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

[Samandmom]

Wow there is one in every family!!!

 

[surfergirl602]

You know what?? I bet she was hoping you'd give them cash, so that she could take it an use if for herself. That's what I think, and she's po'd that you gave them giftcards for something she can't use herself.

I think you shouldn't respond to her at all, because that's what she wants... the drama.

I give you loads and loads of hugs, op.

 

[Pigeon]

That's the most breathtakingly rude thing I've seen in a very long time.

I'd send her copy of Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior, along with a note that while I had intended only to buy gifts for the children, her email caused me to realized she needed a gift more than they did.

 

[krcit]

I just read that email to my almost 16 year old and she almost fell over. She was like "is that for real?" She then went on to say "Can you imagine how spoiled those kids will grow up to be?' I agree with previous posters in that I would ignore the email. You cannot win with people like her. Refuse to engage..that bothers drama queens more than anything else you can do, lol!

 

[Ride Junkie]

I would send her this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzXKWKaxt3c

My favorite part: "Your soul is an appalling dump heap overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable."

 

[bboyneko]

I'll pile on and add that it was very very rude of her as well. Isn't the idea of never looking a gift horse in the mouth something that every parent should ingrain into their children?

 

[wvjules]

Your DH should be the one to deal with her. What is his reaction when she does stuff like this? Does he excuse it and say "wll you know how she is." If so, then he needs a knock upside the head too. Let him deal with their issues. It is not a position you should be put in.

As for the two words. I know the first word but is the second one "you" or "off"?

 

[Jennasis]

Your DH should be the one to deal with her. What is his reaction when she does stuff like this? Does he excuse it and say "wll you know how she is." If so, then he needs a knock upside the head too. Let him deal with their issues. It is not a position you should be put in.

As for the two words. I know the first word but is the second one "you" or "off"?

I prefer "YOU", but "off" is always acceptable too!

 

[pilotwife_02]

WOW!!!

I have a SIL like that too, but at least she's "kind" enough to just return the gifts we our nieces to get cash or whatever she really wants. Maybe I should stop including gift receipts and make it harder for her to return stuff...LOL.

 

[Breezy_Carol]

http://www.toysrus.com/family/index...&ab=Tru_homepage_aspot:leftnav:Gifts-Under-25

I like this link.

I am guessing that you never get a thank yu note from the kids.

My suggestion.....next time, if there is one, wrap up the gift cards in boxes and mail them directly to the kids. Maybe they would be thrilled if not poisoned by their mother.

 

[scouthawkk]

WOW! If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were talking about my own sister! Except she doesn't have any kids. But there was one time my dad sent her a check for $20 for her birthday. Which, by the was, was/is the standard gift for each of us kids for birthdays, and we're all adults on our own now. Not only did she NOT thank him in any way-seriously, no note/letter, call, email, nothing-but she also called me up to complain that it was only $20, and that it wasn't even enough to get a DVD without having to put in extra for the tax! WHAT???

Sorry to diverge. OP, I understand the crazy jean, really I do! My DS is 8, and would be overjoyed at a $25 gift card. Like someone else posted, if there was something he wanted that cost more than that, he would graciously say thank you and then quietly plan to save up the rest for whatever it was he wanted, and then send another note saying thank you again and say what he put the $ towards. He likes doing that sort of thing. But most likely, he would beg me to take him to the store the very next day, and would spend it all, and have a blast doing so.

Don't know where your SIL got the idea that a kid can't get something for $25. Maybe she should take my DS with her, he could come home with half a cart full of stuff for that! Besides, I believe you said there were 3 kids you sent cards for. That's $75! Can't they decide on a video game or two that all of them have been wanting and splurge on that? Just CRAZY!!!!!

 

[sorcerormickey]

I'd send her copy of Miss Manners' Guide to Excruciatingly Correct Behavior, along with a note that while I had intended only to buy gifts for the children, her email caused me to realized she needed a gift more than they did.

 

[GJM]

WOW WOW WOW!!! What is wrong with some people, are they just wired wrong or something.

I can't even believe someone would send an email like that. And let me say, I have been to TRU a million times and you can find something for $25 and if they can't maybe they should donate to a family that could use it, I am sure they will find something.

I am also sending out $26 TRU Gift Cards to some family members this year also.

 

[sunnyday123]

I have to say, I wouldn't be able to not respond to that email. In fact, I think I would call her and tell her how appallingly rude her email was and how much exactly she wanted me to spend on her children, and that I certainly hoped her children didn't grow up to be as materialistic, greedy and ignorant as she is. One phrase keeps repeating in my mind, it's not Dis friendly and it's anatomically impossible.

Good grief. I'm so mad right now, if you gave me her number, I'd call her and chew her out!

 

[TaraLee4]

You know what?? I bet she was hoping you'd give them cash, so that she could take it an use if for herself. That's what I think, and she's po'd that you gave them giftcards for something she can't use herself.
I think you shouldn't respond to her at all, because that's what she wants... the drama.

I give you loads and loads of hugs, op.

Exactly this. I have an aunt like this.

I'd be offended as well. Sorry you're dealing with this.

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Wow - she is nuts.

I think an etiquette book is in order - with a lovely little note
"I realize that the graciousness and class that you really need cannot be purchased, but thought this might be a step in the right direction"

 

[Ceila]

I think I would forward her e-mail to everyone in my address book with absolutely no message from myself - just her heading, her words.

OP, I hope you and your husband have a joyful Christmas, and that things continue to look up for you in the new year. May God give you the strength you need to either deal with his side of the family or walk away from them, whichever path you choose.

 

[wishspirit]

Simple message back:

Thank you for your thoughtful response to the Christmas presents for this year. As you well know, you financial situation has been a difficult one this year, however we have made sacrifices to make sure your children, our beloved nieces and nephews, got something from us this Christmas.
As per your instructions, we will make sure that the money next year goes to something much worthier, and will make a charitable donation in their name instead. This way the children will not have to worry about which toys they can and cannot get, but rather revel in the joy of giving to others in the spirit of the holiday season.

Seasons greetings!

xxxx

 

[chloelovesdisney]

What I would write back to her would get me banned here for life so I'll just say, bah humbug and leave it at that.

 

[3 MEN AND A BOAT]

if my wife spends more than $25 on any 1 person (not including myself of course), I'd have a fit.
very generous of you and i'd ignore her, nothing good will come from the confrontation.