How much should I give best friend's grandson who is going to be travelling for six months?

Witzend

If he hasn’t got power banks (for charging his phone) that’d be a good present.

However I agree with whoever said £100. That’s what I’d do.

I hadn't heard of " power banks" but as they are for charging his phone I think they are an excellent idea.
A working phone could save his life.
Also I would give someone " emergency money" . A credit card with a £ 250 limit e.g.

Nothing. I imagine he doesn’t need it if he can afford to travel for 6 months.

If I knew the friends grandchild I’d probably give £100.

If he hasn’t got power banks (for charging his phone) that’d be a good present.

However I agree with whoever said £100. That’s what I’d do.

It depends really on what you can afford really, but either £50 or £100 seems like a nice round number to me and either additionally or instead of cash perhaps a travel journal for him for him to put notes/memories of his experiences in

Goodness, the OP asked what she should give, not SHOULD she give!

Lovely idea - I'm with the £50 - £100 crowd - only you know which end of the scale is appropriate.

I give birthday gifts and other occasion gifts to my best friend's children and grandchildren so I don't see the difference. I've known them all since birth and I'm the non-family "Aunty" - I'm sure that's the same for lots of people.

I think it’s a lovely idea and very kind of you to think of the young man. I think a small donation to his travel fund, maybe £25 and a nice T-shirt would be a good idea. Some of the comments seem a bit judgey to be honest.

If I was fond of him, I'd probably give him £50 if you can really afford it 100

I think it’s an incredibly thoughtful idea. I would give $100 as dollars are the best currency to use when travelling

I wouldn’t be able to afford to give him anything. It wouldn’t cross my mind.

I like paddyann54's idea about the tee shirt as an ice breaker. Maybe a small amount of money along with it. I would definitely ask my friends advice about what she would suggest for her grandson though.

What a lovely idea, you are very kind. Money will be much better than a gift. £100 sounds about right, but anything would be appreciated I’m sure. There are some miserable misers on this thread. It is nice to spread some joy.

I would not give a present if back packing. Be modest in what you give and check first with your friend, you don't want to outshine her. I think a coffee voucher on their phone is one suggestion, from as little as £20 up to £50. Bank transfer another suggestion, all helps.

AliBeeee

The most useful small item I’ve had in my more adventurous travels is a Swiss Army knife. I’ve been using mine for about 25 years and have met other travellers who agree that they are the most useful item to carry with you. That would be my suggestion for a gift. They can’t go in airline hand luggage though.

This is exactly what I was going to say, I've bought them for people before. There are quite a few different versions, but he must be aware that some countries might regard a knife as an offensive weapon.

Unless you consult him, or your friend, there is a risk that he will have already got whatever useful gift you might be thinking about. If he is backpacking, he will need to take as little as possible.

This is a one off. You don’t need to treat anyone else equally.

My granddaughter went travelling on her own for three months and was incredibly well organised. It cost her very little overall. I didn’t give her anything for the journey though she needed a bit of help on her return when she had no money for a car bill. She soon worked again to pay her own way- a matter of pride.

What a lovely, lovely friend you are. I would definitely give him cash (and not a present) but I would put it in a card and perhaps mention how much your special friend means to you and especially him, as her grandson. I remember when I went travelling and I was always (very) strapped for cash......I would have been delighted if someone had done that for me.

Zilch from me

I think it’s a lovely idea. Don’t listen to the killjoys. It doesn’t have to be much it’s the thought that counts.

I love my best friends little Grandson to pieces, and I always buy him Christmas and birthday presents, to each their own

I think it's a lovely idea, and depends really on what you can afford. With our children and grandchildren we have always worked on the basis of can we afford to do the same for everyone - so in this case this young man's younger siblings and your own grandchildren if they go travelling. I assume you already know everyone involved enough to judge whether the gesture will be welcomed by granny and parents - in which case go for it! As for how much - depending on all the above I would think -100 pounds is a pretty useful amount - enough for a couple of budget airfares!

We didn’t even give our own son money for travelling. All self funded

The most useful small item I’ve had in my more adventurous travels is a Swiss Army knife. I’ve been using mine for about 25 years and have met other travellers who agree that they are the most useful item to carry with you. That would be my suggestion for a gift. They can’t go in airline hand luggage though.

Another vote for nothing but a Bon Voyage card if he knows you well

How lovely and I think will be very much appreciated. £80 to £100 is a good round sum. I would do the same if it was a close friend and I had a good opinion and friendship with the grandson. Things go in roundabouts and maybe one day in the future the young man will be there for you because he remembers and cares.

If you’re very close to him. I’d give as much as you would for a normal gift eg £40? Otherwise, I wouldn’t embarrass him…..and I’d definitely not do it in the hope of some sort of return like texts and photos for example as he travels.