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Gardening

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How to thank a 16-year-old neighbour who gave up his afternoon to help dh dig up conifer tree?

56 replies

happynappies · 15/05/2011 19:11

Not sure whether this is strictly a gardening issue, but where else to post it?! Dh was busy this afternoon trying to uproot an enormous conifer tree stump from our front lawn when our 16-year-old neighbour who we've never spoken to before volunteered to help. He worked solidly for a couple of hours, fetching tools and chatting to our dc's as he worked. His Dad then joined in, and eventually the job was finished and they both helped carry the tree stump off the garden and tidy up. Dh obviously thanked them both at the time, but on reflection we feel we should show our appreciation more but how? If the lad was older perhaps we'd take round a bottle of wine or crate of lager, but as he's under age thats out. Was wondering about a gift voucher but what for? Or bake them a cake (or is that a bit twee?). We've only got very small children, so no idea what teenagers might appreciate, and would you get something for the Dad too? All ideas gratefull received!!

OP posts:
crumpet · 15/05/2011 20:16

Isn't it possible to pick up itunes vouchers from supermarkets - I could be enteirely mistaken though!

Or else an amazon voucher that you can just printout immediately.

ivykaty44 · 15/05/2011 20:18

Get him an ipod voucher? But first does he have an ipod?

or amazon voucher as you can buy whatever then - books, tunes, clothes, etc

Carrotsandcelery · 15/05/2011 20:20

itunes vouchers are in most supermarkets.

I am not convinced a teenage boy would be listening but he would be told by friends or family who were listening and could then "listen again". For aunties to hear that he did a good thing would not bring him any bad karma either Wink

MayDayChild · 15/05/2011 20:31

Nice touch getting a gift. Bet they are sitting in their front room right now saying thank f/*k that ruddy tree has gone, look at the light/view/no more crap on the car.

galois · 15/05/2011 20:37

cake. Money could be rude and awkward. Cake is never wrong.

RCToday · 15/05/2011 20:38

Cash for the teen, I dont think the Dad would expect anything

hellymelly · 15/05/2011 20:42

Another vote for cake.He helped you so kindly that maybe giving him money turns it into something else entirely,he could think you feel he expects payment. Whereas a whopping great chocolate cake and a bottle of wine,that the dad can give him a glass of,could only be well received by anyone.

MirandaGoshawk · 15/05/2011 20:46

galois - my teens don't think money is rude or awkward. They would just see it as a thank-you.

FakePlasticTrees · 15/05/2011 20:52

If you're not sure about the cash, then itunes voucher is a good idea. Everyone likes cake...

Of course, I'm a bad person as I'd have bought beer anyway...

iphonedrone · 15/05/2011 20:58

The money thing is only weird if they are the really helpful type. Then he might not want to offer again in case you think he is fishing for more.

Amazon voucher/itunes voucher(although potentially useless if he doesn't have an ipod/iphone)

activate · 15/05/2011 21:00

money

activate · 15/05/2011 21:02

stick £10 in a thank you card - put in a nice message about "What a lovely young man and a pleasure to have as a neighbour".

bottle of wine for the dad

Maryz · 15/05/2011 21:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sherbetpips · 15/05/2011 21:08

A cake and a thank you is perfect, there is no payment for kindnes but it is lovely when it is appreciated. Money seems a little crass.

Foxinthewoods · 15/05/2011 21:08

dp just came up behind and read this, and said ..... blow job...men!

Foxinthewoods · 15/05/2011 21:09

didn't mean to offend btw

Jaspants · 15/05/2011 21:11

Ipod / iphone not required for itunes voucher - DS uses itunes to download musci to his laptop.

Trust me, a teen will much prefer cash to a cake.

Jaspants · 15/05/2011 21:11

*music

Maryz · 15/05/2011 21:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Foxinthewoods · 15/05/2011 21:16

I'd say £25 if it's not too much for you

Al0uiseG · 15/05/2011 21:16

The Dad would probably be up for it though ;-)

pot39 · 15/05/2011 21:22

Money definitely, he deserves it. I have a lovely 15 year old son and he still remembers being given a tenner by sister's mother in law for hoovering, 5 years ago.
Your neighbour might also babysit for you too.

nometime · 15/05/2011 21:27

I think the cake sounds a great idea - just right, you've taken some time over something for them. If you could possibly deliver it to them tomorrow even better. I would feel uncomfortable with the vouchers/money option. It just doesn't sit right - it was obviously just a genuinely neighbourly thing to do.

DH does a lot for our road's more mature residents (!) and a cake or bottle of wine would really hit the spot for a more arduous task like a tree stump.

Tortington · 15/05/2011 21:30

deffo i phone or hmv voucher - dont do a cake - if your a teenager thatse seriously shit

Foxinthewoods · 15/05/2011 21:34

It was a man's idea Maryz! Dirty devils, all of em!

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