It’s hard to top a handmade gift from a child, but a very close second (in my book) is a gift that they bought with their own money. This summer, I was blessed with two such gifts – and jewelry, to boot!

My oldest two monkey boys took some spending money to camp for snacks at the canteen or small souvenirs. (Fine print: Ok, technically, it’s my money they’re spending, but still … it’s the thought that counts.)

No. 2 came home from the first camp with a black & white shell necklace that he presented to me proudly and even helped clasp the latch for me to wear it. I’ve worn it a couple of times and made sure to tell him about all the compliments I received. It warmed my heart!

Last week, they came home from another camp with camp logo t-shirts for all three of their little brothers that they had pooled their canteen money to purchase. I was so, so proud of them. Their little brothers were beside themselves at having “big kid camp” shirts to wear. But, to my surprise, the shopping spree didn’t end there …

This weekend, my oldest handed me a colorful gift bag and said, “Happy You-Survived-All-Summer-With-Five-Monkey-Boys Day, Mom!” As I unwrapped my surprise, he told me that he bought it for my birthday, but he just couldn’t wait that long to give it to me, so he secretly asked Nana to wrap it for me. 🙂  I love my mom & her willingness to conspire on such a sweet surprise!

I opened the box (which was lovely, in and of itself – it had a small cross applique on the lid), and inside was a gold cross with my November birthstone – topaz. “Look!” he said, taking the box from my hand and pointing at the label inside the lid. “It has 18 karats of gold AND gen-u-ine crystals! And, it’s your birthstone.”

Omigoodness, could he be any sweeter? “Coated in 18k gold” … and REAL crystals! He is too precious for words.

I love both of my surprises this summer, and I can’t wait to share these tales with future GFs … and someday, their brides-to-be. It makes me happy to see them thinking of someone else and wanting to make someone’s day. And, hey – they are already buying jewelry at ages 9 & 10, so look out, ladies – these boys are gonna be a hot commodity someday! 😉

(I wore the cross necklace layered with another one that Dad & the boys got me a few years back. I will be sure to let him know how many compliments I received on it!)