Gransnet forums

Gransnet cafe

Welcome to the *Gransnet Café. This is a non-judgemental space for you to pop in for a cuppa with some virtual friends, seek out advice for a particular problem, or share an update on your life - important or trivial. Feel free to have your say and chat about your day, but please leave any arguments at the door. If you're struggling to find someone to talk to in real life, or are simply looking for a bit of a chat, this is the place for you.

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

(113 Posts)
silverlining48 Mon 23-Feb-26 17:39:30

I don’t understand why you feel you should give your friends gs money for travel. Many years ago both my dds travelled and I dont remember giving them money and no one else gave them money either.
They had after school jobs which they saved and used for their trips. They also worked when they were away.
If you give it to one you have to do it for any others.

Sadgrandma Mon 23-Feb-26 17:31:13

I don’t think I would give him money, especially if it is likely to set a precedent with his siblings and your own grandchildren. Why don’t you say to your friend that you would like to give him a little gift and ask her if there is anything (small) that he needs. Someone suggested a tracker which would be a good idea.

Cabbie21 Mon 23-Feb-26 17:20:33

A small gift would be suitable. Do you normally give him money for birthdays, Christmas, or is this a one off gesture? £30?

Shelflife Mon 23-Feb-26 17:09:45

My advice - dont do it !

Astitchintime Mon 23-Feb-26 16:58:14

This wouldn’t cross my mind tbh. I have my own DGC to support……..no one else’s are my responsibility.
Howver, OP if you feel you want to then give what you can afford…….but halve it, hold one half back and tell him, if he gets into difficulty he can contact you for the rest.

Sago Mon 23-Feb-26 16:50:03

I wouldn’t be giving him anything.

justwokeup Mon 23-Feb-26 16:43:59

I wouldn’t necessarily give money but maybe a useful item - a set of trackers for his keys, luggage, ipad, phone etc - could be useful for a young person. Otherwise something he still needs like a pack away waterproof? Your friend would know.

NotAGran55 Mon 23-Feb-26 16:35:31

Why do you feel it necessary to give him anything?
When my son went travelling 12 years ago nobody gave him any money,not even us. He worked for 6 months and saved up to go.
We bought him a decent rucksack but that was it.

BlueBelle Mon 23-Feb-26 16:19:20

Me neither SueDonim never occurred to me to give to someone else’s child or grandchild
No one gave to mine either !

SueDonim Mon 23-Feb-26 16:17:14

It’s never crossed my mind to do that for anyone’s grandchild and no one has ever done it for my grandchildren. I think it’s a bit odd, but maybe it’s something that happens in other places.

BlueBelle Mon 23-Feb-26 16:07:53

Personally I would nt be giving to someone’s else’s grandson other than perhaps a travelling gift. My own grandkids that are travelling ( 2 in separate parts of the world at the moment) I gave £100 to help them on their way and to feel I was part of their fun, in exchange they have sent me loads of photos which I m grateful for, they don’t know it yet but I m making them each an album of their travels.

keepingquiet Mon 23-Feb-26 16:04:01

Ask your friend. If she's giving him some, don't give more than she has.

My niece saved up to go travelling and had loads of money from her gran. I didn't give her anything...

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.