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30 Of The Most Disappointing And Insulting Birthday Presents People Have Ever Received
Interview With Expert
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear panda, happy birthday to you! Now blow out your candles, and make a wish! Did you wish for some used socks, an expired gift card or a box of cookies that you’re allergic to?
Your birthday should be one of the most magical days of the year. But unfortunately, loved ones can sometimes find a way to ruin it just by gifting a terrible present. Redditors have been recalling the most disappointing and insulting birthday gifts they’ve ever received, so we’ve gathered some of their worst replies down below. Enjoy scrolling through these presents that might inspire you to get a gift for someone you hate, and keep reading to find a conversation with Nina Steyn, PR and SEO Executive at Prezzybox!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
*cracks knuckles*
I was turning 17 and had friends over for my birthday for the very first time. As a fat, AuDHD girl I struggled to make friends throughout my childhood, so this was a major milestone. It was a great day, too- after school my friends came over, we hung out a bit, ate dinner, had some cake, and were about to go see "17 Again" starring Zach Efron in theaters. It couldn't have gone better... until my mom handed me my presents.
Most of them were typical birthday gifts- I think I got a scarf and a DVD or something- until I unwrapped the very last one. This was obviously a book and it was wrapped in different paper than the others. I love to read so I got my hopes up until I saw the title. It was "Eat This, Not That," the diet book that was all the rage in 2009. My face must have fallen because my mom immediately started singing its praises. She waxed poetic about how it's so educational, it'll really change up my diet and I'll lose weight in no time, etc. I didn't want to cry in front of my friends so I muttered my thanks and returned to my cake, pushing it around my plate until it was time to leave for the movie. I couldn't look at my friends until my sister, who wrapped most of my gifts, pulled me aside and said that she told Mom NOT to give me that book and she refused to wrap it. She apologized for not hiding it from Mom and saving me the embarrassment in front of my friends.
At least my friends immediately understood who my mom was that day.
To find out how this conversation started in the first place, we reached out to Reddit user Andrewsteiner88, who invited others to share the worst birthday presents that they've ever received.
He was kind enough to have a chat with Bored Panda and shared that he simply loves relatable questions. "We either all have a story or know a story about receiving a bad gift," the OP noted.
#2
Cigarettes and deodorant, from my gross grandfather's drunken girlfriend. When I opened it, she winked and said she knew I smoked. I was EIGHT.
#3
Not a gift to me, but I still don’t understand what we did so wrong to the person that they gave my 5 year old daughter a karaoke machine.
We also asked Andrewsteiner88 about his own experience with a terrible birthday present. "The worst gift I received was a half-eaten box of chocolate from a coworker," he shared. "That was the only bad gift I’ve ever gotten."
On the other hand, the OP says the best gift he's ever received came from a friend years ago. "It was a signed record from one of my favorite artists. It was special because they knew I love music and the artist," he told Bored Panda.
#4
I'm pretty sure there is still a picture of me looking absolutely defeated sitting on a couch surrounded by the school supplies everyone got me.
To make matters worse, my birthday was usually on the first day of school and I hated it.
I remember after the party my mom felt so bad that she took me to the store and let me pick out a video game I wanted, so that was nice.
#5
One year, my parents had the audacity to give birth to me... all down hill since there.
Finally, we asked Andrewsteiner88 what he thought of the replies to his post. "I was surprised it became so popular! The answers were funny and bizarre to say the least," he shared. "I wanna thank everyone for the response the question received."
#6
He got me a juicer that 'had to stay at his house'.
Oh, so you got yourself a juicer.
BYE.
#7
Golden girls wine glasses, when I was a few months out of rehab for alcoholism.
BoredPossum 6 months ago
"Hey, I heard that you quit drinking and thought I'd make it a bit more difficult for you." Let's hope this person was unaware of the problem.
To learn more about gift giving from an expert, we got in touch with Nina Steyn, PR and SEO Executive at Prezzybox. First, we wanted to know about some of the best and worst presents Nina has ever received.
"I had the most incredible birthday surprise for my 29th! A gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers and a heartfelt handwritten card," she shared. "But here's the best surprise - the real gift wasn't in the flowers, it was tucked inside that card. Tickets to see my favorite artist in concert later this summer! I even had the choice between catching the show in London or Amsterdam. Talk about a birthday to remember!"
#8
My mom was a real f*****g a*s hole. I was heavily bullied at school and abused at home.
One day during christmas, mom handed me a present and when I opened it, it was a doll that had similar features to my school bully. I didn't realize until she started laughing and said "She looks like her doesn't she". Little me was scared to her core.
#9
Not me but my brother.
For his 30th birthday our parents got him a knock-off brand roomba. Not a bad gift in itself, you're right.
Except they got his twin brother a brand new car.
As far as Nina's worst gift, she told Bored Panda it was a vibrant summer dress. "Despite its nifty feature of pockets, it didn’t fit, and the color clashed with my skin tone," she explained. "Wore it once as a gesture of appreciation then it spent some quality time hanging out in the back of the wardrobe. Eventually, I decided to donate it to charity."
#10
I got a check from my elderly aunt for $5. It bounced and cost me $10 fee from the bank.
#11
A goldfish. I was 18, 31 now, he is still going strong. I HATE him. Omfg do I hate that fish. Unfortunately as he is my responsibility I feel obligated to give him the best life possible. I’m going to be so happy when he finally dies. Until then that f****r will keep living the life of luxury.
Sue Denham 6 months ago
I have never known a goldfish to live that long. He's probably staying alive just to thwart you.
Gabriele Alfredo Pini 6 months ago
In a good acquarium they live decades. It is the small bowls and error in water/food/sunlight that kill them
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BoredPossum 6 months ago
He must be a real a$$hat. I can't even imagine what a fish could do to make you hate him. Total your car and sleep with your wife?
The Original Bruno 6 months ago
"Well, one day I know my wife was cheating on me while I was away. And I could just smell that damned fish on her when I came home." I'm so sorry... I'll be leaving now...
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Marlowe Fitzpatrik 6 months ago
If he feels responsible for the fish, he (or she?) should see if someone who likes the poor fish would take it. Wanting a living being to die just because they hate them just sounds exhausting - and also reminds me of that Noem-person who shot her dog and her goat and her horses and who knows what she did with the kids she was allegedly a pastor to! Give the fish away before you ruin all your karma
kelsischloe1986 6 months ago
The way this person speaks about a helpless animal, a goldfish at that. Is very concerning. Yeesh!
Jessie 2 weeks ago
I get it because fish are not easy or cheap to keep, tanks are expensive and absolutely not fun to take care of if you don’t like fish. The best solution here is to give the fish to someone with a nice goldfish pond, plenty of people have those and most people won’t mind one more fish.
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Diana Pahule 6 months ago
That's a lot of pointless bitterness that poor fish doesn't deserve.
Bored Birgit 6 months ago
Give it to someone with goldfishes so it can have friends. Win - Win.
Jessie 2 weeks ago
Probably because keeping a goldfish in an aquarium is expensive and a lot of work
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Jaime Borris 6 months ago
my mom and aunt got one each at the fair when they were little. aunt hated hers cuz she had to take care of it so she put bleach in its bowl..... it tripled in size so it ended up in bigger tank with my moms where it ate my moms goldfish. from there idk what happened cause it happened at least 60 years ago. out of all the pets i had growing up im thankful i never had fish, they creep me out
Jessie 2 weeks ago
Someone probably replaced it with a bigger, different type of fish. Goldfish don’t triple in size out of nowhere, they don’t eat other goldfish (even if the other fish is smaller) and they can’t survive a dose of bleach.
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Melissa Harris 6 months ago
For someone that really hates that fish he's taking remarkable care of it.
Max Fox 6 months ago
Average lifespan of a goldfish is 10-15 years, so that goldfish is just average.
Jessie 2 weeks ago
Goldfish can easily live 25+ years. The OP still has some time to go.
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The Veil of Fire 6 months ago
My gold fish died. I even tried to help him swim his last few laps. Instead of loving him maybe I should of hated him?
Jessie 2 weeks ago
Most goldfish don’t do well alone, the tank size could also have been an issue. Some fantails are also overbred so they can develop some bladder issues that eventually drown them because they can’t reach the surface properly.
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Tom Hardeveld 6 months ago
one day he'll be belly up but then flips over and sticks up his middle fin. "I got 30 more years in me!"
Mau 6 months ago
This Person deserves a good spot in the heaven for being a responsible fish ower. World needs more People like him
Jessie 2 weeks ago
A person that hates his fish? Not exactly a very good role model if they hate an innocent animal for no reason and keep it while growing bitter instead of finding it a home where the animal is wanted.
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Roan The Demon Kitty 6 months ago
I'm impressed that this goldfish has lived for *takes way too long to do the math* 13 years. I did my damn best for my fish as a kid and they still generally died within about 2 years. Except the ones that eventually got put in the backyard pond, but those got devoured by a heron eventually e_e
SleepyBunny 6 months ago
with proper care and proper sized tanks, goldfish can live over 40 years! It's just that GF are one of the most mistreated aninals in the pet world
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Gracie Mae 6 months ago
wow...and I got upset when my favorite goldfish died after about a year (but survived a 3 state road trip when we moved)
Amanda Hunter 6 months ago
I have a new neighbor who hates a tree in her backyard because it serves no purpose and only dops leaves. She hates some shrubs in her front yard but has no reason why. I don't get it.
Leesa DeAndrea 6 months ago
Fortunately it is just a goldfish. It doesn't need affection from its owner. Just good care, which it is apparently getting. I hope it continues to live a long & healthy life, with such a dedicated carer.
Jessie 2 weeks ago
Goldfish do need a lot of interaction with their owner, especially if they don’t have a tank mate. They are incredibly social and very smart.
Load More Replies...The expert also shared some advice on how to choose a great birthday present for a loved one. "When considering what makes an exceptional birthday gift, it's essential to prioritize thoughtfulness and personalization," Nina says. "A great gift should reflect the recipient's interests and preferences, showcasing a genuine understanding of who they are."
"Dos include incorporating personal touches, such as customized messages or items tailored to their hobbies and passions. Quality should supersede quantity, emphasizing the importance of selecting a gift that reflects care and consideration rather than focusing solely on the price tag," she continued, noting that "a well-chosen, thoughtful gift doesn't have to be expensive."
#12
When I was six, my paternal grandparents gave me a... Potato. They said "It looks like a cat or a doggie! You can play with it, and you should be proud - we grew it ourselves!" They also gave me the cheapest set of crayons. Their other grandchild received a very cool and rather expensive toy piano a week prior. Yeah, my paternal grandmother never liked my mom, and the mother of the other grandchild was her daughter.
#13
My boss gave me a pack of expired coupons for fast food joints. It was like getting a slap in the face... with a stale burger.
WindySwede 6 months ago (edited)
Well you would not even get a slap, they were expired.. 😅 edit: woot dv? it was a joak about bad boss giving crappy gifts..
As for the "don'ts" of gift giving, Nina says procrastination is to be avoided at all costs. "Rushed decisions may result in generic or impersonal gifts," she explained. "Steer clear of any gifts that don't show much thought or consideration for the recipient. Lastly, practical gifts definitely have their place, but it's worth aiming for a balance between usefulness and originality. After all, you want the gift to feel both functional and celebratory, adding a special touch to the occasion."
#14
I have struggled with my weight since I was a child. When I was 12, I was gifted a book about dieting written by Dr Phil by my great aunt. The discount price sticker sloppily scratched off the top corner.
I have always been a big reader, and I knew it was a book, so I was excited to see what book she got me. Everyone was watching me when my heart sank, realizing what kind of book it was.
The plus side is my mom is ride or die for her kids and she was f*cking piiiiiiisssssed, so it was handled.
Still messes with a kid's head, though.
#15
My mom gave me a book that I made when I was 8 so she could laugh at me for how terrible it was. I drew the illustrations and wrote the story. It looked like s**t because again, I was eight. She loved to humiliate me and then get mad at me for “having no sense of humor”.
And if you find yourself with a disappointing gift and aren't sure what to do, Nina says it happens to the best of us! "You’re opening a beautifully wrapped package only to find... well, let's just say it's not exactly your cup of tea," she shared.
"First things first, take a deep breath and remember that it's the thought that counts, right? Even if the gift missed the mark, it's clear that someone cared enough to pick something out for you," the expert noted. "Regardless of how you feel about the gift, always express gratitude and appreciation for the thought and effort the giver put into selecting it. Focus on thanking them for their kindness rather than the specific gift itself."
#16
A coat hanger. When I saw it, (10yo) I was so confused. Then I was told it came from my family members trip to France, which furthered my confusion, lol.
ॐBoyGanesh 6 months ago
The mental gymnastics the giver must have gone through to justify this a souvenir/gift is admirable.
#17
I was a chubby kid, I want to say I was something like 8-10 years old and wearing medium shirts. My s****y aunt got me and my two brothers matching plain yellow sweatshirts. They both got their sizes, a M and a L. She got me, the youngest, a XXXL, and told me at the rate I’m going I’ll be wearing it in no time. F**k you Anna.
Edit: this was a Christmas present not a birthday present.
"If the gift is something you absolutely won't use or enjoy, there are a few options on the table. Regifting, donating, or reselling the item can be appropriate in certain situations, but it's essential to do so thoughtfully and discreetly," Nina continued.
"Regifting can be acceptable if you know the item will be appreciated by someone else and if it's done with care to avoid any potential awkwardness or hurt feelings. Just be sure not to regift the item to someone who knows the original giver," she added.
But if regifting isn't your style, you can always consider donating the item to charity or to someone who might appreciate it more. "After all, one person's 'meh' gift could be another person's treasure," Nina says.
#18
My little brother bought me a framed painting from the op shop, cost him $2. Absolutely no thought put into it. I wrapped it up and gave it back to him for his birthday😂.
ॐBoyGanesh 6 months ago
This seems like it could be shady, depending on the little brothers age. My bro is 2 years younger than me & always made an effort to gift me something even if it was cheap & from a thrift shop. That he was thinking about me and spending his little money on me is gift enough.
#19
Underwear, socks. id be extremley gratful for it now, but when your nine and your expecting f*****g legos, not fruit of the loom.
Sue Denham 6 months ago
Yup. What was it with underwear? I always seemed to get some for my childhood birthdays.
"And hey, if you're still scratching your head about what to do with that gift and it happens to have some value, why not consider giving it a new home through resale?" Nina told Bored Panda. "If the gift has monetary value and you're comfortable doing so, you can consider reselling it. Just think of it as turning lemons into lemonade – or in this case, turning a lackluster gift into a little extra spending money."
But in some cases, it may be best to simply keep the gift, especially if it holds sentimental value or if the relationship with the giver is particularly sensitive, the expert added.
#20
When I was around 14 for my birthday my mom brought me my grandmother and my aunt to this nice buffet. The food was good but at the end my mom was having trouble presenting her voucher to the cashier because the place didnt have wifi and she didnt have data at the time.
She turned to me and asked me if I had data to which I said I didnt. She kept asking me to just check if I still had some left but I really didnt and so she ended up telling me that I was useless and that she shouldnt have bothered asking. I ended up crying in the car ride home with my aunt telling me that I shouldve had data and that I shouldve been prepared in case something like this happened.
#21
A note saying that she was combining my birthday gift and Father’s Day gift together. The combined gift was telling me that she wanted a divorce.
Finally, Nina noted that the goal of giving birthday gifts is to spread moments of happiness to your loved ones. To do so, she shared three of her top tips. First, tune in and take notes. "Ever notice how your friend's eyes light up when they talk about something they love? That's your cue! Listen up and keep your radar on for any little hints they drop about what makes them tick," she explained.
Next, Nina says to think outside the box. "Don't limit yourself to traditional gift ideas. Get creative and consider unusual gifts or experiences that align with your loved one's interests," she noted. "Whether it's a personalized piece of jewelry, a spa day, or a DIY crafty gift, thinking outside the box can lead to truly original and memorable moments."
#22
I got a straw once. It was extra special because it was a combined party for family members with birthdays near each other and my cousin got a cd player from the same person.
#23
I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma *on my 21st birthday* - thanks universe, you suck 😃.
Lastly, Nina recommends considering the element of surprise. "Sometimes, the most memorable gifts are the ones that catch the recipient off guard. Surprise your loved one with a gift they never expected, whether it's a spontaneous day trip, or a funny gift for laughs," she told Bored Panda. "The element of surprise adds an extra layer of joy and excitement to the gift-giving experience."
And of course, if you're not sure what to give a loved one on their special day, you can always check out Prezzybox!
#24
It wasn't so much a gift, but...
When I was going through my divorce, my future ex wife offered to take me out to dinner on my birthday. The last one we'd celebrate as husband and wife.
It seemed like a nice gesture. A final act of civility on the eve of an ugly process.
So we were sitting there over the appetizers at this restaurant, and I asked "so, how did you find this place?"
"Oh, this is me and (guy she was leaving me for)'s favorite restaurant!"
Worst birthday ever.
#25
A KitKat bar. Would have been okay, but the explanation was they were 3 for $2. I got one.
#26
My mum bought me a hot pink suitcase when I was 17. That was all I got. Really felt like she wanted me to move out lol.
#27
This year I got precisely nothing - so that’s probably be the worst.
But I once got my fiancée a pair of Tiffany earrings for her birthday - and got a balloon for mine.
Rayne OfSalt 6 months ago
Yeah, I've gotten nothing since I was 16. And even back then it was "oh, here's a combined xmas/b'day present that costs less than just one of the gifts we've gotten for your little sister" on xmas day and then "here's a card and a cupcake" on my actual b'day a few days later. My sister, of course, would get lavish gifts on her b'day.
#28
Box of cereal from the main "family" I had left.
Receipt showing they used a coupon the get it to $3 still attached.
Life is difficult enough, being forgotten is better than shoving how absolutely little you matter right in your face.... on your birthday, when you are missing those who brought you into the world but were cruelly taken, the most.
#29
A f*****g carton of canned liver was sent to my hostel by my uncle. My roomie ever since has become inexplicably suspicious of me. I hate liver by the way. I'm just confused why he sent 25 cans of liver to a student who doesn't even like cooking.
#30
A lawn mower for my 14th birthday...
What was the worst birthday gift you have ever received?
Sunny Day 6 months ago
For Christmas one year, my friend's husband bought her a bunch of clothes - all in wrong sizes. Not just "A" size, but a variety of sizes, all wrong. She returned them to the store and went to find correct sizes. That's when she realized she could trace his path through the clothing department. He had just grabbed something from every rack he passed. No thought involved.
BookFanatic 6 months ago
18th birthday - Dad announced he had liver cancer. He didn't make it. 40th birthday - spent at the funeral home planning my mother's service. 45th birthday - thyroid cancer. My friends wonder why I don't celebrate any more.
Greenmantle 6 months ago
I'm sorry, that's an awful set of circumstances x
Load More Replies... Scary Laugh 6 months ago
A few months ago my Mum told me she was going to give me a little under £5k this year so I could put it towards my mortgage. I have been paying it off for more than twenty years by myself and have really struggled at times so I thought this was a really nice gift. She then told me that she was giving me this money because my younger brother, who has spent the last twenty years living at my parents' house and paying a pittance SOME of the time (he has spent his money on a LOT of very expensive musical instruments, music equipment and beer instead) is going to get a bit* more in my parents' will because I now have a house and he doesn't. *for clarity, the definition of a "bit more" is based on a percentage of the value of their house when they eventually pass - currently this is approximately £140k, but I should be reassured that "It's definitely not favouritism!"
Destiny Kruse 6 months ago
I got a gift card to a steakhouse an hour away that wasn't enough to cover a single entree. To add insult to injury, I've been a vegetarian for sixteen years and she knows it.
Michelle The Zombey 1 month ago
That really is one of the worst ones. Are you okay?
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Greenmantle 6 months ago
Got given a "fat analyser" set of scales for xmas one year, from mum. She was confused as to why I was offended.
Andrew Bridge 6 months ago
I got a cd from my (then) gf. I was immediately banned from playing it in the house because she hated the band (fair enough) so I should let her friend borrow it. Essentially my birthday present was to give it to someone else.
Poppy 6 months ago
I have 3 examples. One I had no visitors on my birthday when I was in a mental health hospital due to being suicidal. The second was a text from my bf dumping me (different year to the mental health hospital visit) and three was £2 in 2p and 1p pieces from my Grandmother who was not hard up for money. I was 25 years old at the time.
LynzCatastrophe 6 months ago
Today is my birthday, specifically my 37th birthday. I was having a moment earlier, about more than ten years ago was my 24th birthday and I was spending it alone, I had a meltdown about it because I was so lonely. Today, my 37th, I am spending it alone and it's the greatest one I've had in a long while. Perspective definitely changes with age.
Shark Lady 6 months ago
The Christmas before I turned 21 my parents bought me a will writing kit. A few months prior, I had nearly died (parents keeping vigil beside my bed because I wasn't expected to live through the night, nearly died), so yes a writing a will was a good idea since I had a daughter. However, I was still celebrating the fact that my daughter wasn't going to grow up without her mum and getting that kit really screwed with me, especially as it was a gift. If they had given it to me at any other time and not wrapped it up I would have been grateful.
Justbecause 6 months ago
When i was a teenager my step mum got me this huge chunky charm bracelet all covered in charms, i liked it When her and dad divorced she demanded it back (i was in my mid 20s) i eventually caved and gave it back. She then returned it with a note saying it didn't look good on her and complainedabout how long it took to give back. I dropped it at the op shop on the way home, it had lost all appeal.
Pink kitty 6 months ago
On my birthday I got a call saying that my grandmother had passed. I like to think she passed on that day because she wanted to mentally wish me Happy Birthday but she had dementia so...
Margaret H 6 months ago
I was 14 in the era when things like shopping trolleys were only for little old ladies. Yup. My Mum gave me one for Christmas, with two pairs of Granny knickers inside, size 38". They reached from my underarms to my knees. Oh. And I was anorexic at the time, weighing just 90 lbs. I never understood her motives for giving them to me. Neither did the rest of the family and she never tried to explain it.
🩶🩷Marvin HoG🩷🩶 6 months ago
One year, truly not knocking what I wanted, my spouse asked what to get me. I said "idk, get me something I'd like, you know me " shampoo. Not even good shampoo, the exact same store brand I already had. Marriage didn't last. I still use the same shampoo brand though.
Sue Ellen Jensen 6 months ago
I like cats (what normal person doesn't?) so my oldest sister would give me some stupid cat-related item for Christmas when I was an adult! Even this stupid fabric covered wicker basket with the ugliest embroidered face in the colors I most despised. Another sister told her I wouldn't like it but I got it anyway.
ADZ 6 months ago
Gay guy, my partners family are homophobic but want to be European (French' German), they're 100% uk and I'm half European. I pointed it out, and I grew up with all the food my partners mum loves and I'm a great cook and trained by chefs. She bought me Jamie's 10 minutes meals, 12 minute meals and 15 minute meals over 3 years.
CanadianDimes 6 months ago
I got the flu once on my birthday when I was about 9-10 and had to miss a class trip to go luging (lugeing?)
Display_Name 6 months ago
Last year, I got diagnosed with Covid on my birthday. Didn’t get to use all of my freebies.
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Jay Cee 4 days ago
Not so much disappointing as an ongoing burden. Over at a friend's and and was shown her new Nespresso machine. I like coffee. I mean I really like coffee but Nespresso? Almost as bad as Starbucks but friends so . . . mmmm, lovely. My birthday comes around and, yep, I get a Nespresso machine, now a petite one like hers but a big, clunky Dolce Gusto Infinissima one. I have yet to find a "coffee" capsule that I like and I have tried a LOT. Trouble is she's a good friend and when she comes over the first thing she says in "Oh, so glad you're enjoying your coffee maker - what flavours do you have today?" Saddled with it until it "breaks".
Michelle The Zombey 1 month ago
I have gotten many bad gifts, from my parents especially, and once I got slippers that were to little for me. Not to bad, except that I have size 36 and you have to shop in the children's section if you want to find shoes to little for me. I also once got Deo, shower gel and a razor at a secret Santa at school which was also really bad.
Raven Hayden Rudnik 4 months ago
I once made my then boyfriend a vegan gluten free birth day tart. I arrived late, he already left the house with his friend. I opened the fridge and what I see? A cake. Bought from the place that I was super against (i dont even know why tho xd, dont remember). After an awkward dinner, we came back and ate both. But.. Well mine turned out way more lemon then I thought 😂😭. And it was not a lemon cake xd. So yup, not the best Gift. You would think I learned that day that is better to come on time with no gift, than come late. I didnt xx
Bored Trash Panda 4 months ago
For Chrstimas one year, my MIL got me a "new" I-pod with some headphones. First off, I hate apple products, which I have said before, it was most definitely NOT new as it had dirty finger prints all over it, and the earphones had someone's ear gunk in them.
Jessie 4 months ago (edited)
My sister has a tendency to ask for expensive stuff so for her birthday I saved up and made a really nice present that included a Dior lipgloss, Ariana Grande perfume and body mist and a Rituals bodycream. For my birthday she got me a 50%-off €3 lipbalm and €6 worth of hair products of the cheapest store in our country which I specifically told her not to get because of a skin disease I have (the products make it worse). Yea I learned something about her that day, and I decided I would not put that kind of money and effort into her presents again.
Ronald 4 months ago
The best gift I received for my birthday was my Girlfriend's virginity. It was January and her GRANDMOTHER gave her a nose job to cure the abuse from school mates. It was huge. I felt bad when I first saw her, then a year later she and a friend came to the store I worked. I asked her out and all went well. 4 months later, on my birthday, as she was home for 12 days to recover. She called me to visit and we spend a glorious day in her bed, I had to be extremely gentle with her. 2 Years after, she was caught cheating IN MY BED after I had to leave my parent's home at 18 1/2. KARMA: She would brag to her pals that I would have sex with her for hours. After I broke up with her, The next evening, HER Pals came to visit; 3 or more times a week for a year to "comfort" me. The visits usually lasted 4 to 6 hours
Mark Kelly 5 months ago
Always got pretty good gifts. When I was a preteen my grandma got me pop up books, like for baby's.
Andrea Steinacher 5 months ago
for my 50th b´day hubby got me 2 books from the clearance sale ...
Limey Cheesehead 6 months ago
This year I received nothing. I have a 22 year old daughter, a 19 year old son, and a husband...but received nothing. Then, just to rub salt in the wound, my 19 year old asked me for £100 to spend on his sister's birthday...which is today. For once I said no. I don't event want anything expensive...I just want to be remembered. BTW, I give good presents.
Sheena Leversedge Wood 6 months ago
I don't mind used. in our family we quite often pick up birthday and Christmas presents throughout the year at car boots and charity shops. I'm happy to give and to receive second hand presents. but it's the stuff where they obviously don't know you that is most disappointing.
Catherine Spencer-Mills 6 months ago
Grade school - don't remember the exact year. A "Chatty Cathy" doll. I was called Cathy until I met my husband. The doll wound up in the toy box with all the other rejected dolls.
Sunny Day 6 months ago
For Christmas one year, my friend's husband bought her a bunch of clothes - all in wrong sizes. Not just "A" size, but a variety of sizes, all wrong. She returned them to the store and went to find correct sizes. That's when she realized she could trace his path through the clothing department. He had just grabbed something from every rack he passed. No thought involved.
BookFanatic 6 months ago
18th birthday - Dad announced he had liver cancer. He didn't make it. 40th birthday - spent at the funeral home planning my mother's service. 45th birthday - thyroid cancer. My friends wonder why I don't celebrate any more.
Greenmantle 6 months ago
I'm sorry, that's an awful set of circumstances x
Load More Replies... Scary Laugh 6 months ago
A few months ago my Mum told me she was going to give me a little under £5k this year so I could put it towards my mortgage. I have been paying it off for more than twenty years by myself and have really struggled at times so I thought this was a really nice gift. She then told me that she was giving me this money because my younger brother, who has spent the last twenty years living at my parents' house and paying a pittance SOME of the time (he has spent his money on a LOT of very expensive musical instruments, music equipment and beer instead) is going to get a bit* more in my parents' will because I now have a house and he doesn't. *for clarity, the definition of a "bit more" is based on a percentage of the value of their house when they eventually pass - currently this is approximately £140k, but I should be reassured that "It's definitely not favouritism!"
Destiny Kruse 6 months ago
I got a gift card to a steakhouse an hour away that wasn't enough to cover a single entree. To add insult to injury, I've been a vegetarian for sixteen years and she knows it.
Michelle The Zombey 1 month ago
That really is one of the worst ones. Are you okay?
Load More Replies... Greenmantle 6 months ago
Got given a "fat analyser" set of scales for xmas one year, from mum. She was confused as to why I was offended.
Andrew Bridge 6 months ago
I got a cd from my (then) gf. I was immediately banned from playing it in the house because she hated the band (fair enough) so I should let her friend borrow it. Essentially my birthday present was to give it to someone else.
Poppy 6 months ago
I have 3 examples. One I had no visitors on my birthday when I was in a mental health hospital due to being suicidal. The second was a text from my bf dumping me (different year to the mental health hospital visit) and three was £2 in 2p and 1p pieces from my Grandmother who was not hard up for money. I was 25 years old at the time.
LynzCatastrophe 6 months ago
Today is my birthday, specifically my 37th birthday. I was having a moment earlier, about more than ten years ago was my 24th birthday and I was spending it alone, I had a meltdown about it because I was so lonely. Today, my 37th, I am spending it alone and it's the greatest one I've had in a long while. Perspective definitely changes with age.
Shark Lady 6 months ago
The Christmas before I turned 21 my parents bought me a will writing kit. A few months prior, I had nearly died (parents keeping vigil beside my bed because I wasn't expected to live through the night, nearly died), so yes a writing a will was a good idea since I had a daughter. However, I was still celebrating the fact that my daughter wasn't going to grow up without her mum and getting that kit really screwed with me, especially as it was a gift. If they had given it to me at any other time and not wrapped it up I would have been grateful.
Justbecause 6 months ago
When i was a teenager my step mum got me this huge chunky charm bracelet all covered in charms, i liked it When her and dad divorced she demanded it back (i was in my mid 20s) i eventually caved and gave it back. She then returned it with a note saying it didn't look good on her and complainedabout how long it took to give back. I dropped it at the op shop on the way home, it had lost all appeal.
Pink kitty 6 months ago
On my birthday I got a call saying that my grandmother had passed. I like to think she passed on that day because she wanted to mentally wish me Happy Birthday but she had dementia so...
Margaret H 6 months ago
I was 14 in the era when things like shopping trolleys were only for little old ladies. Yup. My Mum gave me one for Christmas, with two pairs of Granny knickers inside, size 38". They reached from my underarms to my knees. Oh. And I was anorexic at the time, weighing just 90 lbs. I never understood her motives for giving them to me. Neither did the rest of the family and she never tried to explain it.
🩶🩷Marvin HoG🩷🩶 6 months ago
One year, truly not knocking what I wanted, my spouse asked what to get me. I said "idk, get me something I'd like, you know me " shampoo. Not even good shampoo, the exact same store brand I already had. Marriage didn't last. I still use the same shampoo brand though.
Sue Ellen Jensen 6 months ago
I like cats (what normal person doesn't?) so my oldest sister would give me some stupid cat-related item for Christmas when I was an adult! Even this stupid fabric covered wicker basket with the ugliest embroidered face in the colors I most despised. Another sister told her I wouldn't like it but I got it anyway.
ADZ 6 months ago
Gay guy, my partners family are homophobic but want to be European (French' German), they're 100% uk and I'm half European. I pointed it out, and I grew up with all the food my partners mum loves and I'm a great cook and trained by chefs. She bought me Jamie's 10 minutes meals, 12 minute meals and 15 minute meals over 3 years.
CanadianDimes 6 months ago
I got the flu once on my birthday when I was about 9-10 and had to miss a class trip to go luging (lugeing?)
Display_Name 6 months ago
Last year, I got diagnosed with Covid on my birthday. Didn’t get to use all of my freebies.
Load More Replies... Jay Cee 4 days ago
Not so much disappointing as an ongoing burden. Over at a friend's and and was shown her new Nespresso machine. I like coffee. I mean I really like coffee but Nespresso? Almost as bad as Starbucks but friends so . . . mmmm, lovely. My birthday comes around and, yep, I get a Nespresso machine, now a petite one like hers but a big, clunky Dolce Gusto Infinissima one. I have yet to find a "coffee" capsule that I like and I have tried a LOT. Trouble is she's a good friend and when she comes over the first thing she says in "Oh, so glad you're enjoying your coffee maker - what flavours do you have today?" Saddled with it until it "breaks".
Michelle The Zombey 1 month ago
I have gotten many bad gifts, from my parents especially, and once I got slippers that were to little for me. Not to bad, except that I have size 36 and you have to shop in the children's section if you want to find shoes to little for me. I also once got Deo, shower gel and a razor at a secret Santa at school which was also really bad.
Raven Hayden Rudnik 4 months ago
I once made my then boyfriend a vegan gluten free birth day tart. I arrived late, he already left the house with his friend. I opened the fridge and what I see? A cake. Bought from the place that I was super against (i dont even know why tho xd, dont remember). After an awkward dinner, we came back and ate both. But.. Well mine turned out way more lemon then I thought 😂😭. And it was not a lemon cake xd. So yup, not the best Gift. You would think I learned that day that is better to come on time with no gift, than come late. I didnt xx
Bored Trash Panda 4 months ago
For Chrstimas one year, my MIL got me a "new" I-pod with some headphones. First off, I hate apple products, which I have said before, it was most definitely NOT new as it had dirty finger prints all over it, and the earphones had someone's ear gunk in them.
Jessie 4 months ago (edited)
My sister has a tendency to ask for expensive stuff so for her birthday I saved up and made a really nice present that included a Dior lipgloss, Ariana Grande perfume and body mist and a Rituals bodycream. For my birthday she got me a 50%-off €3 lipbalm and €6 worth of hair products of the cheapest store in our country which I specifically told her not to get because of a skin disease I have (the products make it worse). Yea I learned something about her that day, and I decided I would not put that kind of money and effort into her presents again.
Ronald 4 months ago
The best gift I received for my birthday was my Girlfriend's virginity. It was January and her GRANDMOTHER gave her a nose job to cure the abuse from school mates. It was huge. I felt bad when I first saw her, then a year later she and a friend came to the store I worked. I asked her out and all went well. 4 months later, on my birthday, as she was home for 12 days to recover. She called me to visit and we spend a glorious day in her bed, I had to be extremely gentle with her. 2 Years after, she was caught cheating IN MY BED after I had to leave my parent's home at 18 1/2. KARMA: She would brag to her pals that I would have sex with her for hours. After I broke up with her, The next evening, HER Pals came to visit; 3 or more times a week for a year to "comfort" me. The visits usually lasted 4 to 6 hours
Mark Kelly 5 months ago
Always got pretty good gifts. When I was a preteen my grandma got me pop up books, like for baby's.
Andrea Steinacher 5 months ago
for my 50th b´day hubby got me 2 books from the clearance sale ...
Limey Cheesehead 6 months ago
This year I received nothing. I have a 22 year old daughter, a 19 year old son, and a husband...but received nothing. Then, just to rub salt in the wound, my 19 year old asked me for £100 to spend on his sister's birthday...which is today. For once I said no. I don't event want anything expensive...I just want to be remembered. BTW, I give good presents.
Sheena Leversedge Wood 6 months ago
I don't mind used. in our family we quite often pick up birthday and Christmas presents throughout the year at car boots and charity shops. I'm happy to give and to receive second hand presents. but it's the stuff where they obviously don't know you that is most disappointing.
Catherine Spencer-Mills 6 months ago
Grade school - don't remember the exact year. A "Chatty Cathy" doll. I was called Cathy until I met my husband. The doll wound up in the toy box with all the other rejected dolls.
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