$495 boots for an 18 year old?

[Anonymous]

My 18 year old wants a pair of $495 Frye Boots for Christmas.

She wants for very little (and asks for even less).
She had her 18th birthday over a month ago and we got her a sweater and a pair of boots ($150). The boots went back because they looked terrible (I completely agreed--they were bad). We haven't replaced them-she's been busy with school and hasn't asked for a replacement to this birthday gift that didn't work out.

We usually spend about $300 for Christmas and my parents give us $200 or so to buy a gift from them. She doesn't get gifts from other family members.
She also has her own money from working a full time summer job at a restaurant (she probably has 3.5K).


My first response is "uh, no!" (mostly on principle) But I don't know. I could buy them and have her chip in or just buy them as her one Christmas gift from parents and grandparents. They're the kind of boots that a few Influencers have found in thrift stores because Frye has been making the exact same style for 20 years (so they're classic and have staying power----and yes, it would be great to find them at a thrift store but she doesn't have the time for this and the stores with a random pair in them are generally in the midwest).

[Anonymous]

If she is open to thrifting, check Poshmark.
But also, this is a fine time to buy a pair of shoes like this for her. It's OK.

[Anonymous]

Yeah no way, I'd buy them used

[Anonymous]

Fryes are nice. It would be okay if you taught her how to take care of them. They can last a long time in her adult wardrobe.

My answer would be different for a 14yo.

I have one and I think she's done growing but I'm not totally sure, plus she's still learning to care for her possessions.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I absolutely would buy them as a joint present from you and her grandparents. That seems like a no-brainer to me. I'd probably add a few small stocking stuffer type things and be overjoyed to be basically one and done. lol

[Anonymous]

OP here.

I've been stalking Poshmark but they're actually marked UP on there because they're hard to find new online.

The only two pairs in her size right now on Poshmark are $750 and $699.

[Anonymous]

I’d get them. But that would be her only gift. If they are classic style, they will last years and years. Good investment. This isn’t something I’d buy used either. Part of the joy of having a great pair of boots is breaking them over several years as they mold to your foot/leg and develop a patina. Plus used footwear is gross.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s ok. If you can afford them, she feels like they are going to suit her taste for at least a few years and you trust her to take care of them… seems ok.

[Anonymous]

I would. If the total is more than you would normally spend then have her chip in the difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

I've been stalking Poshmark but they're actually marked UP on there because they're hard to find new online.

The only two pairs in her size right now on Poshmark are $750 and $699.

So toggle to see what they have sold for. Left side, Availability, and Sold items.

If she is really open to Poshmark, see what they are selling for and bid 5 percent under that. If it's cheaper than new.

If they are for sale at Nordstrom, buy them there, but get them to match the cheapest price you can find. The customer service will be better but they will match a price from any real retailer.

[Anonymous]

No way. Put it in her college savings and help her find a dupe.

[Anonymous]

I would if she knows that’s pretty much her only gift. The only hesitation I might have is how long will she realistically wear them. Will she be done with them by next year?

One of my kids (18 at the time) wanted a Dyson air wrap one year. We got it for her since it was basically her only gift. She got a few small things but that was it. Her siblings got more gifts in # but a similar dollar value. That was 2 years ago and she still uses it. At first I thought it was way to much to spend on a hairdryer but it turned out to be worth it.

[Anonymous]

I think you should get her the boots. She'll love them and she'll enjoy them every time she wears them, and remember that Christmas when her mom got her this.

My parents never bought me these things when I was young, even though they could afford it. My grandpa once did buy me a beautiful, expensive coat I wanted in college, and it meant so much to me. I loved that coat and it was so special just because it wasn't something I would normally be given. Sure, I can buy things like that for myself now, but there is something about being young and at that point in your life when your social life and appearance are so important, and having something really special like the amazing boots.

Just buy them, and get them new so that they last her longer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here.

I've been stalking Poshmark but they're actually marked UP on there because they're hard to find new online.

The only two pairs in her size right now on Poshmark are $750 and $699.

Ok, now I need to know what style these are!

I have a pair of Frye harness boots that I can’t wear anymore after my feet spread when I was pregnant. I was hoping my DD might want them someday, but her feet are smaller than mine, and they’re not her style anyway.

Would be great if I could make a few bucks off of them.

[Anonymous]

no.