Gift dilemma

I would give money then he can buy what he wants

My nephew (nearly 14) usually has vouchers and money amongst his birthday/Christmas presents. After last Christmas he was pleased to show me what he had bought with some - a chair which he uses for his homework on one side of the bedroom, alternatively turns it round to use as a gaming chair with his XBox. He is also an avid golfer and used others to buy new shoes for golfing (and was clever enough probably via Mum to use them when the shoes were cheaper on sale)

We are on a pension and struggle to buy presents for four grandsons, especially as their parents are quite well off so they have pretty much everything. I now give them a card with money in and they tell me what they are using it for when they ring to thank me. Works well for them, and us.

My DGC also love having money so they can go shopping with their Dads (my DSs). Two DGCs are very frugal and will maybe buy a game and some other item, saving the rest. The other two love choosing whatever they want and unfortunately I now have to house a giant cuddly unicorn and a realistic cuddly life sized dog as Mummy wouldn't have them. I am pleased to say each one also bought her sister something too. DGS is straight to the sports shop for expensive football boots or trainers or tracksuits like daddy's! He then wears them to death!!!

Other way round - my DGS at uni but also with a part time job- this year gave me some money for my birthday as he didn't know what to get. Usually his gift to me had come from his dad. I was very touched and later sent him a What's App pic showing him the wool I had bought with it.
I'm always happy to give money to DGC but it would be nice to know what they did with it.

Money - and something little to,open. They almost always want cash at that age. I'd ask parents what would be suitable for the little present.

Gift cards are crap.
A lot cant even be used in branch you can only use online.

They can be really hard to spend. Some go unspent.

You either need to add cash to take it over the full amount to use up the card or else you end up leaving your "change" on it.

My kids ask me to sell them online. You dont get the full value (maybe £12 for a £20 gift card but at least thats £12 they can actually spend on something they want)

Companies make a fortune outta unredeemed gift cards

I always think theres a sort of gudgey undertone of "I wouldnt trust you with the cash" with gift cards.

Either chose an actual gift or give cash IMO.

Its good for kids to have their own money to manage independantly. They dont get that with gift cards

Children love money. Can’t you remember the excitement of having actual money to spend or put towards something you want?

Kids generally prefer money.