Man branded ‘selfish’ by mate for not bringing present for teen to sibling’s party

A man has been left baffled after his mate called him ‘selfish’ for only buying a present for the birthday boy at a party – instead of giving gifts to all the kids

It’s become part of tradition for people to receive presents from their loved ones on their birthday, and the day you were born is often the one day of the year that you can truly make all about yourself.

But one man has been left baffled after he was accused of being “selfish” for buying a child a present on their eighth birthday – as he didn’t bring a present for the youngster’s 14-year-old brother, who was also expecting a gift.

Understandably, the man didn’t think to bring a present for the older child as it wasn’t his birthday, but the father of the children – who was the man’s friend – claimed it was inconsiderate of him not to bring both children a present, as it made the teenager “feel left out”.

In a post on Reddit, the confused man wrote: “I’m curious if I was in the wrong and overly judgemental. My new friend has two children, K, aged eight, and T, 14.

“I went round for K’s 8th birthday. I brought K a gift. My friend asked where T’s gift was, and I said that I didn’t bring them one as it was K’s birthday, not T’s.

“They said that the kids always both get gifts on each other’s birthdays to make sure they don’t feel left out. They then asked if I have cash on me, but I didn’t. They said I could quickly go and get money and return before T realises.

“When I said that was ridiculous they said told me to leave and take K’s gift, as they don’t want a selfish a**hole like me around their kids.

“Personally don’t think both kids should get presents on the other’s birthday, but maybe I’m wrong.”

Commenters on the post were left equally as baffled by the dad’s behaviour, as many claimed it was “trashy” of him to demand his mate go and get cash to give as a gift.

Others also said that while giving children a gift on their sibling’s birthday is not uncommon, it’s most often used to keep very young kids from throwing a tantrum – not teenagers.

One person wrote: “What a weird way to raise their kids. Absolutely ridiculous to ask you to go get cash. That’s trashy.”

While another said: “My parents used to bring an ‘unbirthday present’ for siblings of grandchildren, but that was when they were younger and nobody asked in the first place. A 14-year-old can freaking grasp that not every day is their special day.”

And a third posted: “I’m curious how far this making sure no one feels left out goes. Sounds like a terrible precedent. They’re setting them up for massive disappointment.”

“I don’t think expecting a gift for every child is reasonable at all”, a fourth noted.

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