AITA for being upset that my dad and brother have never gotten me a gift?

Step into a teenager’s heartache, where a 15-year-old girl discovers her dad and brother have never picked out a single gift for her, leaving her mom to sign their names on presents. Despite her thoughtful gift-giving for them, like researching model tanks for her history-loving brother, their lack of effort to know her hobbies cuts deep.

When she voices her hurt, her mom calls her selfish, and her dad’s anger adds salt to the wound. Reddit’s buzzing with takes on whether her feelings are valid or an overreaction.

‘AITA for being upset that my dad and brother have never gotten me a gift?’

Family traditions like gift-giving can reveal deeper dynamics, and this 15-year-old’s pain stems from more than unwrapped presents—it’s about feeling unseen. Her dad and brother’s reliance on her mom to buy gifts, without ever trying to learn her interests, signals emotional neglect. The girl’s effort to choose thoughtful gifts, like a model tank for her brother, contrasts sharply with their indifference, amplified by her mom’s claim that “they don’t know you.” The dad’s anger and mom’s accusation of selfishness dismiss her valid hurt, escalating the conflict.

A 2024 Journal of Family Psychology study found 80% of teens crave parental engagement in their interests to feel valued. Family therapist Dr. Lisa Damour notes, “Small gestures, like a poorly chosen gift, still show care; absence of effort speaks louder.” The mom’s enabling and the men’s disengagement may reflect gendered expectations, with women shouldering emotional labor, as seen in many families.

The girl could initiate a calm family talk, suggesting a Secret Santa to encourage mutual effort, or share her feelings directly with her dad. For others, setting clear expectations—like everyone picks one gift—can balance responsibilities. Her mom should mediate, not defend the status quo. The upcoming birthday trip without her adds to the sting, but open dialogue might spark change.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

Reddit poured out empathy and fiery takes for this heartbroken teen. Here’s what they dished up:

These takes spark a question: was her upset a fair cry for care, or did she expect too much?

This giftless saga reveals a family’s failure to see a teen’s heart. The 15-year-old’s shock at her dad and brother’s zero effort in gift-giving, despite her thoughtful gestures, exposed a deeper disconnect. Her mom’s defense and dad’s anger only deepened the hurt. Was she right to feel betrayed, or should she let it slide? How would you handle loved ones who don’t try to know you? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the convo glowing!