not to buy overpriced champagne for parents on cruise.

[NuclearFreeZone]

So my parents are off round the world on one of them floating office blocks for the next 4 months. It's costing a fortune but they've worked hard, it's their money, etc My idea of living hell but they love it.

The parents love a grand gesture so massive cards rather than handmade, M&S flowers (leave the label on) rather than some from garden. It's Dad's birthday while they are away.

I'm still in a tricky teenage I'm 44 stage; rejecting their values and choices so what should I do:

a) send nice email message, picture of grand kids, e-mail card
b) purchase at enormous mark up bottle of wine/champagne for ship to deliver on day.

a) is what I'd rather do
b) is what they'd prefer (we could afford without hardship but we drive old cars, make a MN chicken last three meals, UK camping hols, etc)

votes/ideas please.

[Goingtobeawesome]

They are all about the status they think b brings while missing out on the joy of a...

[wannabestressfree]

Grit your teeth and do the champers.....

[LaurieFairyCake]

I'd go with a - they can afford their own
champagne on their 4 month holiday

But I hate overpaying for shit like that. I'd take them out when they get back.

[TheSecondViola]

A.

[mamapants]

If I knew something my dad would really like to receive for his birthday then that's what I'd get him, that's kind of the point of gift giving isn't it

[Strictlyobsessed]

I'd go for the thing they like, one day they won't be here and why not make them happy? We all think our parents are invincible , one day we realise they are not.

[EnriqueTheRingBearingLizard]

Is it a special birthday?

and more importantly, what's your ideal budget?

[landrover]

Deffo champers, its a lovely thought xxx

[Lightbulbon]

How much are you actually talking about?

Is there no in between option?

A is a bit stingy

[MrsCrabb]

My parents are great, do loads for us and if I knew of something dad would love for his birthday, I'd get that (almost) no matter what the cost

However, my parents would really hate the think I'd spent out on overpriced champagne for them, so I don't know what the answer is here

[NanFlanders]

If that's what they'd like, that's what I'd go for. Got my e'd some heelies for Xmas - wouldn't want a pair myself!

[expatinscotland]

A

[ImperialBlether]

A gift is for them. If a grand gesture of a bottle of champagne would make them happy and if you can afford it, then just do it.

[Industrialhelicopter]

What cruise line are they on? It is usually quite reasonably priced, more that a supermarket but much much less than a restaurant in the UK.

[TrappedInAWitchesCurse]

Do both! Lovely though an email from the grandkids is, it's not really a present... I wouldn't be bothered about not getting a birthday present in the middle of my fancy holiday, but it sounds like your Dad would be so why not splash out to make him happy?
Or can you wrap something up and give it to your mum to give to him on his birthday?

[MoMoTy]

A) is what you normally do so a bit tight to use that as their gift
B) could you get them something less expensive and some chocolates ?

[Shutthatdoor]

If I knew something my dad would really like to receive for his birthday then that's what I'd get him, that's kind of the point of gift giving isn't it

^ this

[Industrialhelicopter]

Plus- if they are in a suite they will get given one at sail away anyway

[Katinthebag]

Why not do both. A costs nothing and is personal and b is what they'd like

[HermioneWeasley]

Agree - both. Do you only ever give gifts you approve of or to people who couldn't otherwise afford it?

[jusdepamplemousse]

Honestly just get them the champagne. They'll love it and isn't that what gift giving is about? Bearing in mind you say you can afford it and it doesn't sound like you often spoil them often or anything I think it would be a good thing to do.

If for some reason you can't bring yourself to do it at least get your poor dad something half decent! An email?! Really?!!

[londonrach]

Both!!!

[BrianButterfield]

You can afford it, they'd like it and it's super easy to do? It's a no-brainer!

[ItsANewDayToday]

I think I'd do the champagne unless I couldn't afford it. It's a 'waste' but if they would like it then I'd get it for them.

[ghostyslovesheep]

yup I agree with Brian - just buy the fizz