How rude is it??

Question

I met my husband after we both joined the military. We married when in my hometown, and have been overseas ever since. Therefore, I have not met his family yet. Since I am pregnant and it is his mom's first grandbaby, we write a lot of emails and make phone calls, etc. His aunts and mother have written to tell me they sent us stuff for Christmas. With a baby coming, and a lot of other financial things going on, how rude is it not to send them anything in exchange?

Answer 1

I don't think it's rude at all. I'm sure they did not send presents with the expectation that they would recieve a gift in return. They also know you have a baby coming, and need to prepare for the new arrival. As parents themselves, they already know babies aren't cheap. I'm sure if you told them that you are not in a position at the moment to reciprocate, they would certainly understand. That said, there are loads of things you could send that would not have to cost a fortune. I was a brat, had a military career of my own, like you married a military man, and am now raising brats of my own. Any place we've been there are always inexpensive momentos of the area that make great little presents without breaking the bank. It doesn't have to be something grand or expensive, and there are always things available in all price ranges if you look. You can always think about making something as well. Try to check out the base/post arts and crafts section, to see what they have to offer. Make a covered scrapbook/brag book for the new grandmother to be, so she will have someplace to put all the photos of the new arrival. Get a copy of the ultrasound to tuck in, just for a starter photo. Get creative, and see what you can come up with. It doesn't have to break the bank, and you might just surprise yourself. And if all else fails, tell them honestly that the financial situation is tight, and you are not able to send gifts this year. I think they will understand, we have all been there at some time or another.

Answer 2

I'm sure if you explained - or perhaps your husband did, that things are pretty difficult financially for you as a couple at the moment, especially with the baby on the way. So the gifts you send would be more token gestures than something extravagant. Of course it could be that they don't expect anything and just want to help you out, after all, if his mum and aunts love him they're going to want to help - aren't they?
You're making the effort with phone calls and emails to stay in touch - I'm sure they appreciate that.

Answer 3

I don't think it would be considered rude. I am sure they understand the financial strain that you are both undergoing. Just make sure that you always acknowledge what they do and continue to show appreciation. I don't think they are expecting anything in return. They are excited with the new baby coming. His family seems to be really great. Maybe with some luck they will be able to make a trip over when the baby is born.

Best of luck to you both and congratulations!

Answer 4

I'm sure his family understands the financial burden of preparing for the baby (congrats by the way) and don't expect things in return. Of course, you could always send a nice card with a brief note, apologizing for not being able to send them anything.

Answer 5

Tricky question. I would perhaps send something little and inexpensive, just to show your respect. May be your husband can explain to them on the phone that you guys are financially a bit tight and that the christmas present wont be a big one this year, but comes from your heart! Im sure they'll understand. If not, then thats their problem! Best of luck and God bless, Gini.

Answer 6

It's not rude at all! They sent things for the baby, They understand how difficult it is financially, with a baby on the way! Remember! they have all been there before! So don't worry! and have a fine baby, and a good day!

Answer 7

Mike Hunt. I used to artwork for a business organisation the place between the sales reps got here in basically approximately wetting himself with laughter. He were to make certain a shopper, a Mr M Hunt yet he did no longer understand what his first call replaced into. The receptionist on the place of work greeted our rep and then began to objective to hint down Mr Hunt. It replaced into purely whilst she called to a colleague "has every person considered Mike Hunt?" that our rep lost it thoroughly!

Answer 8

its not rude !! but make sure you send them atleast a card or somethign !! this way you wish them on christmas ....even if its not a huge thing !!
or you could send out scented candles or somethign .......they make decent gifts !
i mean its no obligation !
im sure they will undertsnd !!
nxt christmas maybe you could get all of them somethign nice ....or maybe after you have the baby and maybe after a few months or somethign you could send them a lil somethign thanking them for all they love
all the best
congrats on the baby
all the best

Answer 9

you have enough stress with the anticipation of having a baby...please don't stress about this. Simply write them a nice x-mas card and a nice "thank you " note and tell them how much you look forward meeting them... that's it! Good luck and congrats on your baby!

Answer 10

its not rude as parents them selves they know how much it cost to get ready for a new baby.i would at least send them a Christmas card.they would appreciate that. congrats. on the new baby!!