My parents knew I was stretched out thin in my first house, remodeling the awful kitchen and working two jobs. They paid for the kitchen cabinets that I’d ordered, and then surprised me with a Jenn-Air range.
The most expensive thing I’ve been given was a divorce from an adulterous spouse. It cost several thousand dollars, but was worth every penny to be rid of her cheatin’ ass.
I am curently spending an evening with my two sons, both adopted. They are easily the best things anyone has ever given me.
One of my cousins has given my parents around $1,000,000 over the past 20 years.
3 or 4 vans with wheelchair lifts and hand controls.
A $350,000 house. When they sold the house they were living in dad offered him the money but he told them just to keep it.
In the neighborhood of $100,000 in cash, in varying amounts at various times.
5 years, and counting, of dialysis. Plus a bundle in other medical expenses.
7 years of full time help around the house. This includes taking care of dad who can’t do much for himself anymore.
Flights hither and yon on the cousin’s plane.
We have an aunt that he is also taking care of.
I would have to say the rototiller I received for our 9th anniversary was the most expensive item. I’m pretty sure I could pay back the cost of it with the summer ‘rentals’ of everyone we know who borrows it.
(This year I asked for a burn barrel and an outdoor laundry drying rack thingie made out of PVC. Verily, I am high maintenence.)
A custom built bicycle. A birthday gift from my father, after we completed several century fundraisers together.