Extravagant presents are embarrasing to receive

[Sh4rkyBloke]

Its, my Birthday next week & my nephew always buys me expensive presents,lve received an IPOD,Timberland Boots,Fancy trainers, etc etc Ive tried to tell him im happy with a book but he doesnt seem to get the message.I find it embarrasing and i dont want him blowing his hard earned cash on me,Its the same when we go out for a meal,its a battle to pay for myself !! Infact im scared to mention i like something because he will probably buy it for me.i know there are probably worse things to worry about but i find it embarrasing.

Few possible explanations...

1. They're knock off goods. Simple test, could you keep yourself warm with the iPod at night?
2. He fancies you and wants to let you know how much he cares about you.
3. He's just very generous and enjoys giving these nice gifts. Assuming he does the same to everyone then this may cancel out previous possibility.

 

[Globalti]

Nobody has considered the simple explanation that the OP's nephew might just think him a fantastic uncle and leaves no stone unturned to give him a special present. It doesn't always cost a fortune; some things can be found at bargain rices if you look hard enough. Alternatively the nephew's parents might be chipping in with some cash. The worst thing would be to upset the lad in some way.

(Just back from a tense family reunion weekend myself so the diplomacy antennae are still out and waving around in the breeze!)

 

[yello]

Nobody has considered the simple explanation that the OP's nephew might just think him a fantastic uncle and leaves no stone unturned to give him a special present.

I did.

I agree. Don't risk making the nephew think he's done something wrong and so souring the relationship. If he genuinely likes buying such gifts then let him, I really don't see a harm in it. Perhaps let him know that the gifts really are appreciated but he shouldn't feel obliged to spend a great deal; a packet of maltesers would suffice!

 

[stephec]

I did.

I agree. Don't risk making the nephew think he's done something wrong and so souring the relationship. If he genuinely likes buying such gifts then let him, I really don't see a harm in it. Perhaps let him know that the gifts really are appreciated but he shouldn't feel obliged to spend a great deal; a packet of maltesers would suffice!

A packet of Malteasers!

I thought it had already been settled on as a years supply.

Just out of interest, are the two of you quite close, does he see you as a bit of a father figure?

 

[Hover Fly]

Few possible explanations...

1. They're knock off goods. Simple test, could you keep yourself warm with the iPod at night?
2. He fancies you and wants to let you know how much he cares about you.
3. He's just very generous and enjoys giving these nice gifts. Assuming he does the same to everyone then this may cancel out previous possibility.

4. He is a compulsive shoplifter and doesn't really know what to do with the loot.

 

[gary r]

A packet of Malteasers!

I thought it had already been settled on as a years supply.

Just out of interest, are the two of you quite close, does he see you as a bit of a father figure?

im only 10yrs older than my Nephew,when he was a teenager i helped him out with a problem with school Bullys.He spoke to me about things he couldnt talk to his parents about,I suppose im more like an older brother than an uncle

 

[bauldbairn]

If you are sure there are no strings attached, I'd get over your embarrassment. It seemingly gives your nephew pleasure to splash out on you so just accept the genuine good wishes gracefully. The price isn't important, so it doesn't matter if they are expensive gifts!

Nobody has considered the simple explanation that the OP's nephew might just think him a fantastic uncle and leaves no stone unturned to give him a special present. The worst thing would be to upset the lad in some way.

+1, to both of the above.

im only 10yrs older than my Nephew,when he was a teenager i helped him out with a problem with school Bullys.He spoke to me about things he couldnt talk to his parents about,I suppose im more like an older brother than an uncle

...and there you have it! He's mearly showing his appreciation for your support and help over the years. Well done.

 

[Globalti]

He's a lucky lad. My only uncle was a pisshead who never left home, crashed his car twice into ditches and got let off because he drank with some coppers, smoked like a good 'un and used to accidentally burn us with his fag ends when trying to play with us, wore his trousers hitched half way up his chest and suspenders on his socks, was half deaf so used to shout all the time and actually looked very like Adolf Hitler. He was a disaster.

 

[gary r]

He's a lucky lad. My only uncle was a pisshead who never left home, crashed his car twice into ditches and got let off because he drank with some coppers, smoked like a good 'un and used to accidentally burn us with his fag ends when trying to play with us, wore his trousers hitched half way up his chest and suspenders on his socks, was half deaf so used to shout all the time and actually looked very like Adolf Hitler. He was a disaster.

Sounds like all my uncles!!! They never bothered with us as kids,In fact i dont even see any of them any more