When Cheapskate Relatives Demand $5 Gifts, One Redditor Serves Petty Justice on a Platter
Gift-Giving Grinches: How One Redditor Outsmarted Their Cheapskate Family
There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of unwrapping a holiday gift—unless, of course, you’re in a family where “generosity” is a dirty word. We’ve all been there: you put your heart (and maybe too much of your wallet) into picking out the perfect present, only to receive a pair of tube socks or a suspiciously regifted mug in return. But what if you could turn the tables and serve a steaming hot dish of petty justice with a side of tinsel?
That’s exactly what Reddit user u/Aexegi did, as captured in their wildly entertaining post on r/PettyRevenge: “Relatives getting gifts they asked for, but not happy.” Buckle up, because this tale of holiday shenanigans might just inspire your next family gathering strategy.
The Set-Up: When “It’s the Thought That Counts” Becomes the Law
Our story begins with a Redditor who—like many of us—used to spend time, effort, and money hunting for gifts that would light up their family members’ faces. But then, a group of relatives decided to rewrite the rules. According to u/Aexegi, these kinfolk started waxing poetic about how “gifts aren’t important,” insisting that the only thing that mattered was “family unity and attention”—and, conveniently, that no gift should cost more than five bucks. (Cue the world’s tiniest violin.)
Was this a heartfelt plea to focus on togetherness? Not so much. As u/Aexegi points out, these relatives weren’t exactly struggling financially. They just didn’t want to spend money on anyone else, even as they continued to receive thoughtful, higher-value gifts from the rest of the family. It’s a classic case of wanting to have your fruitcake and eat it too.
Petty Revenge, Wrapped and Ready
So, what’s a gift-giver to do when faced with such Scroogery? Take the high road, smile, and endure? Not on u/Aexegi’s watch.
The next Christmas, our hero hatched a plan: meticulously select utterly useless gifts costing less than five dollars—think dollar-store oddities requiring a full user’s manual—exclusively for the penny-pinching relatives. Meanwhile, everyone else still received their usual thoughtful presents.
The pièce de résistance? Presenting the cheapskate gifts with a straight face and a cheerful spiel: “As you asked, your gifts are under 5 bucks, but still very useful!” Each item came with an over-the-top explanation about its “value” and “utility” (because, let’s be honest, a rubber doorstop or a garlic peeler really shines with a little salesmanship).
The Results: Awkward Silence, Satisfied Smirks
The aftermath? Picture the faces of relatives forced to feign gratitude for a glow-in-the-dark shoelace or a plastic banana protector. As u/Aexegi gleefully reports, “You had to see the faces of those entitled crooks!” The unspoken message was clear: if you want to play the $5 game, be prepared to receive exactly what you asked for—plus a heaping helping of irony.
And the best part? The $5 gift rule mysteriously vanished from family lore. Sometimes, the only way to end a cheapskate standoff is with a well-timed dose of petty revenge.
Why This Story Resonates: The Power of Petty (When Used Responsibly)
Let’s face it: gift-giving politics can be a minefield. Most of us want to be generous, but no one enjoys being taken for granted. u/Aexegi’s tale is a masterclass in setting boundaries with humor and a dash of mischief. Instead of starting a family feud, they simply mirrored the behavior back—with a wink.
There’s a lesson here for everyone: sometimes, it’s okay to let your inner petty genius shine, especially when it means standing up for fairness. Plus, it’s proof that karma can, in fact, be gift-wrapped.
Conclusion: What’s Your Petty Gift-Giving Story?
Have you ever had to deal with a family member who took more than they gave—or found a creative way to handle a gift-giving grinch? Share your stories below! Let’s keep the spirit of clever, harmless revenge alive—one $5 banana slicer at a time.
And remember, friends: it’s not the price tag, it’s the principle. Happy gifting!
Original Reddit Post: Relatives getting gifts they asked for, but not happy