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

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.

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 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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Charity starts at home...but its your money, i wouldn't be giving my friends grandchildren money only my own grandchildren

Betony - please don't feel there's anything wrong with you for what you're intending to do. I'm surprised to see so many gransnetters aghast at the idea of giving anybody else's grandchild some money for whatever reason. Contributing towards an adventure is a good thing to do and it doesn't matter whether the adventurer is your relation or otherwise. I would definitely give money to my best friend's grandson if I thought it was deserved but I would check with her to ask for a suggestion. Tell her what you can afford and take it from there - if she's shocked and says she couldn't afford that then drop your offer for obvious reasons but if you want to do it then do it. I wouldn't buy a surprise travelling gift unless you know he actually wants it - if he doesn't then he won't take it - waste of money and entirely defeating the objective of helping him on his adventure.

Surprised so many don’t have friends they think of as family.
I, e always bought gifts for the children and grandchildren of friends.Made wedding cakes and birthday cakes taken then to gigs their mums or dads couldn,t make.Its just spreading love and goodwill surely.It is in my eyes a d I have good relationships with all of them.
Plus I enjoy doing it

Your friend's grandson? I find that a bit strange..sorry

I agree with M0nica and don't think £100 would be too much as it is quite a long trip. I think it is a lovely idea and I am sure both parents and grandson will be thrilled.

Sadie5803

Charity starts at home...but its your money, i wouldn't be giving my friends grandchildren money only my own grandchildren

Depends how you define charity snd home ( and that’s even if you accept such a meaningless phrase). What on earth does it mean ?

I would just send him a nice thoughtful card. Hope he has a great adventure. Bon Voyage.

That sort of thing.

That's enough of a keepsake really.

👍

I wouldn’t. If they want to go travelling ( as I did at that age) they should find the money themselves. 19 is when you must start to be independent and not dependent on the adults in your life. Continuing to finance them keeps them children. Not good for them.

Mojack26

Your friend's grandson? I find that a bit strange..sorry

Why is it strange? If the OP knows the lad and is fond of him it seems quite right that she may want to give him something for his trip, not strange at all

What is strange is people admitting that they gave their own children or grandchildren absolutely nothing went they went travelling. How awful.

It's a shame really that so many clearly don't have the kind of friendships that warrant a gesture like this.

I also agree with Monica I feel just because others wouldn’t do it, it doesn’t mean it’s wrong. I think it’s a kind gesture and I’d say £50.

Sueinkent

I wouldn’t. If they want to go travelling ( as I did at that age) they should find the money themselves. 19 is when you must start to be independent and not dependent on the adults in your life. Continuing to finance them keeps them children. Not good for them.

This lad is obviously financing himself, he hasn't asked the OP for money, she wishes to give him a gift. Goodness do you stop all gifts to anyone over the age of 18 because they need to not be children? I think it's a lovely gesture that I'm sure he will appreciate.

I've just given to my DGS gofundme page towards his gap year. I gave him £100.
I wouldn't give as much if he wasn't my DGS.

When DD left school she worked for a year to save for her travels. It made her very independent.