Cry me a river, lady.

I would feel the same way you do, but it doesn't mean you are ungrateful, must practical. If you cannot enjoy the watch without feeling upset about it, you should talk to your DH because it defeats the purpose of the watch. But, if you just feel guilty but can still wear it and enjoy it -- then KEEP IT and LOVE IT. it's a fine line, but a good watch, especially a cartier, is a family heirloom. your children will fight over who gets to keep it and it's practical too. Cherish your DH who obviously values YOU and what you do!

I would keep it, enjoy it and hand it down to DD (though I would feel the same way you do, OP). Of course, if the cost of the watch will prevent you from being able to afford other, more important things or to put money in the college fund, I would return it. But if you can afford it all easily, then keep it.

I understand OPs predicament. I had a similar situation and ended up returning the gift. My husband doesnt resent that I returned it, i think deep down he appreciated that Im frugal. The last time he got me a big ticket gift it was the "cheapest" smallest earrinngs from Cartier - he gave them to me laughing and saying that if I wanted to trade up I could but just in case...

Did your man get it from a pawn shop? Is it fake?

A watch is a crappy birthday present. For my 35th, my husband got a vasectomy. Goodbye birth control, hello unprotected sex whenever we want!!! Best present I ever got.

Anonymous wrote:I would be annoyed too OP. Having grown up with very little money, 5k is a ton of money to me to spend on something frivolous like a watch. Honestly, I would have probably returned it.

I agree with this too. I would be like, 'Gee, I am really grateful for the thought, but I do NOT need this, and we can spend 5K on lots of other things. Thank you soo much, honey, but let's spend it on. . . . .. a vacation together, or getting the house painted, or. . . blah blah blah."

I don't call troll at all. Like OP, I'm the frugal half of the couple. My spouse tends to splurge on less practical gifts, and my inner bargain hunter dies a little every time. But like some of the PP's have said, enjoy the fact that it means something to him and try to focus on what a nice heirloom it'll be for DC.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are not struggling for money why you're wondering other things to do with the money?

I call TROLL. If you can easily afford a 5K watch you would never be wondering about returning it for a college fund.

Ding!

I disagree, just because you can afford something doesn't mean you can't consider it a waste of money when it could be better spent on other things rather than hanging $5k around her wrist. I am with you OP and I would have another talk with him to get my point across.

Anonymous wrote:If you are not struggling for money why you're wondering other things to do with the money?

I call TROLL. If you can easily afford a 5K watch you would never be wondering about returning it for a college fund.

Ding!

I would be annoyed too OP. Having grown up with very little money, 5k is a ton of money to me to spend on something frivolous like a watch. Honestly, I would have probably returned it.

My husband surprised me with a Timex. What should I do?

I understand. I'm just frugal to my core, and it would really unsettle me to know that we spent that kind of money on something I don't really value. But I would try to think about the fact that my husband DOES get value from giving me a nice gift, and I would try to be gracious about it.

eh, just enjoy it. if you need the $ later you can sell it.

this is such a 1%er post/problem. yawn.

Sorry, PP 10:24 here... hit send too soon.

You are not being ungrateful or bratty, its just you and DH have different styles (much like my DH and me). I know exactly how you feel, I looked at that gift all day and though OMG... why did he go out and spend all that money... we could do this or that, then I got a weird feeling in my stomach. Then the bill came in and I paid it off (and felt weird all over again).

Anyway, now I love this piece of jewelry, I wear it often and will eventually pass it down to DD. I has become my most treasured piece and you will likely feel the same way once the shock wears off.

Then have the conversation!! LOL