What’s a grown-up present to parents? I see it as a present that I would’ve have been able to give them when I was still in school. Now that I am working, I can afford to treat Mom & Dad to something nice (and something on which they would never have spent the money themselves).
2 nights at Mandalay Bay for my parents over Christmas: $300
Being able to treat my parents to a nice hotel? Fully awesome! (if you do not get this reference, you need to see Bolt.)
I haven’t expected to give such a big gift this year, but when I was talking to Mom over the phone last night, she mentioned that she and my dad are going to Vegas for a weekend after Christmas.
Now, this is a pretty big deal for my parents. From the time I was 12 to the time I graduated college, I don’t think they’ve ever taken more than a couple of days for themselves. They saved vacation days for family visits / care-taking duties overseas. They saved their money for my college education expenses and down payments and retirement funds.
So when I heard about the Vegas trip, I was so excited. I decided that the best present to my parents this Christmas is to treat them to a nice hotel. I originally thought about putting them up at the Venetian, but Mom vetoed the idea because it was too expensive (over $450 for the same two nights). The Mandalay Bay is still nice, just a little far from the center of the Strip, but Mom said she didn’t mind the drive.
So, Mandalay it is.
And the funny thing is? The part that really makes me smile? Is that I know my mom will tell her relatives and friends about this, and that in addition to all the enjoyment she will get out of her luxury hotel, she will also get to feel like she raised a good daughter.
And that? Is money well spent.
image source: destination360.com
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OMG, I would LOVE to do this. My parents seriously need a vacation, but they don’t ever go anywhere. I wish I could pull something like that off.
I thought about a resort a couple hours drive away, but I’m worried they would just take the gift and not go…
This actually made me cry. (What is wrong with me?) Very, very sweet.
This Christmas, I’m giving my parents new carpeting in the living room / dining room… to replace the blue shag they’ve hated since buying the house but can’t afford to replace. It’s really nice to be able to give back to parents!
I can’t wait to afford nice gifts like this for my parents.
They will be proud of you!
me too GG! this is very sweet and i’m sure they’ll appreciate it for a long time to come.
that is so sweet, thoughtful and generous. your parents must be so proud they raised such a wonderful daughter.
Isn’t it great when you are able to give your parents nice gifts? I felt that way last Christmas when we got my folks a computer. Pretty awesome feeling to be able to give them something they needed/wanted that wasn’t a book.
I stayed at THEHotel at Mandalay Bay just a few weeks ago, and it was great. Plus there is a free train that runs directly from the hotel to two other hotels on the strip, so you don’t have to pay for cabs or anything.
My first ‘grown-up’ present to my mom was taking her to the Simon & Garfunkle show. Something that she totally wouldn’t have done for herself, but something she still talks about. Money well spent. (that was pre-husband brokeness!)
Congradulations on taking that step!