# Brother Requests Expensive Gift for Niece

> Brother asks for help buying niece an iPhone despite family objections.
- Title: Brother Requests Expensive Gift for Niece · Slate Magazine
- Summary: Brother asks for help buying niece an iPhone despite family objections. A brother can buy his niece an iPhone without legal consequences if he avoids…
- Keywords: bree, ross, zindy, iphone, niece, family feud, parenting advice, Slate Magazine
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/11/parenting-advice-expensive-niece-gift-spite.html?via=rss
- Author: Nicole Chung
- Published: 2026-11-04T18:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bree, ross, zindy, iphone, niece, family feud, parenting advice
## Brother's Gift Request
My brother Ross wants me to buy his 11-year-old niece Bree an iPhone for Christmas.
## Family Objection
My sister-in-law Zindy opposes Bree getting a phone until high school age.
## Brother's Motivation
Ross believes buying the iPhone for Bree is a workaround to bypass Zindy's restrictions.
## Personal Conflict
I dislike Zindy's treatment of people and am considering helping Ross despite family tensions.
## Expert Advice
Slate's parenting expert warns against getting involved in family disputes over gifts.
## Key takeaway

A brother can buy his niece an iPhone without legal consequences if he avoids escalating family conflict.