'My neighbour's child won't stop giving me gifts - I hate it'

03 September 2023 , 08:12

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The mum has been left furious (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

One of the best feelings is to receive a gift when we least expect it. Some people prefer a thoughtful present that holds sentimental meaning while others appreciate practical gifts - such as a household staple, a laptop, or a clothing item. It can even be more special when a present from a loved one or a close colleague at work.

Whether it's at Christmas, birthdays, or on special occasions such as wedding anniversaries, Mother's Day, and Father's Day - we all want to receive a gift to know we're appreciated. However, as surprising as it may sound, not everyone is keen on the custom.

One woman has said she found it "annoying" when she received a number of small gifts from her neighbour's daughter. Speaking in a post to mumsnet, she said: "During lockdown, my neighbour's daughter who would have been around 6 at the time started posting hand-drawn pictures through my door. Sweet, ok she's a little kid. Became annoying when it was 4/5 pictures per day, I have three children of my own, and more than enough of their artwork cluttering up my house."

She continued: "After pictures it became stories and poems, stickers, little chew bars, random little Peppa Pig figures, Kinder egg toys, pencils etc. It's relentless and it's at least five times a week I come home to a pile of junk waiting for me. It's very stressful as my dog can and will eat anything so I'm having to restrict his access to the house when I'm out."

But after putting up with it for weeks, the stressed mum said she was left with no choice but to confront her neighbour and address the issue in a "polite way." However, her plan backfired and the problem continued. She expressed: "She now blanks me and it stopped for a grand total of three days. I've come home from a theme park today to a poster of Harry Styles screwed up and posted."

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Sharing their advice on the situation, one user on the parenting platform suggested: "Can you post it back through her letterbox? Maybe if the mum has to put up with it too she'll realise how annoying it is and stop her daughter." Whilst another said: "You need to catch her at it. Open the door and say very clearly, 'No thank you, dear. It's very kind of you but my dog will eat them and then he will die. You wouldn't want the dog to die would you?'"

Ayaan Ali