I’m 22F and I’ve been with my partner for nearly a decade, so this isn’t a super new relationship. One of their parent’s birthday falls around Mother’s Day, and since they’ve always been kind to me, I wanted to get them something thoughtful.
I bought a jewelry gift that was a little over $200 after tax because I’ve noticed they like dressing up and wearing accessories when going out. I also picked it in their birthstone color, so it felt more personal and intentional rather than just buying something random.
When my mom found out how much I spent, she got upset and said I was being impulsive and spending too much on someone else’s parent. She thinks I should’ve just gone with flowers or a plant instead. I think part of her concern is that she worries I’m trying too hard to gain approval from my partner’s family, but honestly that’s not my intention at all. Gift giving is just naturally how I show appreciation to people I care about.
For context, I bought it with my own money and I also got my own mom Hoka shoes for Mother’s Day that were around the same price because she works in healthcare and is on her feet all day, so I definitely don’t overlook my own family. I currently work multiple jobs while still living at home, so I have a bit more flexibility financially right now than I probably will later in life with bigger responsibilities.
My partner thought the necklace was beautiful too, although he did mention that his mom can be picky with gifts in general, which is probably why I’ve been overthinking everything now 😭 This is also my first time really being able to afford giving nicer gifts as an adult, so I think I got excited about wanting to do something meaningful for the people around me.
Now I’m second guessing myself and wondering if I unintentionally overdid it. Would you keep the gift or return it? I’d genuinely appreciate honest opinions.