Is this okay to give as a present?

[MamaOl93]

My friend’s dad passed away 10 years ago and his dad used to love Alfa Romeo cars so always had one

It’s my friends birthday coming up in a couple weeks and I’ve had him made a keyring with “Alfa Romeo” on one side and “Dad” inscribed on the other.

Is this ok to give do you think? I’ve got it now but I’m just ever so slightly concerned it’s going to cause upset which isn’t my intention

Sounds lovely. You know him better than anyone on here but I think it's a nice idea.

That reads very much like it’s a gift from a child to their father

It won’t cause upset but it seems a little strange. It’s the sort of gift a child gives to their father on Father’s Day.

I'd have maybe had his dad's actual name on instead of dad.

Something must have made you want to buy it OP

It sounds thoughtful

I’d think of it as being the sort of gift you might bring back from a holiday or a “saw this and though of you and your dad”.

@BunnytheFriendlyDragon My friend told me a little while ago that he’d started looking into buying an Alfa Romeo because his dad used to always drive one, so that’s my reasoning. But I get the child/dad comments, so I’m feeling unsure now

I don't agree. Yes you'd usually buy something that says dad on it for your dad but in this case it is to honour her dad. Makes more sense than putting his name on it for her.

After I lost my DD I appreciated any gifts to honour her memory and if something had said "daughter" I wouldn't have found that weird as she was my daughter. It doesn't mean the giver things they are my daughter!

I thought more what you were asking was whether she would appreciate the sentiment? I would have thought so but you j is her best.

No, I wouldn't give this sort of thing and I would find it strange to receive it.

@BunnytheFriendlyDragon thank you, I’m glad you’re understanding of what I meant!
The comments are generally saying not to give it and I’m really confused about what to do now!

I think that’s a really thoughtful gift.

However I wouldn’t say that I’d had it specially made. That may seem a bit weird. Because then it’s you that will be associated with it. As you made it. And that’s not how you mean it. It’s to be about him and his dad, not you and them.

As a pp suggested, I’d just say ‘saw this and thought of you’. I wouldn’t elaborate on where it came from. I’d just say ‘online’ if he asks and be vague and just say it seemed to fit the bill as you know about his dad and his love of cars etc. and now the sons love of cars etc.

And if he doesn’t want to use it as a car key ring it can go on anything, garage key, toolbox padlock key etc., don’t worry I won’t be offended type of thing.

@Elieza thank you! That’s good advice too, thanks :)

I wouldn't give it as a birthday gift, I would give it as a ten year anniversary of his dad's death gift though. If the date of the actual anniversary has passed I would give it in December as a pre-Christmas/end of year gift and say something like, "I know it's been ten years since your dad died so I got you a little gift as a small way of honouring his memory."

@Outfoxedbyrabbits thank you!

I’m erring more on the side of odd than thoughtful. But I don’t know either of you and perhaps within your dynamic it would be appropriate, then again if it is I don’t think you would need to ask…