Anonymous wrote:
1. You still receive birthday checks? And it's such a tradition that even your ILs know about it?
2. Yes, I agree that knowingly giving a little bit more is really messed up on their part.
3. So next time you can just tell them kindly that you don't need a gift. This is what I do.
1) Yes, my parents give all us kids and kids-in-law a birthday check and a little something like a book. It's very nice. The ILs got wind of this because they were here a few months ago for DH's birthday, and we opened all the cards and presents together after a little family dinner.
2) I'm a bit surprised they didn't just do $201, "The Price is Right"-style
3) They've always given gift-gifts in the past, so I don't think no gifts are an option.
Not sure why DH answered the question in the first place, but whatever...que sera, sera, and I know there are actual problems in the world, and this isn't one of them!