Did I mess up this present and does it matter?

[JohnSmithDrive]

I got DS1 and his GF vouchers for an entertainment venue. Enough for two tickets for a weekend performance, or more during the week. I got vouchers so they can choose their own date, which can be booked at short notice.

For DS2 I got two tickets for a show he wanted to see, which he had mentioned last time we went to the theatre together. The cost of one ticket is roughly the same as DS1's vouchers and I naively assumed I would use the other ticket, so the 2nd ticket wasn't really a present for DS2 iyswim.

DS2 has asked someone else to go! which is fine, good, he doesn't socialise much, lockdown confined to his room wfh for more than a year was very much his comfort zone, so this is a very good thing.

However, it means DS2 had twice the value to DS1 and I was already a bit concerned that DS1's present was shared with GF.

They both had some other bits too.

I'm over thinking aren't I? I doubt DS1 will care, but I wondered if I should give him some money towards dinner while they're out?

I think you're over thinking and also you were very naive that DS2 would give you the spare ticket - if a gift is one ticket, give one ticket. I'm sure DS1 is happy with his gift.

I didn't think DS2 would have anyone to ask. I'm delighted that he has, his lack of social life and hermit like behaviour has been quite a worry.

That's lovely - stop worrying

We have 2 children , now both adults and I can’t think of any year where presents were of an equal value , we figure it equals out over time . Provided they both end up with something they are happy with it’s never been an issue here . You are over thinking it .

I think I would have worded DS2s gift as "I'm taking you to see...." or "we are going to see.." , giving two tickets does sort of imply that you can choose a guest. I wouldn't worry about it now though, after the event.

I imagine given you are buying them theatre tickets these are not under 12s. Anyone over 12 should be grown up enough to not be analysing who got more then who for Christmas.

If you can afford it easily then yes I would probably pay for their dinner too. If not I wouldn’t worry about it.

I think, as the gift of vouchers to your son was actually a joint got for him and his gf, then I also would have given them vouchers for a restaurant nearby the venue.

But, it doesnt sound like your son has complained? The gifts were both still very generous and thought out to ensure it was something they would each enjoy. I'm sure they're both happy!