Giving money to family......was this the right thing to do by MIL?

[black_rose]

You don't get a gift back. Don't give something away you can't afford to lose.

Agree with TFB, tofu if you couldn't afford it you shouldn't have given her the money that you have said yourself was a gift. If it was a loan then that is different.

[little_O]

A gift is a gift.

She is free to do as she likes with it. I understand your frustration though if you thought it would be a bonus now your circumstances changed. Think of it now that whilst maybe not super necessary you have helped those kids have an opportunity they never would have before.

I also find it strange though she would have told you she was giving it back and then changing her mind...but I forget not everyone says what they mean or sticks to their word.

[Tinks]

The money was hers to do what she liked with really. If she wanted to buy the kids $100 worth of mixed lollies with it, she could. If you wanted the $100 spent on something specific, you should have either bought the clothes and given them as a gift or gift cards for a clothing store.

[tofu]

The money was hers to do what she liked with really. If she wanted to buy the kids $100 worth of mixed lollies with it, she could. If you wanted the $100 spent on something specific, you should have either bought the clothes and given them as a gift or gift cards for a clothing store.

No. not at all. The money was given to her to buy clothing for children. If she bought lollies I would come down heavy upon her. The money was to be put to use not abuse. Sorry I don't agree. We are not a bank and money is given for the right reasons.