Giving money

[SoftFroggie]

I am a useless godmother to my cousin's 13 year old son (I think, not sure how old - that's how useless) whom I hardly know, whose birthday I always miss.
I miss it partly cos I'm not sure when it is (must phone up and ask), and partly cos I never know what to send him (combination of not knowing him, and not having a clue what boys of his age might like. I usually send books.

I really don't like the idea of sending money as a present, but it has occurred to me that it might solve the present-buying problem. Is the generaly feeling out there that it would be acceptable, or not? And if so, how much (I was thinking £20, I would typically spend approx £15 on a gift), and in what form (cheque? trust cash to the post? cash via special delivery?).

He's jolly good at thank you notes, so I could say "please write / email and tell me what you spent it on".

I know I should know him better, but they live about 5 hrs away, and so I only see them every few years.

Thanks!

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My aunt used to give us the money for us to spend in whatever we wanted (these difficult teenagers...) but she always use the money as part of the greetings card, she folded the money in an attractive form (sometimes it was a boat, a bird or even a plane) and stuck it with tape to the card. Sometimes she toke us for shopping but would not recommed that!!!

My cousin's ds is 18 next year, and I have been giving him money since he was about 13, as although I am quite close (not phsysically as they live 200 miles away) to the family, I am pretty sure that I would never be able to afford the things he really wanted (designer clothes etc). This way, he could put it towards something bigger.

I have decided that after his 18th next year, I will no longer be doing this, though, as he works full time, and has a thriving business selling mobile phones, and has more spare cash than I could ever dream of having now, let alone when I was 17.

13 year olds love money. Definately a cheque as cash is known to go missing in the post. £20 is perfect amount. Means he can choose what he wants. My teenagers love counting up the cash as it comes in

Do they have internet access? How about Amazon vouchers. That way, it's not money, don't have to worry about things going missing in the post and they've got a big selection of all kinds of stuff.

I agree with the suggestion of a £20.00 cheque in the post. Even my 10 year old prefers money to most presents, especially if the giver is a not that well acquainted with his day to day life and needs.

If you want to send vouchers, I agree that Amazon ones would be good, or cinema vouchers - but check which cinema chain is nearby him. YOu could ask him to tell you which films he saw and what he thought of them... the beginnings of an email discussion. If Game do vouchers, he could get computer stuff.

Emsiewill, what an enterprising nephew you have. Perhaps he'll start giving you birthday gifts when he reaches 18 years old

I have already taken advantage of my nephew's good nature (and used a bit of emotional blackmail - "remember when I took you to the park when you were 3" ) and had a mobile phone from him at a great discount.

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Thanks - that's set my mind at rest - will post a cheque in a card and not feel guilty at the lack of imagination.