I agree with SadieKate that that basket would look cute on the right kind of bike, though it's obviously not right for your sleek Rambouillet (well, obvious to us, but not to your brother, I guess). I have a metal mesh basket on the front of my neighborhood cruiser, and it's very handy.

I also agree that your basket would make a nice little piece of bike-related home decor as an alternative. Using it that way might also help you feel a little empowered against the control-freakiness of your bro, since you'd be taking his initially irritating gift and turning it into something useful and cool in your own way.