I am now early 30s and have a DF that I went to primary school with and lived in the same street as.
DF has autism. He is very knowledgeable about his own interests and has part time informal work around the village but still lives with his parents. I don't think he could live independently but I don't know details of how autism affects his life.
When we were children we all used to play out together and it was lovely but then everyone grew up. I'd still invite him to my parties as a teen/early 20s and he would come and chat to people but take himself home before everyone was getting drunk. Since I moved, I've seen DF occasionally, bumping into him when walking the dog with my mum, or asking if he wanted to walk dog with me when i was pet sitting, and he came to a craft night at mine a few years ago. All fine.
Anyway, we never did gifts before but last Christmas he sent me a small gift (via dropping it to my mum), to do with his interests, not something I would use but fine, nice thought and thanked him. And now it's just been my birthday. He sent another gift, which is again, quite sweet and fine if he wants to share his interests.
But he also put £20 in a card which I am feeling really awkward about as although I'm not flush I expect I have more money than he does and I don't think friends usually gift money anyway?
Not sure what I should do?
Just say thanks?
Thanks but please don't send me money?
Give him the money back?
Talk to his mum or dad (but I haven't actually stayed in touch with them and DF is an adult)?
Send him it back at his birthday (but don't really want to get into a regular exchange)? I can't afford to buy presents for friends and with other friends I dont give or receive gifts.
What would you do? Thanks.