Well this takes the cake....I give up.

[RadioNate]

MIL & other SIL still are not speaking to me, since I wouldnt let deadbeat baby SIL live in my home for free so she caould "save up" whil I pay the mortgage. The home is for sale and I know once deadbeat moves in Id never be able to get her out.

I am never going to be able to handle his family. I dont know how he turned out so normal, I have known him for over 10 years but still keep waiting for him to show his crazy. lol. He hasnt yet. How can he be normal with a family like this?

I'd say good riddance to all of them. Seriously, giving up sounds like the best course of action. Rid yourself of the crazy.

 

[woodkins]

MIL & other SIL still are not speaking to me, since I wouldnt let deadbeat baby SIL live in my home for free so she caould "save up" whil I pay the mortgage. The home is for sale and I know once deadbeat moves in Id never be able to get her out.

I am never going to be able to handle his family. I dont know how he turned out so normal, I have known him for over 10 years but still keep waiting for him to show his crazy. lol. He hasnt yet. How can he be normal with a family like this?

Being normal is his form of rebellion....kids with ultra strict families rebel by acting out, kids from crazy families rebel by being NORMAL

 

[robinb]

That does take the cake!

 

[HM]

$25 is what I spend on Christmas gifts for nieces and nephews....a bit more or a bit less sometimes depending on the gift I want to give, but that is the goal. I think you were right on target. Shame on your SIL.

 

[pansmermaidzlagoon]

that is just beyond rude!

that is plenty for a child and, even if it weren't, my DD was always happy just to get some $ to put toward something!!!!

I would write "since you are so OLD (or other options) you may not remember how it is to be just starting out, etc.......

there was just no reason - no justification for what she did!!!!

 

[myheartlivesatwdw]

Well if they have a hard time finding something for $25, it will be fun to watch them finding something for $0 next year.


Amen, PrincessKsmom

 

[LisaR]

For all of you that are saying $25 is plenty and there are tons of things they could buy for that amount, I think you are missing the point. It doesn't matter if the OP sent those kids $25 or $5. The OP took time to come up with something for these kids and gave an amount she was comfortable with giving. If it had only been $5, so be it. It truly is the thought that counts and this point went right over the SIL head.

Honestly, you are a better person than me because I would respond and it would not be pretty. The amount you gave is irrelevant. The rudeness is what I find unacceptable.

 

[sorcerormickey]

That is actually the face I made when I read your post. WOW.

What ever happened to accepting a gift graciously even if you are not thrilled with it. Did her mother teach her no manners?

 

[Dax]

I have not read through the whole post, but let me just say I FULLY understand. DH and I are not in a great place financially either, nor do we have children, but I have a niece and nephew. We purchased them BOTH $25 gift cards, one for Justice, and one for Gamestop, favorite stores for each of them, and they will LOVE them! They are 8 and 7.

She needs to get over it.

 

[AndreaDM]

What a WITCH with a capital B!!! OMG, that is unbelievable!! My DD7 would be THRILLED to have a $25 gift card, heck she could get a ton of Littlest Pet Shops with that. No matter WHAT the amount sent, her response was totally inappropriate. Ugh, can't choose your family, right?

 

[Brit17]

MIL & other SIL still are not speaking to me, since I wouldnt let deadbeat baby SIL live in my home for free so she caould "save up" whil I pay the mortgage. The home is for sale and I know once deadbeat moves in Id never be able to get her out.

I am never going to be able to handle his family. I dont know how he turned out so normal, I have known him for over 10 years but still keep waiting for him to show his crazy. lol. He hasnt yet. How can he be normal with a family like this?

First, I'd like to say, IMO, that your SIL is very rude and unappreciative, with a bit of delusional thrown in there also. $25 is more than enough to find a toy at Toys R Us. Or if forever reason she may think it's not, then why doesn't she just pool all the generous $25 gift cards you sent them together and buy one toy/game that their whole family could enjoy? ...

Second, I think your post above may explain a little bit more as to why she may have pulled this attitude ... could your SIL now be "siding" with your MIL & other SIL and this is her way of showing it, by being rude & hurtful? ...

Try not to let it upset you ... (I know, easier said than done ) ...

 

[kwitcherkicken99]

Quote from the email:

I wanted to thank you for the gift cards, but just wanted to let you know since you do not have any children you must be unaware that $25 is really not enough for a toy. Thank you for thinking of us, it really is the though that counts. They will be able to save them and put them toward something, we will cover the rest. Merry Christmas.

​

That is truely appalling!!!

The ILs give us $100 to spend on the kids (each), every year. They each bought 3-4 a piece with that money.

What is she expecting?? Enough for an iPad? We spend ~$25-30 per nephew since they are both only children. In turn, our kids get gifts ~$10-15 from the aunts/uncles as we are the only family members with 2 kids.

Wow... the concept of "it's the thought that counts" and the true meaning of Christmas must be completely lost on this one... ​

 

[ready123go]

Little background, DF was laid off in April right as I finished school. We relocated here for a job for me, and he recently started working. So we basically had no income for 6 months and had to live off savings and then credit cards and we are now paying both rent and a mortgage. Financially we are not in a great place right now but we are getting by, which we are greatful for. Darling SIL sent me an email today regarding the gifts we sent for Christmas to her kids. I just want to pull my hair out. We sent each child a $25 gift card to Toys R Us so they could choose their own toy. This sis complains each year no matter what we get her kids, but here is a bit of the email I got from her this am. I am really hurt & offended. Is $25 not enough? I dont even know how to respond, I dont think I am going to. What is the going rate for a gift card for a child that is under 8?

Quote from the email:

I wanted to thank you for the gift cards, but just wanted to let you know since you do not have any children you must be unaware that $25 is really not enough for a toy. Thank you for thinking of us, it really is the though that counts. They will be able to save them and put them toward something, we will cover the rest. Merry Christmas.

Are you sure your SIL isn't my SIL? That all sounds so hauntingly familiar

 

[cabanafrau]

You know what? It's a rare Dis thread when everyone agrees, so that should tell you something!

I think a $25 gift card is more than generous. SIL is a witch, but you know that. You sound like you plan to take the high road--no response--and I think that's best. You'll never win with this bunch.

Hold on there a minute, not everyone agrees. I think SIL has a point as OP clearly did not put enough thought into what is clearly the perfect gift for these children. See my previous post, because I think the answer is quite obvious.

OP, I'm very relieved you still have a good amount of time before Christmas to correct your gaffe!

 

[SC Minnie]

I feel sorry for these kids. We have always taught DD to be gracious when she is given any gift because it is just that- a gift. It doesn't matter if it was something she really liked or wanted she has been taught to thank the giver and tell them she appreciated it.

I agree with PPs. This woman needs some major schooling on manners. A better response from her would have been 'Thanks for the GC's for the kids. They have been wanting x and y for Christmas but Santa isn't bringing them this year. Now they will be able to use these cards to put towards getting them.'

 

[java]

Wow. I thought my SIL was bad. I have 4 children who could each easiliy find something they love for $25.
I am sorry she is so rude. Perhaps a note to her saying how sorry you are that your gift wasn't deemed generous enough for her standards. Adding you didn't realize how out of touch she has become.
adding a link to Amazon's Under $25 toys. There are 25,000 choices. (including some great board games that my kids would love to get themselves)

ToysRus website lists over 1000 toys under $25.

Since it's the thought that counts perhaps it's time for her to hear your thoughts!

 

[WDSearcher]

For all of you that are saying $25 is plenty and there are tons of things they could buy for that amount, I think you are missing the point. It doesn't matter if the OP sent those kids $25 or $5. The OP took time to come up with something for these kids and gave an amount she was comfortable with giving. If it had only been $5, so be it. It truly is the thought that counts and this point went right over the SIL head.

Honestly, you are a better person than me because I would respond and it would not be pretty. The amount you gave is irrelevant. The rudeness is what I find unacceptable.

I totally agree.

I would actually respond and ask for the gift cards back.

"Dear SIL,

I'm sorry that I underspent. If you will return the gift cards to me, I'll give it another try and send something more appropriate. There's still plenty of time before Christmas Eve. Thanks!"

If she actually does send them back, go to Toys R Us and spend them on toys for Toys for Tots (you can get a lot for $25). Make a list of all the toys you were able to purchase for children who would, otherwise, not have a Christmas and send it, with some home-baked cookies or handmade something, to the kids with a note that says:

"I got a note from your mom earlier this month and it helped me see that this year, with money so tight around the country, it would be most meaningful to make my holiday gifts for family and friends and to donate the money I normally would have spent to help provide gifts for kids in the community who would otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning. I have, therefore, donated $25 to Toys for Tots in each of your names. I hope you enjoy the homemade gifts I've sent as well as the priceless joy that your donation will give a needy child. Merry Christmas!"

I don't think a gesture like this punishes the kids, particularly if you send it along with something inexpensive that you've made that speaks directly to each kids' interests. Besides ... they're under 8. They won't be scarred for life. And -- if there are still Christmas miracles out there -- maybe your SIL will finally "get it". Not only will she see how much you can actually get for $25, but she will be trumped in the "Christmas spirit" department. She may never admit it, but she'll know.

 

[Music City Mama]

What a WITCH with a capital B!!!

You hit the nail on the head.

 

[DMass]

I would actually respond and ask for the gift cards back.

"Dear SIL,

I'm sorry that I underspent. If you will return the gift cards to me, I'll give it another try and send something more appropriate. There's still plenty of time before Christmas Eve. Thanks!"

If she actually does send them back, go to Toys R Us and spend them on toys for Toys for Tots (you can get a lot for $25). Make a list of all the toys you were able to purchase for children who would, otherwise, not have a Christmas and send it, with some home-baked cookies or handmade something, to the kids with a note that says:

"I got a note from your mom earlier this month and it helped me see that this year, with money so tight around the country, it would be most meaningful to make my holiday gifts for family and friends and to donate the money I normally would have spent to help provide gifts for kids in the community who would otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning. I have, therefore, donated $25 to Toys for Tots in each of your names. I hope you enjoy the homemade gifts I've sent as well as the priceless joy that your donation will give a needy child. Merry Christmas!"

I don't think a gesture like this punishes the kids, particularly if you send it along with something inexpensive that you've made that speaks directly to each kids' interests. Besides ... they're under 8. They won't be scarred for life. And -- if there are still Christmas miracles out there -- maybe your SIL will finally "get it". Not only will she see how much you can actually get for $25, but she will be trumped in the "Christmas spirit" department. She may never admit it, but she'll know.

Excellent idea!

 

[Ephany]

What a witch. DH & I both agree that if you choose to get the kids anything from now on, (not their fault their mom is a looney toon), savings bonds are a great bet. I mean who can complain that you're taking an interest in their child's education right?

My DD is 8 and I can assure you she'd be thrilled with $25. We'd end up walking around the store for hour while she tried to make up her mind. That's how much I budget for my nieces & nephew.