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Original poster

Is just money an awful present for 16th?

40 replies

lurchersforlife · 05/03/2023 15:49

DS is about to turn 16 and is adamant he doesn't want anything as he has everything he needs. I can usually think of small-medium presents he'd like but I can't this time. He isn't interested in 'stuff' for the sake of it and I don't want to waste money. Last year I took him to the theatre but we have been several times over the last year and he's busy revising so I don't think it would be much of a treat at this point. He isn't interested in clothes.

He probably needs a few bits and pieces for the sport he does but that doesn't feel special as he would obviously get that anyway if it wasn't his birthday. I can't even get sweets/chocolate as he's just had braces fitted.

He also doesn't want a party/to do anything with friends - he has plenty of them and likes going to things they organise but not keen on being the host!

I don't know - I think it will feel really flat if I just do a transfer but I really can't think of anything...

OP posts:
Snailsaresweet · 05/03/2023 17:50

I got to a point with my nephews about that age where I offered them the choice - is there anything they want, and if not, was money/vouchers ok? They nearly always went for the cash!

bamboonights · 05/03/2023 18:02

U1sce · 05/03/2023 17:39

Dont get hung up on what you think they 'should' get - go with what he actually wants!! Money in a card is always wanted my tweens and teens I think

This.

Jellybean23 · 05/03/2023 18:03

I agree, don't have strings attached to the money for 'worthier' spends. If you can't squander birthday money at 16, when can you?

watcherintherye · 05/03/2023 18:04

If you do it before he’s actually 16, you could set up a Premium Bond account for him (starts at £25, I think). Maybe a bit more special than just transferring or giving money, with the bonus of potentially winning big! If he decides he’d rather have the money to spend, he can always withdraw it (they take charge of the a/c once they’re 16).

caringcarer · 05/03/2023 18:06

Teens love money. Get him a birthday cake too. He can spend it later on when he wants something.

Sugarfish · 05/03/2023 18:21

Just get him money, I was the same at that age. Then he can buy things he actually likes instead of something he’ll never use and will sit gathering dust for the sake of unwrapping.

Love the idea of a home made birthday cake. And if he likes cheese maybe just get loads of different types of cheese and crackers as a birthday lunch?

cptartapp · 05/03/2023 18:42

DS1 got a designer watch. DS2 wasn't fussed so got money.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 05/03/2023 19:11

What's his sport?

DuvetDownn · 05/03/2023 19:25

I would give money and a cake.

user1471538283 · 05/03/2023 19:35

I used to and still do get my DS a present (usually a t shirt) and then money. He's used it over the years to put towards something he really wants or a night out or savings. Cash is an excellent present.

If he really doesn't want a gift at all would he like his name on the next Mars rover? It's free and you get a certificate! That and cash might do it!

FinallyHere · 05/03/2023 20:27

Money is a great present for the receiver, not so much for the giver

Are you sure that your DC would think a money transfer would be a 'flat' present, or is just you who thinks like that?

whatyoulookingfor · 05/03/2023 20:29

All teenagers ever want is money!! But I'm getting my son his provisional driving licence (you can get one at 15years and 9 months) and some cash. It will work for ID and mean I have less to pay out for next year! He can't use it until he's 17 but I hope it will mean he tries to save up for some lessons.

Hellocatshome · 05/03/2023 20:34

whatyoulookingfor · 05/03/2023 20:29

All teenagers ever want is money!! But I'm getting my son his provisional driving licence (you can get one at 15years and 9 months) and some cash. It will work for ID and mean I have less to pay out for next year! He can't use it until he's 17 but I hope it will mean he tries to save up for some lessons.

Does the provisional licence not lapse after a certain length of time? So by getting it 1 year and 3 months early you are actually cutting down its useful life iyswim. I might be wrong I just always thought they expired.

DS is 16 next month. He is getting a gold chain, some nice aftershave and a leather wallet.

WandaWonder · 05/03/2023 20:36

lurchersforlife · 05/03/2023 16:05

Thanks everyone but it's the bits and bobs I'm struggling with! He's anti bits and bobs - loves food but that's largely out. Might get him a cheese set but that seems a bit old-manish!

We probably will get this for when our son is 16 soon he is cheese obsessed

JustKeepGoingThere · 05/03/2023 20:53

Money os a good present if that's what he wants.

What about buying him a great phone number?

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