How much would you spend on a parent's birthday present?

PeskyPenguin

To be fair, its your BIL's responsibility to know what his family does for b'days. Asking how much people spend on presents is like asking how long is a piece of string.

Surely they knew her b'day was coming up and budget for such? But nothing? Not even a box of Maltesters?! I find the idea of not buying my Mum a gift truly alien - its not as though its a shock, its the same date each year!

But, to answer your question, in my family we ask what each would like, usually to the value of £20. We also celebrate b'days together as a family and yes, we even have cake!

What is off is MIL asking for and expecting a £100 gift but, then again, for all you know your BIL may spend this amount normally?

elona

Luxor

Next time get her coach tickets (as she preferrred them to the plane).

A present she cannot "price" like a newspaper printed on the day of her birth, a chart giving meaning and roots of her family name and nicely framed, "lord or lady of the manor!" Stiched sampler giving her name and date of birth!!!
Any of these looks as if you have gone to a lot of trouble and is "different" so she can boast about it!

If it is any consolation she probably told the brother that you "could not do enough for her" "got plane tickets" "lots of presents" etc. etc.

luxor4t

elona wrote: »

Luxor

Next time get her coach tickets (as she preferrred them to the plane).

DH has suggested this over the phone (while holding his hand over my mouth and his knee in my chest to save my dignity ) but she sighed and said the plane was easier... maybe the broomstick has worn out.

She had something from M&S sale this year :money: .

She is better than an aerobic session for getting the blood pumping. Almost time for her annual visit so I am arranging lots of jolly trips :rolleyes: .

[Deleted User]

As a parent to adults: I want only a little gift with a loving thought. The phone call is far more important than the gift