Birthday flowers

How very ungrateful you sound you are very lucky indeed to have a family never mind moaning about what they got you if you were my parent it would be the last present you got from me

I think you are very ungrateful and don’t deserve to receive any gifts. I also can’t believe you don’t like cut flowers- they brighten up the house in these dark days, and to have three bouquets would make me feel very special!

As so often, it is about communicating. Your children clearly care, so help them out and tell them what you would like, or ask for one of these vouchers that can be spent in a number of shops! Problem solved.
But please don't do this immediately after having received gifts you don't want....

It was my birthday just over a week ago and the gifts I received were 2 bouquets of flowers from AC a third bouquet from a dear friend and 2 bunches of tulips from another friend. I was delighted - love flowers and had them displayed all around the house. Things are so difficult at the moment so to have received anything was a bonus. My husband gave me money. Just be grateful.

I've just had my birthday too and am sitting here with lovely flowers, the colours lift my winter blues. And it was the second anniversary of losing my husband yesterday and more flowers, so thoughtful. Yes I've had to find vases and arrange them but I know they were sent with such kind thoughts. I know it's very hard to shop so soon after Christmas and not easy at this present time. And I am one who finds present buying hard so I understand the problem.

Lilikemaho That's a very unkind post. I'm glad I'm not your parent.

Excuse me not unkind in the least was telling the truth be happy with what you get and don't be ungrateful

I agree OP my wish would be for someone to buy a gift for ME. I find flowers impersonal even just a voucher for my favourite shop rather than something that will be binned a week later.

Thank you for suggestions especially the lend it charity I’ll look into that as we’ve all been expats as a family in quite a few countries and 1 AC is overseas at moment. Just to clarify as originally posted I wasn’t ungrateful and did feel better sharing which I have told all children and to the poster who questioned my dislike of cut flowers always have and always will ?

At my age and hunkering down overseas I always give my children money in to their bank accounts. The love to get funds to spend on something they would like. When I am asked what I want for my birthday or Christmas, I always ask for donations to be given to the local dog shelter because dogs are my passion, I find all the bad feeling associated around presents so over rated. I admit to being very old but I know my children love me because they Whatsapp me and ring up all the time....I don’t need gifts to show love!

There are a lot more important things in life than material things and complaining like a spoilt child about what you have or have not received for your Birthday! Be Thankful that your Adult children are safe and well enough to send you a gift at all, some parents would be thrilled just to hear their voice once more, or to receive a simple message in any shape of form, you never fully appreciate what you have until it's gone, and I sure wish that my Daughter was still here with me on special occasions, like she used to be.

I must admit I'm not a fan of flowers. I don't mind some chocolates such as after eights. At Xmas I got a box of dairy box they were so sickly. I try and but things that are nice. One of my best Xmas presents was an Amazon voucher of my son. It's a pity you couldn't say you were going to stop buying presents because of lockdown and tell them to do the same.

Even though we can't physically shop, we can go on Amazon or similar for things we know someone would like (especially if we ask). I also feel that cut flowers rarely look nice past a few days and I feel bad throwing them away as I know someone has spent a lot of money on them. For me, a simple bottle of bubble bath/soak is much better and lasts a lot longer!

Well said Grandmall totally agree with you

My three children have known me all their lives so know what I like! OH has known me over forty years and doesn’t. I have to give him a list!

*Elizabeth 1*If I could send real flowers to you, I would. You are a lovely lady

HomeAgain, please feel free to ignore those who think it's ok to be rude.
It really isn't.

My sister is a real tomboy, hates girly things. At Christmas her neighbour bought her flowers because she had been doing her shopping for her because of Covid. My sis had to ask her could she borrow a vase to put them in.

Shocking to me that Homeagain123 is this self-centred. Why would anyone think they are entitled to a birthday gift from anyone at anytime. Time to take stock.

Shocking to you, but others understand.
Strange lot, humans.

I also dislike it flowers the same asOP although I do send them a lot to people who I know really like them and as suggested they are such an easy gift especially in lockdown. But I do make it clear I prefer a growing plant which is also pretty easy to order these days . It’s makes sense to me I love orchids especially and hyacinths or anything growing!

How about either hinting what you would like/need that’s not too expensive or ask for a gift for a charity.I did that and have had very thoughtful gifts that benefit others,these include 36
baby blankets,chickens,half a goat and trees,all gone to a good cause.I pre COVID would always spend lots of time looking for the perfect present for all friends and family and enjoy seeing their faces when they opened something I knew they would love( recently sent one daughter an Insta-pot and 5 boxes of chocolate mint Girl Guide cookies,her favourite,which I ordered on line )

I totally get where HomeAgain123 is coming from! My kids are great at present buying but every Christmas my husband gets me the exact same jumper from John Lewis in a different colour and a brand of toiletries that I’ve told him time and time again don’t suit my skin! I spend ages trying to find him nice unusual gifts and experiences but he just allocates a quick hour to me up at John Lewis just before Christmas ?.
It’s the thought that’s supposed to count but when no thought goes into it, well, I’m like the OP I have to say and feel just a trifle hard done by!

Sounds a tad ungrateful, if your that bothered tell them.ln these difficult times tell them to save the money they would have spent, put it together and get what you want, when you can.

I never get birthday or xmas present from my son, would be delighted with either or both!