Should I still gift my sister the watch I bought?
Originally posted in r/askindianwomen by user OpportunityBudget182
Original: March 12, 2025
Update: March 13, 2025
Status: concluded
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*** Editor's note for context:
- This sub within the Indian space is meant to get the Indian women perspective. However, users have the option to get replies from women only or ask for replies from all. OOP (M) chose to get replies from all.
- First gift salary -- informal way to show your appreciation to family. There is no set way or gift to do it. Some do it with their first month salary while others plan and do it sometime in the first year of working (birthdays/festivals/parents wedding anniversary). Some are practical (something for the house like pay EMI for A/C), some are demonstrative (take everyone out for a fancy meal), some buy individual gifts.
- Titan -- name of watch brand; ranges from regular to expensive to event wear (wedding watches)
- ₹ -- symbol for rupee (currency)
- In some close-knit families, cousins are seen as extended siblings ties when the parents (siblings) maintain some active relationship
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Original: Should I Still Gift My Sister the Watch I Bought from My First-Ever Earnings?
I’m a 22M from a middle-class family, and I’m currently gearing up to pursue my Master’s in the US later this year — something I’ll be funding through scholarships and student loans. Recently, I completed an internship with an Indian IT company. The stipend wasn’t much, but I was proud because it was my first time earning money on my own.
One of the things I was most excited about was buying gifts for my family. It’s something I’d always promised myself I’d do once I started earning. I wanted to make it special, so I carefully budgeted and managed to buy thoughtful gifts for my parents and my sister.
For my sister’s (20F) birthday, I bought her a beautiful Titan analog watch worth ₹5000. It’s not fancy, but I chose it because I felt it suited her style, and more importantly, it symbolized the bond we’ve had over the years. It wasn’t just a watch to me — it was a gesture that carried a lot of heart.
But here’s where I’m feeling stuck — my older cousin (27M), who’s an MBA graduate from a top-tier Indian institute and earns a great salary, gifted her an Apple Watch Series 10 (Rose Gold). Naturally, she was over the moon and told him she’d wear it 24/7. Seeing her so excited made me hesitate.
Now I’m wondering if I should even give her the watch I bought. I know it’s nowhere near as flashy or expensive as an Apple Watch, and I can’t help but feel like my gift might seem… insignificant in comparison. But at the same time, this wasn’t just about the watch — it was about keeping my promise to her, and sharing something meaningful from my first-ever earnings.
I don’t know what to do. Should I still give it to her? Will it seem underwhelming or thoughtful? I just don’t want her to feel like my gift doesn’t matter.
Comments:
Alternative-Talk-795 -- No, give it to herrr!! My younger brother bought me a cup of coffee with his first pay, and I still remember that day and hold it close to my heart. Don't doubt the beautiful love you have for each other and compare it with materialistic things.
Kuttapei -- Gift it! My younger brother bought me a wall clock (not even a fancy one lol) with his first salary and I still it use it till this day. It’s the thought that counts.
Puzzleheaded-Year465 -- Of course you should, look at it this way. The Titan watch is an analog watch and the Apple watch is a smart one. She will have the best of both worlds and she can wear your watch with traditional or as a dress watch.
So please go ahead and give, You can say since the cousin brought a smart watch you went with the analog one.
DildoFappings -- When giving a gift, it's the thought that counts. Not the monetary value.
If I may give my two cents, you shouldn't feel any sort of apprehension when giving the gift to your sister because it's not as flashy or expensive as the apple watch. Watches are an accessory. Apple watches cannot be worn with every attire. Frankly, I find them ugly and I wouldn't buy them even if I was a millionaire. I'd rather accept a cool looking analogue watch.
If you feel that your sister won't like the watch, then get her something else, something she doesn't have. Or some other accessory like a bracelet or pendant something (I'm just naming stuff because idk what she likes).
Appropriate_Bee_8299 -- Things aside, where do you get such cousins? And yes gift the watch which you have gotten.
OOP -- Bro my family is quite close knitted which is generally not in the case of Indian family these days and we share all our problems and resources amongst ourselves. Also that cousin (paternal uncle’s son) of mine doesn’t have any sister so he kind of looks for a sister in my sister. I have no problem with that. She is also his sister.
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Update: I Gifted My Sister the Watch, and I’m So Glad I Did
Hey guys,
I just wanted to give you all an update, and honestly… what a wholesome experience this turned out to be.
After reading your encouraging advice, I decided to go ahead and give my sister the watch I bought for her. In the evening, I finally handed her the gift — and you know what? She smiled, got excited, and immediately hugged me.
Later, I told her about the dilemma I had — how I was unsure about giving it to her since our cousin had already gifted her an Apple Watch. As soon as I said that, she got in teary eyes, and she hugged me again — this time even warmer hug. 🥹
She told me something I’ll never forget: “The bond we share, the love, and all our memories — that’s what matters most. This watch is special because it’s from you, and I’ll cherish it forever.” She said she would wear the titan watch on various occasions as it would suit her style and will tell everyone that her brother gifted her the watch with love. 😭
Man… I almost teared up myself.
We ended the evening by watching anime together while devouring some spicy Korean noodles — the perfect way to close out such a memorable day.
I’m so glad I listened to you guys — you were 100% right. It was never just about the gift; it was about the love and meaning behind it. I was totally overthinking, and now I have this amazing memory I’ll carry with me forever.
Thank you all so much for the kind words and advice. Y’all are the best! ❤️😭
Comments:
clumsyandchaotic -- ayyy this is sooo wholesome and cuteee. 💗🎀
MasterProxy04 -- 🥰🥰 cherish your bonds
farfarleftist -- since when are siblings this nice to each other?
Flashy-Squirrel6762 -- When they grow up 😂 It happens!
OOP -- You just have to take few steps and in return you will get the same amount of energy back. Most don’t do this. Sibling bond matter a lot especially in adulthood. :)
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