Boats a great idea, dog isn't.
Get a dog and name it “Shark.”
Take a day trip to the beach.
Instant family memories, right there.
😀
Boat's a great idea, dog isn’t, watch really, really isn't
FTFY
Rescue dog and £3000 worth of vets vouchers. Or 100 watches. Or just buy three tickets to Glasto and nick a complete camping outfit (and a dog) on your way out.
If you like cooking outdoors then add an ooni pizza oven to your camping kit. You can then use it at home too.
If you like camping then a decent tent, bell, tipis are cool and a Canadian canoe. And or a small sail boat. We did these when smalls were small and have had a great time. Canoe still used though only a couple of times a year now, twenty years on.
Holiday. If you aren’t camping already, why expect to start? Buy some memories. 3k will buy you something nice.
I spent slightly more on a 50th birthday on a steam boat on the Thames after what had been frankly a disaster of tragic events. My 50 friends and extended family still talk about it.
and if your grandad was handy with DIY, buy a decent tool to remember him by. I did that too.
Can't see past all the camping suggestions. Brilliant idea.
The dog idea’s nice but make it a rescue dog if you go down that route, no ££££ pedigree breed crap.
Great idea! Then you can waste the remainder on vets' bills for dodgy hips, knees or a palate operation.
I’ve spent a similar amount on (materials only) landscaping my back garden over the last 2 summers.
Pond and plants to teach mini-mon about nature, paved area for developing bike skills, lawn for football and camping.
BBQ and dining area we can all enjoy.
Big expense and hard graft but I’m glad I did it.
Great idea! Then you can waste the remainder on vets’ bills for dodgy hips, knees or a palate operation
Is a dog, not a second hand car.
But yeah you could buy new watches for all the family, just imagine the fun to be had.
Spend a sensible proportion on a watch for you son's 18th, hide it until then...
Put the rest towards whatever sort of family holidays or adventures you're lot enjoy whether it's camping, a bit of Air B'n'B-ing, all inclusive pool lounging or a mixture of the lot... But consult with your clan first.
Thanks everyone for the suggestions. While the dog idea is nice we already have one and one is definitely enough!
The camping idea is great. I definitely think that my grandad would have wanted us to have some adventure as that is exactly the sort of personality he had. The only down side for me, less so for my lad, is i just don't like campsite camping. Much prefer the idea of doing it properly but not sure how viable that really is.
Spend a sensible proportion on a watch for you son’s 18th,
Fair enough, but that still leaves £2950 to be spent, so doesnt really solve the problem.
I'm trying to imagine a life so empty that it would be improved by spending £3,000 on a watch. The mind boggles.
Spend a sensible proportion on a watch for you son’s 18th, hide it until then…
Here son, have a watch I bought 14 years ago and then hid away, which wasn't particularly exclusive then and is siezed and knackered now.
Thanks dad, no coke and chicken vents then?
How many 18 year olds even wear a watch these days?
If you're not keen on camping, would organising an event for extended family/friends be an idea (like the boat trip mentioned above?). Hiring a youth hostel or bunk house exclusively for a weekend for a big group can be fun if everyone mucks in with the cooking and entertainment. Walks, board games, just relaxing and catching up with people. People will remember that.
Your Grandad sounds like a great person. What a lovely thing to do.
Great thread.
I’m trying to imagine a life so empty that it would be improved by spending £3,000 on a watch. The mind boggles.
Oh man... so much this.
Great idea! Then you can waste the remainder on vets’ bills for dodgy hips, knees or a palate operation
The kind of problems you get on pedigree dogs, you mean? If you're gonna try to be a smartarse at least be correct.
Do the family actually like camping? I'd be nuts to spend £3k on camping gear for my lot.
I'd start by thinking about what experiences you'd like to have and then work back to how the cash can facilitate that.
I agree the watch idea is horrible.
I’m trying to imagine a life so empty that it would be improved by spending £3,000 on a watch. The mind boggles.
Did I say spend the full £3k?
A nice watch need not cost a fortune and it would be a gift that came not only from Dad, but by extension from Grandpa...
I Never had a hand me down watch from my family, but it is a thing that I know many other families do, and seems like a nice tradition IMO...
Like most others on this thread I still think most of the money would be best spent on experiences for you and your family OP...
Playing devil's advocate,
He left you a chunk of cash in his will. Just because he wanted you to spunk it up the wall on Fun Stuff doesn't mean you have to.
Maybe shove (some of) it in an ISA / other savings account? In 15 years' time your son will likely appreciate a car more than a 4-year old right now would enjoy a tent, and I struggle to see how your granddad would disapprove. Sounds like his primary criterion was for you to actually use it rather than just taking the money to your own grave / spending it on a new fence.
“i just don’t like campsite camping”
Not all campsites are the same - have a gander at Cool Camping. They list really basic sites and really upmarket glampy ones. We found a great place in Devon that only has six pitches in ten acres and actual wooden thrones for toilets! Forestry Commission also have some wild pitches (but you’d need to be self sufficient for water and toilet).
How many 18 year olds even wear a watch these days?
Even fewer in another 12 years, but you've obviously not seen the watch threads that pop up on here from time to time - they're almost pervy. Some men love watches like some women love handbags. It's not a functional thing and it's a bit weird to me, particularly as it can get a bit survivalist with all sorts of matt black quasi-militaria, but that's some blokes for you. Anyway the suggestion was meant as an heirloom and there aren't many things you can give a bloke as an heirloom. He can always go on Flog it.
Anyway, another vote for a boat: sailing dinghy or rowing boat with a Torqeedo depending on where you live. Hours of fun for at least two of the family.
Obviously if not near a river then totally useless!
https://boats-from.co.uk/not-specified/thames-double-camping-skiff-20975