I would have been thrilled over a handknitted blanket. I would have told the baby every time I used the blanket that "Your uncle knitted this for you." So much more than just throwing money at the baby.

LOLOLOL this happened to me. I offered to make my brother and his wife a blanket for their first baby (I knit and crochet). They were like, "oh, if you want, I guess, but can you make us a penguin?" My SIL's favorite animal is penguin. I was like what. I had never made a penguin. I had to teach myself a lot of new skills. I finally made a really cute pink penguin (they were having a girl) and they said, "oh we wanted a regular colored penguin, black and white." They had not specified a color initially. They didn't even want to keep the pink penguin. I had to make another, traditional penguin. Fortunately, that penguin is now my niece's favorite stuffy! She thinks it's an owl though. 🤣

If I ever returned a gift to someone because I didn't like it, my mother would send me to the giver on my knees to apologize (yes, I am a grown adult, but she would haul me by my hair). A gift is something you choose to give. You are never obligated. For years, all I could give my nieces and nephews for birthdays and Christmas was homemade baking. They were always delighted. I have given loaves of fresh bread with homemade jam as wedding gifts (in a nice basket). Always copious thanks. I have hand-sewn baby clothes from scraps I had in my stash because I couldn't afford to buy. Nobody has ever complained or demanded something else, even my well-to-do family and friends who can afford fancy things. People with manners are grateful for the intent behind the gift. If Brother and SIL cannot afford to put together a nursery without family buying the stuff, they should have thought twice about having a baby. It's not OP's responsibility.

Are they ransoming the baby? It's rude to demand gifts, ruder to demand expensive gifts, rudest to give back gifts that 'aren't good enough.' If OP gives them anything at this point, it should be a couple of packs of ramen noodles with a note saying "After giving back my labour of love, the only thing I have left is the food off of my damn plate."

Sailors have been knitting and crocheting aboard ship for centuries, including during WWII. My brother's FIL gave me a shawl he crocheted. Go ahead, tell a WWII vet about grown a*s men knitting.

Made my daughter-in-law a beautiful blanket and an gave a car seat. Never said thank you. She expected the 500 dollar stroller.

Anyone else feel sorry for the coming baby? They are not going to grow up with decent manners and will likely have trouble finding friends if their parents teach them to be so entitled.

What kinds of items are they asking for that are over $100? A carseat, a crib, and maybe a swing are reasonable at that cost but I can't think of anything else a baby would need that couldn't be reasonably found for cheaper. And I'm a mom of two.

A registry for a baby shower is a great thing for things like a stroller, crib, car seat, etc., when the parents have thoughtfully considered their needs, compared safety features, etc. so that people who want to make this kind of purchase know what will make the parents happy. Also nice if you have a "theme" for your nursery, to let people know ("we're doing Winnie-the-Pooh stuff"); in this case, you could certainly pick up the theme and purchase off-registry items that go with the theme. But: a handmade baby blanket (or clothes; I have a friend who knits an entire layette) is something to be cherished for the effort it takes, regardless of whether it's the right color or theme. These folks are idiots. Also: Dad should be old enough to remember Rosey Grier, former football player who was famous for enjoying knitting, crocheting and needlepoint.

I would never giver them another gift ever. F the both of them. And f the mother for saying otherwise.

Tell SIL that in Victorian days, blue was considered a girl's color because it was "calming", while pink was considered a boy's color because it was more "energetic." On second thought, don't bother telling her, she sounds greedy and entitled.

Am I missing something here? Op is a man! Since when are men expected to go to a baby shower or even buy a gift? I, 63m, never heard of that. Oh, and who has a registry for a baby shower? It sounds like entitled SIL threw herself a shower and that much I do know is unacceptable.

I would have been so stoked to get the knitted blanket. I am a bit of a hoarder when it comes to anything knitted. I can't knit. I'm too inpatient N my ADHD will not allow me to actually sit n learn. So I have a deep respect for anyone who can. Anytime I go to a thrift store n I see something that's been knit, I buy it. Doesn't matter how good or bad it is, I buy it. Doesn't matter if it's a lot holder, a bag, a blanket, a pillow cover... I buy it. I probably have about 80 pieces in my collection now. It just makes me so sad to think that someone spent all of this time on this beautiful piece of art n now it's just sitting in this sad thrift store, collecting dust n not being appreciated. So yeah, NTA. F**k your SIL, Your brother N especially your dad. What an insecure, toxic mindset to have... I didn't know that creating art was only for women? Anyway, DO NOT GET THEM ANYTHING ELSE! Beggars can't be choosers. Don't have a baby if y can't afford it. U did ur part. They're just unfr

Extreme NTA. But his family is just an open sewage pipe of filth. Wow. The entitlement to specific gifts is mind blowing.

The handmade blanket was heart felt and made with love. It could been a car blankie if it clashed with the nursery. Rude family to this uncle-to-be.

Still have the blanket my mom made for my baby girl. It is edged in pink. I basted a blue satin blanket binding over the pink for my grandsons. It is lovingly put away for future use. Nothing else still exists from that time except pictures. You can't buy love.

My great grandmother crocheted a blanket for me when I was young I cherish it to this day. Your SIL is denying your niece sweet memories. This should be a huge red flag for your brother. Someone this controlling could make his child's life a living hell

f**k that family. Gifts are exactly that - you don't demand presents.

The headline and article don't appear to match...

You cannot force somebody to buy items that they cannot afford. If brother and parents are so adamant that he needs to get a gift off the registry, they can buy it and say that it is from him

A $10 Walmart give card will be ok

I was donated a blanket for my wedding and each of my children's birth. I cherished those blankets. My daughter is now using her blanket for my granddaughter. "Donated" given to me by unknown gifter (s). NTA but OP's family is. So much entitlement here.

That kid would have loved and cherished that blanket when older and knew the story!!!! Or maybe not with parents like that. Poor kid.

If thought and caring are important when choosing a gift, the blanket is spot on. Making a blanket is time consuming and obviously a sign of love. It is truly unique. Knitting was and is done by some of the manliest men around: pirates and other sailors, military (a Vietnam vet and Marine friend of mine crocheted and knitted while deployed). British royal babies' first blankets are hand made. You did great.

My kids are grown and I know a lot has changed since then, but my baby showers were women only and my brother's never got me a gift, nor would I have expected one from them. But them calling to ask what OP planned to give after refusing a thoughtful handmade gift?? Just so unbelievably rude and entitled. Start a tradition - handmade gifts for every birthday/holiday!

Your SIL is a B***h and your brother is a POS for going along with her attitude. I would just tell them all that since they gave the gift YOU HANDMADE back they can take the registry and shove it where the sun don't shine.