Birthday Spend

PoGee

How much did you spend on son's 26th birthday? Their previous birthdays have been good, even though I was on a budget; I'd start keeping an eye out for bargains 6 months prior to the birthday so it was always a good one. Things are a lot easier now financially so can up the budget. Any ideas on what to get him other than the boring 'cash in a birthday card' option?

Sea_Shell

I think you probably know your son's likes and dislikes better than randoms on the internet.

The choice is myriad.   Abseiling to Zip-wiring.    Abba to ZZ Top.   Angola to Zambia.

Decide on a budget and stick to it.

Is 26 somehow relevant?

elsien

What does he like, what does he want, what is the budget?

theoretica

Also what does he need/where is he in life?  Does he have everything he needs?  Is his car on its last legs, or he is saving a house deposit and needs conveyancing fees?

PoGee

Sea_Shell said:

I think you probably know your son's likes and dislikes better than randoms on the internet.

The choice is myriad.   Abseiling to Zip-wiring.    Abba to ZZ Top.   Angola to Zambia.

Decide on a budget and stick to it.

Is 26 somehow relevant?

No 26 not relevant.

PoGee

elsien said:

What does he like, what does he want, what is the budget?

He likes clothing so will go for that. He semi moved out with his girlfriend last month so probably feeling empty nest syndrome.

PoGee

theoretica said:

Also what does he need/where is he in life?  Does he have everything he needs?  Is his car on its last legs, or he is saving a house deposit and needs conveyancing fees?

I had saved up enough for a house deposit for him but he wanted it to buy his dream car. Explained the importance of getting his own place so he's paying it back into his 'future house' account each month. The interest payments were too much if he took a loan out.

Sea_Shell

PoGee said:

theoretica said:

Also what does he need/where is he in life?  Does he have everything he needs?  Is his car on its last legs, or he is saving a house deposit and needs conveyancing fees?

I had saved up enough for a house deposit for him but he wanted it to buy his dream car. Explained the importance of getting his own place so he's paying it back into his 'future house' account each month. The interest payments were too much if he took a loan out.

The shortsightedness of youth! 😉

How much had he saved of his own money towards this "dream car" as opposed to just "a" car, that would do the job.

PoGee

He bought a cheap one himself. It got bashed about a fair bit so hopefully the boy racer in him has had its fill, fingers crossed and he'll be careful with the new one.
Took your advice Sea_Shell and I've booked him and his gal in for clay pigeon shooting and a meal after. Clothing and a small amount of cash in a card, and that's the gift buying all done. Phew... 

theoretica

PoGee said:

theoretica said:

Also what does he need/where is he in life?  Does he have everything he needs?  Is his car on its last legs, or he is saving a house deposit and needs conveyancing fees?

I had saved up enough for a house deposit for him but he wanted it to buy his dream car. Explained the importance of getting his own place so he's paying it back into his 'future house' account each month. The interest payments were too much if he took a loan out.

So one option is giving him money into that account/off that debt, rather than in the card for spending.

_Penny_Dreadful

Is he still living in your home?  If so then a suitcase to help him move out and the grand old age of 26 especially when you've saved the deposit for him.