I have an opportunity to get something free that I don't want

[RunningStrong]

The cost to buy it is £80. It's a perk with a membership I have.

I don't want it, would never use it, so wasn't planning to redeem it. A friend has said his son would like it. Fine, he can have it afaik.

Friend is insisting son (21yo working FT) should pay "something".

I don't want the money, it doesn't feel right to make money from a free offer or to take money from the young man for something that didn't cost me anything and am planning to say, if he insists, it should go to charity. What is a reasonable sum?

Just ask him to buy you a bottle of wine in return.

£0.
You didn't want it and don't want the money for it, instead you are happy to gift it to another adult. The adult's parent is bonkers by insisting they pay for it.

It’s lovely to do nice things for people when you can, just say that. If they start insisting, just say, do something nice for someone else sometime :)

20 pounds? I agree, I wouldn’t want anything for it either. He is only 21 so he is unlikely to be on a very high wage. Sometimes it is nice to just have a surprise fall into your lap at that age. I know I appreciated it greatly at that time in life.

I usually just say to get something for the food bank next time they shop

If he insists just tell him to put the money aside and pay it forward to someone who needs it.

I’d have the young chap pay you back in the future when you need some help such as moving some thing heavy.

£20 you can donate to MIND.

Get him to do you a favour relating to his skills.
I got a free ring doorbell from the utilities sign up, we don't need it so I gave it to a mates son who put me a replacement outside tap on in return.
You don't want or need cash, a favour will keep in the bank.

£20 to charity.

I wouldn't take money for it, no. Equally I wouldn't threaten to give it to charity so he misses out, based on his mother insisting he pays.

Can you not just be firm and be clear that you're pleased there is a use for it because otherwise it would be disposed of, absolutely won't be taking money for it, would like it to be a gift.

If I were the 21 year old I'd rather just buy my own than there be all this awkward faffing over a free gift (not your fault OP).

Agree you should be allowed not to take any money. I'm sure your friend's intentions are good but it's not really her business!!

It's not the "thing" that will go to charity. The lad can have it, his Dad wants him to pay, so I've said if they really want to they should give the cash to charity.

I've told people to "pay it forward" in similar circumstances (tho smaller amounts). So at some point in the future, he passes on something to sone echo would appreciate it.

I couldn't be bothered with that.
I would give him the freebie and walk away let them sort it out between them.

@ParkheadParadise

I couldn't be bothered with that. I would give him the freebie and walk away let them sort it out between them.

Yes, that's what I plan to do. It's a gift, if they feel the need, make a donation.

can he mow your lawn?
wash your car?

or a bottle of wine?