It’s one thing if she had asked for it, but she clearly didn’t.

Everyone feels differently about gift-giving, and people often have varying opinions about it depending on the occasion and who is giving the gift. I’m sure a dad wouldn’t feel offended if his 11-year-old got him a generic «#1 Dad» mug for Christmas that she picked out herself, even if her mom could’ve swayed her to get something more to his liking. However, if his wife gave him that gift for their 20th wedding anniversary, he wouldn’t be out of line for feeling like she could’ve done better.

It’s a good rule of thumb not to get a housewife cleaning supplies for her birthday or Christmas. It’s already difficult enough feeling like the only value you bring to your family is cooking or cleaning, but receiving cooking and cleaning supplies as a gift nearly confirms that that’s all they see you as.

Being a bad gift-giver does not make you a bad friend, partner, or family member. However, failing to put effort into gift-giving for significant milestone events, such as an important wedding anniversary or a milestone birthday, does not reflect positively upon you.