Buying Christmas gifts can often be a daunting task.
The list of recipients seems to expand every year, with new work colleagues, family members’ partners, and even fresh additions to the family circle potentially extending your Christmas shopping budget. It’s a time when expenses can spiral, leading some people to draw the line at buying gifts for more peripheral figures in their lives.
A father has sparked debate after announcing his refusal to buy a Christmas present for his daughter’s boyfriend, claiming he doesn’t view him as family yet. The dad expressed his frustration that despite his daughter having been in a relationship for two years, he doesn’t feel he should have to splurge on her partner’s Christmas gift – much to the chagrin of his wife.
In a post on Reddit, he said: “My daughter has been dating a boy for two years. My kids also recently started using an app to list their wishlist [for Christmas]. My wife asked if I had seen my daughter’s boyfriend’s list as ‘we need to buy him something’.
“Maybe it’s just me, but growing up, my parents didn’t give two c**ps about who I was dating. Much less have any intention of adding them to a present list. My wife insists this is very normal and is calling me an a**hole for not wanting to comply.”
The father expressed his view that the role of a boyfriend or girlfriend is “temporary” and therefore “doesn’t warrant” a spot on the gift list. He mentioned he would reconsider if his daughter married her partner, but for now, he doesn’t want “this tradition imposed” on him.
Opinions among commenters were divided. Some felt he was being unreasonable since the boyfriend has been part of the family for two years and deserves some “basic acknowledgement,” perhaps even just chocolates or socks. Others supported the dad’s stance, arguing that he shouldn’t have to buy gifts for someone he isn’t directly connected with.
One commenter suggested: “They’ve been together for two years, so this isn’t some rando HS interest of the moment. I’m not saying break the bank, but if gift-giving is something you all do in the family, a small little something would likely be appreciated as a sort of basic acknowledgement. Maybe ask your daughter what she thinks is appropriate. “
Another advised: “They have been together for a while. Get him something inexpensive showing that you thought about him. If he is coming to a get-together where others are receiving gifts, then you should get him something; no one wants to be the only one not receiving a gift amongst others.”