Sisters 40th birthday - what she's expecting, what I can afford!

maman

To be honest, I'd stick with the wine as you've already bought it but don't bother with the £10. To me adding the money looks as if you're apologising for the fact you've 'only' spent £15 and need to make up the value. I'd hand it over with the card and say nothing just wish her a happy birthday. If she comments I'd say 'I bought this because it's the only thing I know you'll really enjoy'.

If you hear any criticism from her or your mum just shut your ears or if you must comment tell them straight that the £15 wine was difficult enough as money's really tight which is why you're not able to go to the spa do!!

Netwizard

jackie_w wrote: »

Oh I don't mind about birthdays, to me after a certain age it's just another day,

This is my opinion as well. I bloody hate getting things for my birthday / xmas as its probably stuff that will get thrown in a drawer and not see the light of day again!

I'd much rather a few of my friends all get together for a chinese and a few vodka's at someone's house! That's the best pressie I can get by far

If money is that tight, I would make her a card yourself, and make her a cake yourself. Will probably cost about £5 all in, but it should be the EFFORT your going too, not about the amount of money your spending.

If she isn't happy with the above, then shove the birthday cake in her face :rotfl:

FBaby

my sister gave me a bottle of expensive body lotion, but my niece whispered to me "that was my mums but she didn't like it so she gave it to you"

Can you give it back to her, pack it all nicely?

Honestly, why are you so worried about it when you know she didn't spend a penny on your birthday? It might be time she realises that she only get what she gives? Make it a joke. Surely she will get the message that you know she didn't pay for it and can't moan about you about something she did herself?

Threebabes

I would give her the wine and card, and if she isn't happy, tell her to stick it up her ........

She sounds like a nightmare.

OrkneyStar

I actually think you should just give the wine and the card, forget the £10.
If she goes in a huff then any sensible person will see who has the problem (not you).
My sis and I just do small gifts, we both know there is more to life, and money is not exactly over-flowing (though I am not in debt etc, I don't believe in expressing love through money!).
All the best.

System

Come back next week and let us know how it went, OP

FatVonD

Do you still have the receipt for the wine? I'd take it back and either:

Pay 2 or 3 quid more for a half-price bottle of champagne so you're seen to be marking the fact that it is a 'special' birthday, or

look into prices for the body lotion version of the perfume she's been hinting for. The body lotion is usually lots cheaper than the perfume and she *only* gave you body lotion so she's nothing to complain about.

FatVonD

Here's one ending today:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Coco-Chanel-Body-Lotion-/230971884965?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Fragrances_Men_s_Fragrances_Aftershave_PP&hash=item35c6ff45a5

FatVonD

Or make them an offer:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COCO-CHANEL-Body-Lotion-200ml-SHRINKWRAP-NEW-/140969893926?pt=UK_HeathBeauty_BathShowCons_RL&hash=item20d275e026


Is this the right one, it's doesn't actually say 'noir' but it's black?!

FatVonD

Flippin' heck, just seen the price of the perfume, tell her to shove it!