Our relationship has become toxic. She has taken back numerous birthday and Christmas gifts she has given me over the last 4 years, claiming that because she bought them and has receipts to prove it, they are hers. She has already taken, and hidden/locked them away, although we live in the same house. I gave her cost-comparable gifts, but I'm not obsessive about saving receipts as she is, so I can't effectively retaliate.

Can she legally reclaim gifts? The "youngest" item she took back was given over 9 months ago.

Generally gifts cannot be taken back. Some exceptions would be gifts contingent on a further relationship like an engagement ring. But if she gave you an iPod its yours. Especially things that are clearly for you, like clothes.

But you would have to prove, in court, they were given as gifts.

I agree with Scott. However, something to think about: these are just things. Is it worth it to you to stay involved with your girlfriend in order to get them back, or are you better off in the long run just walking away from it all and getting her out of your life?

Believe me, the relationship is permanently over. Trouble is, joint house ownership, and occupancy, complicates the separation.

I have no intention of staying with her merely to get the gifts back, or for any other reason, but her actions seem particularly vindictive, particularly since she has not offered to reciprocate by returning the gifts I gave her.