Unsure about present DS13 received for his birthday

[diannescruffy]

DS13 had a birthday party yesterday and he received a pre-paid mobile phone. His friend is from school, they went to primary school together too but they are not best friends. Just finding it a bit unusual to give such an expensive gift. The boys mother was there when he gave the present so she knows what it was, DS told me his friend paid with his own money. What do you think?

Regards,
Dianne

[Bumperstump Cummerbund]

These days prepaid mobiles are pretty cheap, I saw one the other day for $49! It seems a bit strange though, that the boys' mum didn't speak to you first though...

[Catastrophic]

You can get some very cheap mobile phones these days, there are some basic ones for $29.

Maybe your DS had spoken about wanting a phone, so his friend thought he was doing the right thing?!?

[misty]

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.

[Just Me]

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.

[diannescruffy]

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.

Regards,
Dianne

[turtleschell]

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!

[Fuzzywuzzy]

That seems like an overly generous gift from someone that your DS isn't that close too. Maybe he values your DS's friendship more than you think

[~Trish~]

Is that a Nokia phone? Wow, that does sound expensive!

I would feel really uncomfortable too if it turns out to be a really expensive phone. I have NO idea what I'd do though, sorry I'm no help!

[diannescruffy]

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.

Regards,
Dianne

[LionsandBears]

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?

It's a very awkward situation to be placed in.

[Fuzzywuzzy]

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.

[meow]

I don't think it was purchased. Can you tell the friend's mother you think a $170 phone is too much?

[Miss.September]

Don't you have to register a prepaid phone at time of purchase? We bought one years ago for DH's brother, and DH had to register it in his name as the purchaser before it could be used. I could be living in the dark ages though

[black_rose]

We had to register ours too but it was a few years ago. I would call the mum and say it's to extravagant and he already has a pre paid phone.

[Fuzzywuzzy]

I think it's only the sim card that has to be registered

[Catastrophic]

Ahhh that does seem a little exxy for a gift. considering you said this friend isn't a "best friend"
I would talk to the mother let her know your concerns of recieving such an expensive gift.
What does your DS think about it?

And you can buy a phone without registering it. And then ring up when you get home and register it, from what i beleive.

[kimmi]

Wow, that is an expensive and odd gift.

I love my friends, but I only spend about $100 on a wedding gift, not anywhere near that on birthdays.

I'm with the other ladies, I would speak to the mother and explain that although you are grateful, the fact the the phone is $170 makes you a little uncomfortable.

Also, all phone have an IMIE?? number. Phones that are stolen and reported to the police have that number reported and are permanently blocked, i.e. unable to be used.

I would be just asking the mother where the phone came from.

So difficult.