What do you do with Hideous Gifts?

Regift!!

If she asks about something specific, say you accidentally broke whatever she's enquiring about.

Throw it out immediately or donate it (take the photo out first).

If you want to take the bull by the horns, I'd tell her: "I have everything I need, materially, blah blah blah."

This past Christmas, my family wanted me to participate in "Secret Santa" and I just said no. Told them that I worked hard during summer 2020 (which I did) to do a household purge.

[quote]everytime

Oh, dear.

Sell the junk at a yard sale and buy a dictionary, dear.

I need more information, Will she have any say how much you receive in the will?

Make a shrine in the spare bedroom. And keep the door closed until they're visiting.

My partner receives hideous gifts constantly from his aunt. He gives them to an SPCA thrift shop, or uses them if they are usable but shockingly crazy. She's not senile, but she's...unusual. A few years ago, she gave him a young readers' adapted version of "Treasure Island." He was in his 30s, and a university graduate. Another time she gave him an enormous box of garbage bags for his birthday. We had a good laugh, and we realize that she will never change.

[quote] Make a shrine in the spare bedroom. And keep the door closed until they're visiting.

That's a horrible, enabling idea. Sorry, R6, maybe this is a joke?

Just give them to hideous people.

R7 that’s quirky and cute.

This is just sad, my stepmother thinks she’s some deranged interior designer, a part of the new breed of Fraus who think because they organize pins on Pinterest of pillows & signs with words on them that they’re Elsie de Wolfe, not that they know of her.

[quote] or, no joke, an 8x10 photo of her & my father in a pastel frame.

That's not a weird gift.

But you are never required to give or use or display or read gifts. Gifts are supposed to be freely given.

[quote] I have a very chic modern vibe in my house...

No, you don’t.

It would be nice of you to bring out the photo for when they come over, but you shouldn't bring out the turtle centerpiece or she'll think you like her taste and buy you more crap.

[quote] they’re Elsie de Wolfe, not that they know of her.

They aren’t the only ones.

How often does she bring you gifts and how often do you see her? If it’s more than birthday and Christmas this is going to be a problem.

R14 Mr. Bromstad would be an upgrade for my stepmother

R5 she might...?

R15 every one or two months sometimes twice a month

It is kind of rude to give someone a framed photo of themselves. Shit like that can hang in the laundry room or garage.