When my daughter was born, I gave her an add a pearl necklace. Something I can add to over the years and by the time she finishes high school, she has a nice, complete necklace.

With the boy coming in June, I'd like to start something similar so that when he's out of school he has something nice. I'm really struggling though trying to figure out what do for him though. I don't pearls are going to do it for him. (God, please let that last statement be true)

What say you?

By him an 18 gun safe..
You can add firearms every year until it is full.

Start him an IRA and get that first $ in asap

Great thread. We will be doing something for the twins for Christmas but have not determined what yet.

I’m starting him a college fund. What he doesn’t use he can have to start his life

Same. We started a 529 when he was born and had half his 5 years at Texas Tech paid for.

Not to derail this thread, but how does it work? I want to be able to love a large amount of money into one, and really don’t want to be paying monthly. I don’t know what college costs

2 18 gun safes

There is lots of good info about the whole plan online. We didn't have lots of cash. Just put in what we could. The investment interest is all tax free when used for educational expense including housing ,meals and a lot of other things. I don't have exact cost numbers but it was over 100K with food, apartments, books, tuition, and a little expense money. He didn’t work while he was there but graduated with a very good job back in 2015. Big thing is to start now. 17 years go by quick.

The gift of no college debt.

Cash is still king.

A lifetime hunting/fishing license

Great ideas IMO

Best idea...

I bought a M1 Garand for my son the day after he was born. We lived within driving distance of Camp Perry.


We started a college fund for him and are funding it for him and his sister.

He works for my wife's company a few hours a week to pay for his extra curricular activities. I have been putting the money he makes into his ROTH.

I showed the accounts to him when he turned 13. I also informed him that if he goes off the moral path, they can both be put where he can never get to them.



A college fund is a good way to show them how to save. It also gives them the mindset that they are going to college.

I like the OP's pearl idea.

This was my first thought.

529 is like a Roth....earnings grow tax free if used for educational expenses. You can do lump sums or monthly contributions. I believe the max contribution per year is currently $30k for a couple.

529 is a wonderful idea! Been very useful for us!

Doc, just before my son was born I bought a nice watch with the intention of giving it to him when he graduated high school or college. I wore it the day he was born, on trips or vacations we have gone on, when we have gone fishing or hunting, etc. I make sure to get pictures along the way and am saving them in a file. When I decide to give it to him I will engrave the back of the watch, and I will have the pictures made into a book to give him along with the watch showing the memories we've shared as he grew up.

I would do silver. You can start with coins or bars. You can keep a theme and it is limitless what you can add. It’s relatively inexpensive, will grow in value, and he can continue it indefinitely.

Montana let's you buy preference points at any age. When my boys turn 18, they will have 18 points each for moose, sheep and mountain goat.

Thanks Doc. I actually like that idea a lot. I might have to steal it.

We also plan to start 529 plans for both kids too. I'd love for them not to have school debt when they get out.