You can pick up prepaid phones really cheap nowdays ($25-30ish). Still it is a bit of a strange present. I guess it comes down to wether you want him to have a mobile or not at his age. If not, you could always put it away until he is older. Or maybe negotiate some rules about when he is allowed to use it (ie, if he goes out with his friends, but not just all the time).
Pesonally, I would be annoyed if someone bought my kids a mobile, because that is a parental decision as to when a kid should be getting and using a mobile.
I agree with Misty about it being something you decide with your kids but on the other hand, I think it is lovely that your DS's friend saved up money and bought your DS something he though your DS would really like. In your situation, I would let him keep it because it was such a lovely gesture from a friend. It's hard though if you aren't ready for him to have a phone.
The phone part is not a problem, we actually gave DS a phone for Christmas which cost $50. I was trying to find the phone on the Vodafone website and it wasn't there but googled it and it shows a price of 85,000 Euro which would be $170. It's a red touch phone with all the works.
I think it's a lovely present. 13 year olds are pretty independant these days, and if he paid with his own money, it's even better. When it comes to that kid's birthday, it'll be tough to measure up, but I think 13 yr olds are old enough to understand that not everyone's financial situations are the same. I say be happy for DS and don't stress!
I hope this doesn't come across the wrong way, I think I even posted about it but a few months ago DS told me that this boy has shoplifted while DS was with him. They were only chocolate bars and something from the $2 shop but it just has me uneasy. There is no way I would even let DS spend that much money even on his best friend.
Tough situation. Maybe it's something you need to delicately bring up with the friend's Mum? Explain that presents are appreciated, but the expense is a concern as you think 13 is too young for such expensive presents. Is it something that can be refunded?
What does your DS13 think? Does he think it's weird or is he just happy with it?
Hmm, shoplifting crossed my mind when I first read this thread, but I couldn't imagine that a teenager who stole a phone would then give it to his friend in front of his own mother. If it is stolen then I can't imagine that talking to his mother would get anywhere.
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