Brother and SIL and the gifts that just appear

[jjarman]

For the past 25 years or so I have exchanged gifts with my brother, Todd, and his wife, Lisa. When they had kids, I got gifts for the kids. They always sent us gifts and when our son was born they sent him gifts. Then when our son was about 5 his gifts would get forgotten or lost or misplaced. This went on for several years while I continued to get their kids gifts. Then our gift would not get sent or lost or misplaced. A few years back I just stopped getting any of them a gift and they stopped getting us anything. Nothing was ever said and I was fine. We are still great friends and vacation together every year and are close. Well, my mother just came over and lo and behold there is a gift for me and my husband from them. No gift for our son but one for us. I don't know what to think. I'll call brother later and thank him. But should I get them a gift now? I am thinking no. It has been at least 5 years since I got a gift from them. It wasn't a really expensive gift but something I like.

 

[TimeforMe]

It wasn't a really expensive gift but something I like.

It sounds like they thought of you perhaps when seeing this and knew it was something you'd like. I don't think a reciprocal gift is necessary.

 

[Wishing on a star]

No, I would not feel obligated to reciprocate....
Nice thought... but I wouldn't want to take it any further.

Is it possible that, since your mother was coming over, this gift was her initiative??? She brings it FOR them... And, no gift for your son???

Why restart something that they haven't seemed to feel was worth the effort???

Have your mother relay a simple 'Thank You'.

 

[shortbun]

Send a thank you note but not a gift. It's been too crazy to get back on that horse.