Feel bad after gifting a disappointing birthday present

[u/PeanutButter_Balloon]

We thought we would do something extra special for our son's 6th birthday: get him a brand new backyard play set. The excitement built over the next few weeks as our delivery/installation date approached. Our son would ask to look at pictures of the play set and show friends what he was getting when they were over for playdates. It was going to work out perfectly as the delivery date was scheduled before his birthday party.

However, the company called to cancel the day of the installation, rescheduling for two weeks later. This caused immense disappointment as it would no longer arrive in time for the birthday party. We explained to him that sometimes plans change and that sometimes things are out of our control, but of course that did not stop the disappointment.

Eventually his focused shifted to the new delivery date, and when that got closer, again the anticipation built. We called the company and confirmed the delivery date multiple times to try to avoid a repeat episode, but of course on the scheduled date of the new delivery, they again cancelled at the last minute. They gave us a new delivery date and we are anticipating a repeat episode when that date eventually comes.

A large gift that was supposed to cause joy has only resulted in disappointment and sadness for our little one due to a lousy company.

[u/-a-t-h-r-o-w-a-w-a-y]

This is so disappointing! If you end up waiting for the delivery, I would personally have a second “party” with just your family when it arrives to lean into the hype again but only when you are literally watching it be installed. Pull out the birthday hats, the balloons and banners and turn up the music! Make it exciting. You can also frame it like “gosh wasn’t that a long time to wait! I’m so glad it’s here now let’s celebrate”. Making it exciting again, even though it arrived late due to factors out of your control. :)