Irritating present from MIL
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
I can relate to the OP. Not sure why all the posters are jumping down her throat, she said she was irritated and venting on an anonymous Internet forum, she isn't planning to send it back or confront MIL or whatever.
My MIL keep bringing me wall stickers for various rooms of our house. She keeps trying to put them up herself when she comes to visit, and I have to make up excuses and then 'lose' them before her next visit, when she will inevitably bring more. She also buys other furniture and decor type items. I think I get annoyed because I feel like it is my husband and I's domain to decorate our own house and she keeps trying to insert herself into it. But I just say thank you, hide the hideous stickers, and move on. She is otherwise lovely. |
Anonymous
| Its not an odd present. Everyone sends us blankets. We probably have 7-8 for our son. I originally did not do character but around 5 he asked. I rotate the comforter and sheets with a nicer one depending on my mood/washing. Let him enjoy it. I think it was thoughtful. |
Anonymous
We need furniture. Send her here. |
Anonymous
|
I am sympathetic, OP, and at the same time, just leave it in his closet for when she visits. And in a year's time, you can say he outgrew it (not physically, he mentally)
Now for the sympathy part. I am in complete agreement that one should not give gifts that have to go on display in the house (or on display in someone's bedroom, which is your own space). A few years back, my brother gave us a painting--a HUGE painting of some wild west gun battle, but they were riding cows. It was a big joke. Ok, so where are we to display this? So not our style! Fortunately we said DH took it to the office. So I was grousing about this to a neighbor who completely agreed. Ha, about a month ago, she gives me one of her old paintings--flowers, gold frame, not our taste, but I did hang it up because I love her, she's a regular in our house, and it's in a bit of an out of the way spot. The whole time she kept saying, "I don't believe in giving gifts that have to be displayed, because I know that's a very personal decision, but…" My mother has a friend who is an artist and she keeps buying my friend's paintings for me to hang up. I've begged my mom to stop, but she just keeps doing it. So I'm sympathetic. |
Anonymous
|
A kids comforter is a bit different from wall art.
Your kids tend not to puke on, pee on, make tents out of or wrap in when they are sick are sick wall art. |
Anonymous
| Use it on laundry day OP! That's what I do with the clothing gifts I don't otherwise appreciate. We also prefer not to have our kids wearing, sleeping, playing, and living in advertisement central - but it's rude to turn down gifts, so we say thank you, and set it aside for special occasions like laundry day, play in the rain puddles day, paint class, etc etc etc. |
Anonymous
|
Think OP is being a bit harsh. You don't have to use all the gifts, all the time. You can use the blanket in the car, or to snuggle in while on the couch, or at some other time--does not have to be displayed in the bedroom.
This does sound like my SIL though--she thinks people inspect her house to see if she has their presents displayed when, in fact, I could care less. Assume she would just say thank you and move on. |
Anonymous
+1 She doesn't know any better. That's what she thinks your son might like. I don't have a good relationship with my MIL and choose my battles. This would not be one I choose worthy. I get really irritated when MIL does not respect my parenting choices especially regarding food. Let your son sleep in in for a week and then give it to Goodwill if you don't like it. Maybe you can tell her it shrunk in the dryer to not hurt her feelings. |
Anonymous
+1 WTF |
Anonymous
|
You seem pretty ingrateful. Your MIL probably heard or saw your son speak or or watched the cartoon character before and she had good intention to send her grandchild something he likes. She's not trying to redecorate your child's room or step on your toes for being OCD about a child's room's theme. She's just trying to be a nice grandmother and was thinking of her grandchild. It's unfortunate that you are making such a big stink about a kind gesture.
If it bothers you that damn much then find out if it's from a certain store, you can get credit for it or exchange it. |
Anonymous
| Won't be the last time he gets a gift he's not crazy about. This is a good learning experience for him on how to handle things gracefully. So talk with him about that and chill out a bit. This has taken on far too much importance in your life. Let it go. |
Anonymous
| I can relate to you, OP. I was laughing when I read your post because it does sound a bit silly when it's someone else and like it's not a huge issue. I understand, though. Your son can use it as a back up if his is being washed or as a throw to watch a movie. I've been crazy over the years with my MIL giving us things to decorate our house. She gave me a comforter for MY bed once without asking. |
Anonymous
|
I'd be irritated too, but realize that there's good intent behind her idea. I agree to use it as back up (though that would annoy me too, because I already have a back up and don't like to have a lot of extra stuff).
This is a pick your battles kind of moment...I know becaue I have them constantly with NY ILs. |
Anonymous
Not NY, *my |
Anonymous
| I don't know, I'm kind-of with OP. I hate being given gifts that I don't want to use and have to find something to do with. There is far too much junk in our world, and I'd view that present as more junk. That said, I'd donate it and move on. And if grandma asks about it, I'd say, "Oh , Larlo gets a rash when he sleeps in polyester, so we donated it." |