My mother just called to complain about a gift I sent her

[Anonymous]

I send it to her every year. It is a photo product with pictures of the kids and us. She has enjoyed it in the past. This year she called simply to say she got it. That last year's was better. She really liked last year's but this year's was "just OK." No thanks were offered.

I was in the middle of getting the three kids to bed, one has been difficult all day and DH was still at work.

I have no more words.

[Anonymous]

Well, I wouldn't think too much about it if she's usually more polite. It's the thank you that's missing, not the comparison, which is fine, it's good to know for future gifts.

If she's not usually more polite, then I don't understand why you're sending her gifts in the first place!

[Anonymous]

Tell her you're glad that your children couldn't hear her because you'd be embarrassed if they ever acted so ungraciously about a gift.

[Anonymous]

Skip it next year. If she doesn't bring it up, then you know not to bother.

[Anonymous]

Is this a gift to her for her birthday or some special occasion she marks? If so it might seem a little weird to constantly give her a gift celebrating her that's a picture of you guys every year. "Happy birthday! On your special day, here is a picture of . . . US!" So I wondered if year after year if this is the only thing you're getting her for her bday maybe it's making her a little crazy?

[Anonymous]

Go look at what you sent last year. Maybe last year's WAS better. Maybe in this one all the pics of the kids are far away or their faces have shadows or they're making what you think are funny faces but they're really ugly faces, etc.

Dunno -I'm not that sensitive - I would not be upset by this very much.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I send it to her every year. It is a photo product with pictures of the kids and us. She has enjoyed it in the past. This year she called simply to say she got it. That last year's was better. She really liked last year's but this year's was "just OK." No thanks were offered.

I was in the middle of getting the three kids to bed, one has been difficult all day and DH was still at work.

I have no more words.

I don't consider a photo of my family as a gift for other people. Maybe she is tired of that gift and would prefer something more personal for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I send it to her every year. It is a photo product with pictures of the kids and us. She has enjoyed it in the past. This year she called simply to say she got it. That last year's was better. She really liked last year's but this year's was "just OK." No thanks were offered.

I was in the middle of getting the three kids to bed, one has been difficult all day and DH was still at work.

I have no more words.

I don't consider a photo of my family as a gift for other people. Maybe she is tired of that gift and would prefer something more personal for her.

Yeah this seems like a shitty and maybe egotistical present. I get my mom clothes and purses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I send it to her every year. It is a photo product with pictures of the kids and us. She has enjoyed it in the past. This year she called simply to say she got it. That last year's was better. She really liked last year's but this year's was "just OK." No thanks were offered.

I was in the middle of getting the three kids to bed, one has been difficult all day and DH was still at work.

I have no more words.

I don't consider a photo of my family as a gift for other people. Maybe she is tired of that gift and would prefer something more personal for her.

+10000 also, she is your mother. If she can't be honest with you, who can?

[Anonymous]

Here's a few suggestions for next year: http://www.urbanbaby.com/topics/55508539

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I send it to her every year. It is a photo product with pictures of the kids and us. She has enjoyed it in the past. This year she called simply to say she got it. That last year's was better. She really liked last year's but this year's was "just OK." No thanks were offered.

I was in the middle of getting the three kids to bed, one has been difficult all day and DH was still at work.

I have no more words.

I don't consider a photo of my family as a gift for other people. Maybe she is tired of that gift and would prefer something more personal for her.

Exactly!!. Give her something she likes for heavens sake! She's allowed to show her displeasure. She's your mom

[Anonymous]

OP, it seems like it isn't only your mother's lackluster response to the gift, but her timing that's an issue. I get that. My MIL has a gift for calling at the worst times and then doesn't understand why we don't answer her calls. For your own sanity, don't take calls when things are crazy at home. Let whoever it is leave a message and call them back when it's good for you.

FWIW, I think your mother was rude. Even if she didn't like the gift as much as last year's, she could still thank you for thinking of her. Next year, save yourself the effort and send her a gift card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, it seems like it isn't only your mother's lackluster response to the gift, but her timing that's an issue. I get that. My MIL has a gift for calling at the worst times and then doesn't understand why we don't answer her calls. For your own sanity, don't take calls when things are crazy at home. Let whoever it is leave a message and call them back when it's good for you.

FWIW, I think your mother was rude. Even if she didn't like the gift as much as last year's, she could still thank you for thinking of her. Next year, save yourself the effort and send her a gift card.

But if the mother was nice, she'd keep getting the photo album every year forever. I think with close family members you can show preference. I wouldn't want a photo album or photo calendar. It's much better to see the pics on a shared photo album on an ipad instead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I send it to her every year. It is a photo product with pictures of the kids and us. She has enjoyed it in the past. This year she called simply to say she got it. That last year's was better. She really liked last year's but this year's was "just OK." No thanks were offered.

I was in the middle of getting the three kids to bed, one has been difficult all day and DH was still at work.

I have no more words.

I don't consider a photo of my family as a gift for other people. Maybe she is tired of that gift and would prefer something more personal for her.

+10000 also, she is your mother. If she can't be honest with you, who can?

And her daughter should also be allowed to be honest and admit that her mother's reaction was hurtful. It goes both ways. And it does sound like mom was lacking in grace.

[Anonymous]

"Ok Mom, sorry you didn't like it, but I had the kids help this year and their little fingers have a hard time toiling on the computer to make it perfect. Next year I'll have them watch some tutorials beforehand so it's more professional grade".

But I'm kind of a smart ass and my mom would laugh. So.