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When Your Boyfriend Takes Back the Gifts: What It Really Says About Him

Unpacking the deeper meaning behind gift retraction in relationships and how to move forward with confidence and clarity.

By Milan MilicPublished 10 months ago 5 min read

He Took Back the Gifts—Now What?

Imagine this: You're now out of a warmed breakup, tissues scattered around, mascara smeared, and after that bam!—you see your ex appearing up (or texting) inquiring about the necklace he gave you for Christmas. Seriously? It's like a plot bent from a cleanser musical drama no one inquired about. But here's the thing—when your boyfriend takes back gifts, it's more than fair, ungainly, or unimportant. It's a ruddy hail waving at full speed, telling you something much more profound about the relationship you just cleared out.

Let's talk about almost why a few folks do this, what it implies, and how you ought to react. Believe me, in case this has happened to you (or somebody you know), you're not alone—and you do not need to bargain with it in quiet.

Why Would He Take Back the Gifts?

Let’s be real for a second.Gifts in a relationship are supposed to be, well, gifts. As in, no strings attached, freely given expressions of love or appreciation. But when a guy takes them back, it starts to look more like a transaction than a heartfelt gesture.

Here are some common (and eye-roll-worthy) reasons he might snatch those presents back:

1. Control, Baby, Control

Taking back a gift post-breakup is regularly less around the protest and more almost controlled. It's like he's attempting to reassert control over you—even after you're done. Think of it like a dog checking its domain one final time. Gross, but accurate.

2. Emotional Immaturity

On the off chance that he's sincerely still in 7th review, do not be astounded when he acts like it. Withdrawing gifts is regularly a knee-jerk response from somebody who doesn't know how to handle harm or dismissal soundly.

3. He Regrets the Investment

Some guys treat relationships like a stock portfolio. They “invest” their time, effort, and money—and if it doesn’t pay off, they want a refund. News flash: relationships aren't vending machines. You can’t insert effort and expect guaranteed returns.

4. Spite and Pettiness

Yep, sometimes it’s just plain old bitterness. He’s mad, maybe even humiliated, and wants to hit where it hurts. What better way (in his mind) than to snatch away the necklace, hoodie, or iPad he gave you?

What It Says About Him

Let’s zoom out for a second. Taking back gifts isn’t just tacky—it says a lot about his character. Let’s break it down:

  • He never really gave you those gifts with a full heart. If he did, he wouldn’t be asking for them back.

  • He sees relationships as contracts, not connections.

  • He lacks emotional maturity and doesn’t know how to let go with grace.

  • He’s using gifts as leverage, not love.

Honestly? That kind of energy is exactly what you don’t need in your life.

How You Should Handle It Like the Queen You Are

So, what now? Should you return the gifts or keep them with pride?

1. Check the Type of Gift

If it was something personal and meaningful—like a handwritten letter or a handmade painting—keep it or toss it, but don’t return it. It was given in love (allegedly).

If it’s something expensive and he’s threatening legal action (yes, some do this), it may not be worth the drama. Sometimes peace of mind is worth more than a pair of earrings.

2. Set Boundaries

Whether it's through a text, phone call, or mutual friend, make it clear: “A gift is a gift. If you're taking it back, that says more about you than me.” Simple. Straightforward. Classy.

3. Don’t Let It Shake Your Worth

You are not the value of the things he gave or took. Your worth isn’t measured in bracelets or handbags. You brought love, energy, and care into the relationship—and that’s priceless.

Analogies Time: Think About This...

Returning gifts post-breakup is like ripping flowers out of a garden because they’re no longer blooming. Just because a season ends doesn’t mean the beauty never existed.

Or imagine baking someone a cake and then demanding they regurgitate it because the dinner party ended early. Yeah. That ridiculous.

Let’s Talk About Those Red Flags 🚩

In case this moment of “gift-snatching” wasn’t enough of a signal, here are a few other toxic relationship signs you should watch for:

  • He kept score of everything he gave you—emotionally or materially.

  • He often reminded you of “how much he’s done for you.”

  • He used money or gifts to control your choices.

  • He made you feel guilty for receiving anything.

If these sound familiar, babe, he was never your safe space. He was a storm disguised as shelter.

But What If You’re Feeling Guilty?

This part’s important: You don’t owe him anything just because he spent money on you. The relationship was mutual. You gave your time, your energy, your trust—and maybe even your love. That’s not free either.

Let’s flip the script: if the roles were reversed, would you show up asking for the stuff you gave him? Probably not. Because you’re not built like that. So don’t feel guilty about refusing to stoop to his level.

Empowerment Over Everything

This is your glow-up era. You’re learning, healing, and discovering what love should and shouldn’t feel like. And if one of those lessons came wrapped in the awkward mess of a taken-back gift? So be it. That gift wasn't worth your peace anyway.

You deserve someone who gives from the heart and never takes love back when things get tough.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Gift Define the Breakup

Breakups are hard enough without someone trying to “invoice” you for the memories. If your ex took back gifts, let it be the final confirmation that walking away was the right move. That behavior isn’t love—it’s control, ego, and insecurity all wrapped in one.

So, whether he took back a ring, a purse, or even that favorite hoodie you always wore to bed—just know that he may have taken back the gift, but he didn’t take your power.

Hold your head high, queen. You’re moving on, gift or no gift.

#BreakupRecovery #ToxicRelationships #RelationshipAdvice #RedFlagsInRelationships #SelfLoveJourney #EmotionalHealing #KnowYourWorth #MoveOnWithGrace #SelfEmpowerment #ExBoyfriendDrama #LettingGoOfToxicity #HealingHeart #PostBreakupGlowUp #RelationshipRedFlags #BreakupSupport

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About the Creator

Milan Milic

Hi, I’m Milan. I write about love, fear, money, and everything in between — wherever inspiration goes. My brain doesn’t stick to one genre.

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