oliver30
Junior Member
Posts: 65 
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Post by oliver30 on Jul 14, 2021 14:34:16 GMT
Next week we have our court date where my husband and I will become the legal guardians of a 16 year old young man. He's been a part of my life since he was 9 years old and has lived with us permanently for the past year. I would like to get him something to commemorate the importance and significance of this day, but I'm struggling to come up with something meaningful.
Any ideas/suggestions?
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,203
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Jul 14, 2021 14:41:23 GMT
I have no idea of the price point but perhaps a photography session to capture the day.
A nice watch with the date engraved on the back.
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Post by karinec on Jul 14, 2021 14:41:39 GMT
How wonderful! How about a picture of the three of you in a frame that says “Family”?
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Jul 14, 2021 14:45:14 GMT
First thought was a ID bracelet. Or key fob..
I have a sterling silver bracelet with my son's birthdate in Roman Numerals. You could do your son's new date, adoption date.
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Post by Jennifer C on Jul 14, 2021 14:46:20 GMT
I love the picture idea but I was going to suggest the watch.
My dh's Mom is actually his Step and she gave him a Seiko watch with their last name and the year engraved on the back when she married his Dad. He still has it today some 40 something years later. And he maintains it.
Jennifer
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Post by Skellinton on Jul 14, 2021 14:49:42 GMT
Congratulations!!!
I like the watch idea a lot.
It would be nice to have a special dinner, not sure if you are eating in restaurants or not, but my family has a whole lot of “gotcha” or “special” days due to adoptions and each one has a specific restaurant that is visited on the anniversary every year.
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Post by Lexica on Jul 14, 2021 14:58:35 GMT
I like the idea of an engraved nice watch too. And I would go ahead and have a photography session to capture the new family. If you don't already have one, I would start a family photo feature wall to hang the new picture in a place of honor.
Oh, and congratulations! What a wonderful addition to your family.
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Post by malibou on Jul 14, 2021 15:03:37 GMT
Congratulations to all of you. What an exciting event.
What kinds of things is he into?
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PLurker
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,890
Location: Behind the Cheddar Curtain
Jun 28, 2014 3:48:49 GMT
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Post by PLurker on Jul 14, 2021 15:06:10 GMT
A watch sounds nice but I'll come back if I think of anything else.
Mostly I just came here to say congratulations to you and the young man! ❤️
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Post by flanz on Jul 14, 2021 15:08:48 GMT
I'm so happy for you. And thank you, sincerely, for offering this boy, now young man, a loving home!
Our kids are in their early 30s and neither wears a watch. If you think he would, I like that idea.
Photo shoot and then great fam photo framed is lovely too.
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anniebeth24
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,033
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Post by anniebeth24 on Jul 14, 2021 15:11:37 GMT
What about a framed family tree of some kind that lists his name? Thinking Etsy would have options.
Maybe get yourself a t-shirt or necklace that declares "Joe's Mom." Seeing you embrace the role will be a gift to him, too.
Congratulations!
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Jul 14, 2021 15:13:37 GMT
Congratulations on the addition to your family!
I like the watch suggestion. All four of my boys (ages 19-29) are watch guys.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,203
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Jul 14, 2021 15:23:46 GMT
I know I suggested a watch earlier but if it's a bit too traditional my non traditional suggestion is a parachute jump, leap into your new life. Of course, it depends on his appetite for an adrenaline hit.  What are his interests, maybe something linked to his favourite hobby? |
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oliver30
Junior Member
Posts: 65
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Post by oliver30 on Jul 14, 2021 16:25:31 GMT
Thank you everyone! I truly appreciate all of the responses!
I love the watch idea, but I'm not sure he'd wear a watch. But, I'm going to consider it since so many of you suggested it! He plays football and basketball--those are his passions. He already has a football necklace which contains his mom's ashes and one which I gave him that is his football number. He wears both every day and never takes them off.
The family photo idea is great, too, but ours is a complicated situation. We're not adopting him, just becoming his guardians. His mom was murdered last summer; he has 2 older sisters and 1 older brother who he's in contact with though. At this point, I don't think doing a family photo with our family would be something he'd want to do--not right now anyway.
Again, thank you!
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Post by Skellinton on Jul 14, 2021 16:32:47 GMT
Thank you everyone! I truly appreciate all of the responses! I love the watch idea, but I'm not sure he'd wear a watch. But, I'm going to consider it since so many of you suggested it! He plays football and basketball--those are his passions. He already has a football necklace which contains his mom's ashes and one which I gave him that is his football number. He wears both every day and never takes them off. The family photo idea is great, too, but ours is a complicated situation. We're not adopting him, just becoming his guardians. His mom was murdered last summer; he has 2 older sisters and 1 older brother who he's in contact with though. At this point, I don't think doing a family photo with our family would be something he'd want to do--not right now anyway. Again, thank you! What about tickets to a sport ball game? |
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Post by bbkeef on Jul 14, 2021 16:32:51 GMT
Does he ever have to wear a suit and tie? Maybe a tie tack with the date engraved?
Or just a simple medallion engraved with the date and a special saying?
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:24:57 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2021 16:35:50 GMT
If you don’t think he’d wear a watch, then I would skip that. My kids wouldn’t wear watches either as they rely on their phones.
If you are his guardian now, how about giving him a check and helping him open a savings or checking account?
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Post by bc2ca on Jul 14, 2021 16:54:03 GMT
What a terribly sad story and how lucky he is to have landed in a safe place. You and your DH are the best.  Maybe you and your DH could write him letters stating the significance and importance of this day to you. Sometimes seeing the things you say to him in writing makes them real. I also like the idea of something engraved/embossed with the date like an ID bracelet, wallet or key fob. |
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Post by ~summer~ on Jul 14, 2021 17:05:07 GMT
So happy for you,
My teens don’t wear watches - but they all love their air pods. What about AirPods Pro customized with initials and date?
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Post by peas&carrots on Jul 14, 2021 17:06:59 GMT
What about a key chain that says "HOME" (engraved or not) and a key to the house?
I'm grateful this young man has your support.
Carrie
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Jul 14, 2021 17:10:53 GMT
Very glad he has you, but so sad for the circumstances.
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Post by teddyw on Jul 14, 2021 17:14:36 GMT
What about a small side by side frame with he and his mom’s picture one 1 side and 1 with the 3 of you in the other?
If it was a girl I’d say a locket with those.
He’s lucky to have you. What a terrible situation.
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,366
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Jul 14, 2021 17:18:50 GMT
Since he wears a necklace with significant events, I think adding a medallion to it with the date would be nice.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 21:24:57 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jul 14, 2021 17:51:49 GMT
Thank you everyone! I truly appreciate all of the responses! I love the watch idea, but I'm not sure he'd wear a watch. But, I'm going to consider it since so many of you suggested it! He plays football and basketball--those are his passions. He already has a football necklace which contains his mom's ashes and one which I gave him that is his football number. He wears both every day and never takes them off. The family photo idea is great, too, but ours is a complicated situation. We're not adopting him, just becoming his guardians. His mom was murdered last summer; he has 2 older sisters and 1 older brother who he's in contact with though. At this point, I don't think doing a family photo with our family would be something he'd want to do--not right now anyway. Again, thank you! He might not wear it as often now but it’s the type of gift that would last for years and for many occasions that might come about in the future though. You’re a very special couple and he’s very fortunate to have you but what a terribly sad story. |
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Post by FrozenPea on Jul 14, 2021 18:24:23 GMT
Congratulations!
I gave my kids leather keychains that have the coordinates of our house on one side & "Always here Love Mom & Dad" on the other. I know that you aren't his parents but you could put your names.
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Post by magellen on Jul 14, 2021 18:31:17 GMT
The watch would be good. How about a family photo session with his siblings and your family.
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Post by dewryce on Jul 14, 2021 18:34:22 GMT
I have no idea of the price point but perhaps a photography session to capture the day. A nice watch with the date engraved on the back. I was thinking the exact same thing, but a ring instead, and maybe the word “Family” or something like that engraved as well. I like the watch idea too. Congratulations! eta: I just read further down and saw the situation he’s coming from. I’m so sorry to hear that, I know having a safe place to land*** with your family must be very helpful to him. Helpful isn’t the right word, but I can’t think of it. Mentally I think it probably feels like a hug or a big warm blanket at a time he needs it most. And security. Does that make sense? Im glad he has you. ***Ha! bc2ca I’m just finishing reading the thread and saw this. We are thinking on the same wavelength! |
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Post by dewryce on Jul 14, 2021 18:36:20 GMT
Congratulations! I gave my kids leather keychains that have the coordinates of our house on one side & "Always here Love Mom & Dad" on the other. I know that you aren't his parents but you could put your names. Love this , super meaningful. If you do that on another item and don’t have as much space you could just use the “always here” or even “home” to save space. Eta: after reading your update I think “always here” is sort of perfect for your situation. Since he wears a necklace with significant events, I think adding a medallion to it with the date would be nice. Eta: Just reading about the necklace, I love this idea too. The peas are so thoughtful and helpful, lots of great ideas here. |
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oliver30
Junior Member
Posts: 65
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Post by oliver30 on Jul 14, 2021 22:15:50 GMT
Thank you again everyone! I love all of these ideas!
Right now, I’m leaning toward a key chain with a house key and some of the things you suggested—coordinates to our home, the word “Home” and/or a message from us on the back. I just I hope I can order something so it arrives in time!
I like the necklace idea, too, but he loves the two he wears and I’m not sure he’d wear a 3rd.
Of course, I’m going to write in a card as well.
Thanks again for all of your kind words, too. We truly love him and are so happy he’s here. It’s been quite the journey.
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Post by pmm on Jul 14, 2021 22:24:16 GMT
If you got a medallion, he could keep it in his wallet.
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