I was gifted a used LV bag from my FMIL. It's original I'm assuming and I didn't want to hurt her feelings so I didn't say no, but I will never use it. Should I have just said so in case she wants it back? It's not my style and I don't understand why she'd give me a used scratched bag...

Should I tell my fiance? Or just keep it to the side? What do I say when she asks why I'm not using it?

I would try to find a way to use it out of respect for her.

It’s LV and leather. If it has scratches, you can take to a leather shop & get it conditioned/repaired for a fraction of a new bag. Take it in for repair and then see if you feel differently about it

Read an etiquette book. Express appreciation that your future MIL thought enough to give you an item she deemed precious.

Bring it to thanksgiving dinner.

My first designer bag I bought for myself is a Louis Vuitton Speedy when I was 25. I don’t use it anymore but I’m saving it for my future daughter (or if I don’t have a daughter, DIL!). As someone who is into designer bags, they do hold a place in your heart so I think her passing them down to you is a very kind gesture. They do hold their value so a used bag isn’t like getting used towels or something lol.

That’s a tough spot. I think you made the right choice in accepting it graciously. I recommend keeping it to the side and keep your reaction to yourself, as hard as that is. Most probable outcome is that neither of them will ask about it… outta sight outta mind. I received a similar item, a necklace, and it’s been years since I received it. Never asked about it. Good luck!

I will take it.

Without knowing the context of how she acts in other situations or more just generally towards you, this seems harmless if it was just an out of nowhere gift with no strings attached. Used or not, I think a lot of women would be happy to be given such a gift and probably best just to accept graciously even if you never plan on using. If, however, you feel like the gift wasn’t well intentioned (with valid reasoning other than “she’s rich so she could afford a nicer and not used gift”) then it could be worth bringing up with your fiancé because when your marry him you’re signing up to deal with this woman on a pretty regular basis and any tension now will probably only compound the more time you spend together

Maybe she gave it to you because it still has (in her eyes) significant monetary value. Maybe her mom did this for her when she was younger and couldn’t afford $$$ bags. Maybe her own daughter/sister/niece appreciates these hand-me-downs and she thinks she is treating you like family by giving them to you. Unless you have reason to believe she is slighting you, try not the take it as an insult! My MIL used to buy me clothing from the juniors department at department stores because this is where she shopped for herself. She is very petite; I’m not. I’d wear (or try to wear) each item once then into the Goodwill pile it went!

I will take it!

Thanks chatgpt lol. You should appreciate her passing it down on you. It means she really likes you. Spend time appreciating her and not think about why you don’t like it. 🤣😆

Why Luxury Bags Are Passed Down as Heirlooms:
1. Timeless Design & Craftsmanship
• Bags like the Chanel Classic Flap or Hermès Birkin/Kelly are made to last, often handcrafted with exceptional materials.
• Their styles rarely go out of fashion.
2. High Resale and Appreciation Value
• Some bags even appreciate in value over time, especially limited editions or rare colors/materials.
• They can serve as both fashion pieces and investments.
3. Emotional & Personal Significance
• Gifting a beloved bag to a daughter or granddaughter becomes a symbol of connection, strength, or success.
• Some bags are tied to milestone moments—first promotion, wedding, etc.
4. Legacy of Taste and Identity
• For some families, especially those with strong cultural traditions, passing down meaningful items reflects values and legacy.

I don’t see nothing wrong with this except a Kind gesture toward you. She is old money. Some people pass a belonging to generations maybe she did not know your personality well enough. Would you have had better opinions on what to receive? Maybe you can kindly communicate that to your fiance.
I got all sort of old jewelery from my boyfriends Mom and I always appreciated it because thats what she could offer. Sometimes it is the thought that counts. To me if she was giving me something out of her budget I would be just carrying guilt.

Used LV bags are still very much in demand

After all this, may we please have a picture of the bag? 😄 🙏 Maybe you can send it in to a professional & have the color updated to something you’d enjoy? A good leather worker can make it look brand new. And your MIL might appreciate the effort you put into restoring it?