‘My mother-in-law regifted what I bought for her birthday – but she gave it to me’

A woman was left dumbfounded after she received the same present she’d bought her mother-in-law for her birthday – she’d regifted it to her, and left her wondering whether to mention anything

Regifting things you won’t use is an issue many people feel very differently about. Some may think that it’s economical, and as long as the present will be well received by the person, it should not be an issue. But others feel that it’s not very generous, and should be avoided at all costs.

If you are a regifter, it should be noted who gave you the gift, so that you don’t end up giving the same one to someone who originally gave it to you, as that could cause some red faces further down the line.

One woman took to Mumsnet to explain what had happened to her, and how embarrassed she felt after her mother-in-law gave her a gift that she’d been given for her birthday from her daughter-in-law – and she was not impressed as she referred to the presents as ‘lovely’, so didn’t understand why her mother-in-law didn’t want them.

She fumed: “Xmas Day – opened our gifts from parents-in-law. My mother-in-law has regifted two gifts that I bought for her birthday. I chose these gifts and they are lovely, she has gifted them back to me!

“Am I being unreasonable to think this is a bit cheeky? I don’t know whether to say something to her.”

In the comments, people were shocked at what had happened but noted that she’d definitely set the tone for any future gift-giving.

One jibed: “Meh. That’s her birthday present sorted. Give them straight back. She’s given you the gift of time.”

Someone responded to that comment writing: “This! I’m really hoping she then re-gifts back to you, and so on, and it’s never mentioned by either of you, but continues forevermore.”

Another hilariously suggested they would’ve said: “Oh! You must really have loved the one I got you for your birthday! Thanks!”

One Mumsnetter pointed out that she needs to get better at regifting, writing: “Do you think she’s being rude or forgetful? What she’s done isn’t okay (and I’m fine with regifting in general) but there may not be ill intent behind it.

“Rule no.1 of regifting is you have to keep track of who bought you what!”

Would you regift? Let us know in the comments.