you bothering? its not appreciated is it? keep your money for your own kids and OH - they are not worth the time and effort never mind the money!

cannyscot_2

yep I'd be annoyed . Id probably say something.

Ladyhawk

Know the feeling. Used to make everyone in my team (18 people) a birthday cake and buy a card out of my own money. It wasn't appreciated so this year I decided enough was enough. Lo and behold I was asked last week by one lady where her cake was his it was her birthday on Sunday. Cheeky mare!

thorsoak

Save your money - buy yourself something and give everyone else cards!

You want something that no-one else buys for you? Then buy it for yourself!

CH27

Stop buying for everyone & treat yourself to something lovely that you want.

pigpen

Save the money and donate it to a cause you feel strongly about.. not your family.. ungrateful swines!

meritaten

tbh - I get the feeling it isn't the lack of gifts 'miffing' the OP - its the complete and utter selfishness of the 'family'!

cakeadoodle

To be honest, I was starting to feel like I was being a bit childish. I think that I shan't bother making a fuss and just not bother to buy anyone gifts this year.

I've already let them know that I'll be cutting down on spending when I'm full time self employed later this year so they are expecting less.

I still can't help feeling a bit petty!

Own_My_Own

I would be miffed.

Keep your money this year, and if anyone says anything, simply reply 'you thought after last year, the family were not doing present.'

What can they do ? Withhold their non existent gifts in protest.