Woman tells the internet she doesn’t want to buy daughter-in-law a Christmas present

If ever you were planning to stir up some controversy, reaching out to an online forum is probably the way to do it. And one woman has managed to divide Gransnet, by asking whether it’s ok not to buy a Christmas present for her “spoilt” daughter-in-law.

The user in question was writing to ask other women whether she should bother buying for her son’s wife, since she “lacks nothing”. She explained:

“Never know what to give my dil for Christmas as she has so much already. She lacks nothing. She goes shopping and comes back laden with clothes for herself, she has tons of jewellery. 

“Have bought her things in the past and never see her wearing anything - I'm sure she passes them on as gifts to other people. Dare I say she's a bit spoilt? 

“She doesn't buy me anything, my son gets me something and the label says it's from both of them. I

She went on to explain that she got theatre tickets for the couple last year, before adding: “Am I a Bah Humbug Scrooge?”

Predictably, the answers from fellow users were a mixed bag. Some responded to tell the mother-in-law that they have been in a similar position themselves, while others were outraged that she should leave out her son’s wife at Christmastime.

“I would only expect one present from a couple, rather than a separate one from each of them - and this seems to be the norm among my friends & family - so don't be offended, she probably doesn't realise you're expecting two presents!” one user wrote.

Others suggested ideas, with charity gifts being a popular idea. 

Another user suggested simply talking to the daughter-in-law: “I would try saying honestly to my DIL that you are in a quandary knowing what to give her and ask whether she has any wishes,” they wrote. “By asking like that you give her an opportunity to tell you what she would like, or to say that she thinks giving Christmas presents unnecessary, if that is what she feels.”