“Is this what you’ve done with my wedding gift?!” I gasped, completely stunned, visiting my son and his wife for the first time in a year since their wedding. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the state of what I’d given them. This whole story started with me wanting to surprise the newlyweds, but in the end, it turned into a lesson I won’t forget anytime soon.
A Wedding Gift from the Heart
When my son Oliver announced he was getting married, I was over the moon. His fiancée, Gemma, immediately won me over—sweet, practical, with such kind eyes. I wanted to give them something special for their wedding. Money wasn’t exactly plentiful—I’d worked as a teacher my whole life, and my pension, well, you know how it is. But I dreamed of giving them something meaningful, something that’d help them build their life together.
After a lot of thought, I decided to gift them a washing machine. Not just any model, either—this was a top-of-the-range one, packed with features, energy-efficient, and with a five-year guarantee. I’d saved for years, putting aside bits of my pension—originally to buy one for myself, but I figured they needed it more. At the wedding, I handed them the paperwork and the keys (the machine had already been delivered to their flat). Oliver and Gemma were thrilled, hugging me, thanking me. I was chuffed to bits, honestly.
The Visit a Year Later
After the wedding, I didn’t see them much. They live in a different town, about three hours away. They’ve got their own lives, their jobs, and I didn’t want to be a nuisance. We’d chat on the phone now and then, they’d come over for holidays, but I hadn’t been to their place since the wedding. Then, a year later, I decided to pop round. Oliver said they’d love to have me, so I went with a spring in my step, bringing homemade pies and jam.
When I stepped inside, everything looked tidy—clean, cosy, flowers on the windowsill. But then I walked into the bathroom and froze. My washing machine, my gift, was shoved in the corner, covered in dust, with scratches all over. And right next to it? A brand-new one, shiny, clearly just bought. I asked Gemma, “What happened to the machine I gave you?” She hesitated, then said, “Oh, it was a bit awkward to use, and really noisy. We decided to get another one, and this one… well, we just left it here for now.”
My Reaction and the Talk
I was gutted. “Is this what you’ve done with my wedding gift?!” burst out of me. I couldn’t believe they’d treated something I’d saved years for so carelessly. Oliver tried to smooth things over: “Mum, don’t take it to heart, we just wanted something newer. We still use yours sometimes.” But I could see it was just sitting there, like it was rubbish.
I tried to stay calm, but inside, I was boiling. I explained that this wasn’t just some random purchase—it was a gift from the heart, that I’d gone without things to afford it. Gemma started making excuses, saying they didn’t mean to upset me, they just preferred the new model. Oliver added that they were planning to take mine to their holiday cottage. The holiday cottage! Like it was some old hand-me-down!
What I Learned
I went home with a heavy heart. On one hand, I know it’s their life, and they can do what they want with a gift. On the other—it hurt that they didn’t appreciate it. I wasn’t expecting eternal gratitude, but at least a bit of respect for something that meant so much to me.
Now, I avoid bringing it up to keep the peace. Oliver and Gemma still call, still visit, everything’s normal. But I’ve made up my mind—no more expensive gifts like that. I’ll spend the money on myself instead, maybe finally take that trip to Brighton I’ve been dreaming about.
If you’ve been in a spot like this, how’d you handle it? Should I talk to them again, or just let it go? Honestly, I could use the advice.
