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

(114 Posts)
Betony Mon 23-Feb-26 16:00:09

I'm talking about my best friend's grandson, not my own. However, I'm very fond of this hard working 19-year old, and would like to give him some money for when he goes travelling abroad for six months. Any suggestions on how much I should give? I'm not talking about a fortune here, but an important consideration is not to cause jealousy/resentment from his younger brother, or younger members of my own family. Maybe the whole idea is wrong! Thanks in advance.

Eloethan Tue 24-Feb-26 23:16:01

As has been said already, just because some people would not do this and think it's odd, doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. We have a friend and her son that we have known for many years and we are close to both of them. I know they view us as family. We would do the same as you want to do, though there wasn't the added dimension of possibly upsetting other siblings. But surely they wouldn't begrudge it?

I would think around £100 would be a nice amount - and possibly half that - if there is a risk of upsetting others.

Nannan2 Wed 25-Feb-26 01:22:25

Why not ask him if he needs insurance for his trip that would be useful perhaps? Or like someone suggested,a good decent rucksack? Or decent coat thats good for thunderstorms? North face are good for both and while they are well-lasting they might be out of his budget so would be a nice gesture.Or a nice digital camera for him to have memories of his travels recorded? Some are not too pricey.

Nannan2 Wed 25-Feb-26 01:26:34

A money gift really might not be best choice as its soon gone and wont have a lasting effect.A nice useful gift cant be resented by the others and is a lovely gesture to see him off on his travels.

NannaFirework Wed 25-Feb-26 08:57:29

It’s very thoughtful that you feel you’d like to gift this young explorer some money, I’m sure it would be very useful…Yes give it!
Not more than your friend, as mentioned, but if you want to, and are in a position to give, then do so with love! X

HMWALES Wed 25-Feb-26 11:23:16

Nothing ~ totally unnecessary for you to give a friend's grandson money to go travelling

HMWALES Wed 25-Feb-26 11:24:12

Nothing ~ completely unnecessary for you to give a friend's grandson money to go travelling.

Youngerthanspringtime Wed 25-Feb-26 15:55:28

Must say I didn't give my daughter anything went she packed her job in and toddled off to the Antipodes. However as she been working (and well paid) for a few years she had ample funds. And when we arranged for me to travel out to meet up with her for a short holiday, I had to borrow money from the bank! Had an amazing time together.
I wouldn't think your friend's grandson would expect anything, presumably he 'd have worked out his finances before planning to go, but no harm in giving him say £50 as a gift.

Mmc123uk Wed 25-Feb-26 18:48:05

paddyann54

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

This 100% .. some people are just more generously-hearted. I'd say anything £25+ but max £100.

Good on you ! Givers love to give 🥰 enjoy!

Newatthis Wed 25-Feb-26 22:06:08

Why not a 'Lonely Planet Guide" to the place he is travelling to. They are great for young travellers, very informative.

NanKate Thu 26-Feb-26 16:01:01

£50.00 and say you would like to know what he spends it on.

Many years ago I gave my DS £25 in an envelope as emergency money when he first started Uni.

A few weeks later when speaking on the phone to him I told him to keep the money safely. His response was ‘Oh I’ve spent it’ ! ‘On what’ I replied. ‘On a ticket to see Joan Armatrading’. 😀

paddyann54 Thu 26-Feb-26 16:15:19

Nan Kate he,ll have that memory forever so money well spent .Though we were given money to buy a fridge freezer when we got married and we spent it on a chess set .
We,ve had a few fridge freezers in those 50 years but we still have the chess set and still use it.
When I give money I never stipulate what the recipient should do with it.Its not your business once it’s out of your hands.

NanKate Sat 28-Feb-26 21:02:12

You gave me a laugh paddyAnn. Glad you’ve got so much pleasure from the chess set.

When we got married in 1971 we had to sit on garden chairs until we had the money for 2 arm chairs and a settee in orange 🤪

Doodledog Sat 28-Feb-26 21:09:54

HMWALES

Nothing ~ totally unnecessary for you to give a friend's grandson money to go travelling

Very few gifts are 'necessary'. They are given out of love.