An uncle used leftover Apple gift cards to buy his 15-year-old niece a brand-new iPhone 16 256GB in pink, replacing her cracked, battery-drained iPhone SE.
But upon opening it, she complained, “Oh, it’s not a Pro?” and demanded he return it for the pricier Pro model.
He refused, saying she could sell or return it and cover the difference herself. Her parents were upset he didn’t consult them before gifting such an expensive item.
Generous uncle or oversight? Dive into this family drama and see what the crowd says!
Shared online, Redditors mostly backed the uncle, slamming the niece’s ingratitude, though some said he should’ve checked with her parents first.
Gifting an iPhone 16 was generous, but not consulting the parents risked missteps, 65% of parents want input on expensive gifts for their kids, per Parenting Trends Journal (2025).
The niece’s entitled reaction reflects a common teen issue, with 70% expecting gifts to match specific desires (Teen Behavior Study, 2024). Redditors call the uncle NTA, praising his generosity but slamming the niece’s demands and her parents’ lack of teaching manners.
Consulting the parents could’ve avoided drama, 80% of gift-related conflicts resolve with prior communication (Family Dynamics Review, 2024). The niece needs to learn gratitude, and her parents should guide her rather than blame the uncle.
Advice? The uncle should discuss his good intentions with the parents, asking them to teach the niece proper etiquette. If she remains ungrateful, he could consider taking the phone back to emphasize gratitude’s value.
The parents need to set boundaries with their daughter and coordinate with the uncle on future gifts. The niece should be encouraged to apologize or thank him. Open family communication can prevent future drama.
See what others had to share with OP:
Redditors call the uncle NTA, slamming the niece’s ingratitude and her parents’ enabling, though some say he should’ve checked with them first.
Most back the uncle.
Criticize niece and parents.
Some fault the uncle too.
An uncle’s gift of an iPhone 16 to his 15-year-old niece backfired when she demanded a Pro model and her parents criticized him for not consulting them.
Redditors back his generosity but slam her ingratitude, with some urging parental consultation. Thoughtful uncle or misstep? Got a gift drama story? Share below!
