How would you handle this?

DC has been wanting a much sought after and hard to get item for a couple of months. Not too expensive- about $20. DC's 3rd birthday was coming and family member inquired about what to get and DH said if they found said item, DC would be thrilled. Said item is not found for birthday that just passed. DC is super into the idea of the item and pretends about it everyday. We are still hunting to get said item. Another family member that is competitive with the other that is still looking for said item catches wind and lucks out finds it and orders it online without telling us beforehand. Tells us after the fact that it's ordered and will be given for Xmas.

Without sounding selfish, this is an item had it been found in time for recent birthday, that would have been fine to hold as a gift. Our intentions since it was not found, was to get it once we found it and just give it to DC since DC is so into it right now and would love having it. It's not something that we would have held off 4 months for Xmas since DC has been and is currently into it so much right now, that I would worry DC will be over it by then and would miss out on the excitement of the item that it holds for DC right now.

This family member tends to take things the wrong way and now is all excited about having found it. I don't know how to approach the situation without sounding selfish, unappreciative, insulting and without bursting family member's bubble. Had it been me asked originally I never would have suggested this as a gift for someone else, knowing fully our intentions of giving it to DC immediately.

This may not sound like a big deal, but in this instance with this particular family member it can be sticky and not so easy to handle. How would you handle this? Thanks

Re: How would you handle this?

Yipes.... I read this and sorry but I don't have a suggestion.

Re: How would you handle this?

I would tell them that you want to pay them back for the item, and want to give it to DC now as opposed to hold on to it for the holidays because of exactly what you wrote (excitement/still close enough to the birthday). I would even tell the person that you would be happy if they gave it to your DC but you want to pay them back. This way your kid is happy now and will be able to enjoy the toy. Depending upon how old your DC is DC might not even realize it was from X, Y, or Z.

I would not burst their bubble, I would just diffuse the situation. If they say that they want to hold on to it, I would say then I am going to still look for it and give it to him first so it is your choice what to do.

Re: How would you handle this?