March No Buy..Rolling Into Spring!

[bigmama67]

I'm in. The tricky thing this month will be that I have to figure out where I'm getting daycare $ from, as I now have some part-time tutoring but that decreases my unemployment. I'm starting to figure that out though.

I was under budget in February! I still have a bill to pay though...I'm mailing the check tomorrow.

I don't count buying groceries as spending $ though I do keep track of my grocery spending...so I will aim for 10 no-buy days. My birthday is March 11th and whatever I feel like that day (coffee, Pepsi, Dunkin' Donuts, whatever) I will get, darnit!

3/1: Between yesterday and today, spent $63.18 on groceries from March's budget/$536.82 left (we budget $600 but then again, I need to trim this because of the daycare issue.) DH doctor $15.
I don't count medical or groceries so... $0

3/2: $4.74 on groceries (GREAT deals at Acme!) $15 for some LeapPad cartridges for DD (brand new off Craig's List). $7.41 at A.C. Moore (T-shirt for DS for his show, PipSqueak markers, stickers).

3/3 $8.48 on 2 heater fans at Target (75% off!); $52.66 for groceries (LOTS of good deals again!) $7.99 for a ladybug umbrella for DD (Amazon, free prime shipping); DH spent $1.54 on soda at Rite Aid because he needed $20 cash back on a road trip for work (he will get reimbursed for mileage though, yeah!)

3/4 - DS school lunch $4.35; Juice and milk at TRU for DD $10; $125 for DH to register for a conference (out of our own pockets, argh!)

3/5 - DS bowling $16; soda at bowling $2.50; Toys R Us $12.83 for Lego game (this was actually DS’ money though); $24.80 at Bed Bath & Beyond (heating pad and toothpaste, used 2 coupons); $27.08 at Buy Buy Baby (used coupon); $16.99 at JC Penney (got a $200 coat on clearance with 2 coupons, YEAH!...find of the month!); $13 CVS (2 prescriptions); $1.26 Home Depot.

3/6 OK, we're falling off the wagon big time this weekend...
$4.84 Home Depot; $8.55 Stew Leonard’s (beer); $35.58 gas for DH’s car; $19.02 Borders.com (used coupon, got 2 gifts, free shipping); $4.28 Dollar Tree

3/7 $20.25 Whole Foods; $41.28 gas for my van; paid some bills; $19.18 for training pants on Amazon; $25 for birthday gift and a game for my tutoring kids.

3/8 $0
Stop & Shop $18.43

3/9

3/10

3/11 - my birthday...anything goes! (Well, within reason, especially because I'm tutoring that day!) DS school lunch too.

3/12 - DS bowling league

3/13

3/14

3/15

3/16

3/17

3/18 - DS school lunch; DH out of town so I'll probably take the kids out to dinner.

3/19 - my play reading; have to provide breakfast & lunch for my actors and keep my kids happy. $$$

3/20

3/21

3/22

3/23

3/24 - DS book fair at school.

3/25 - DS school lunch.

3/26

3/27

3/28

3/29

3/30

3/31


No-buy days: 2/10

Coupon savings: $239.33 so far!

 

[Where'sPiglet?]

Good morning!

I need to tally up some numbers before posting them. I just wanted to check in since it's been a few days!

We had some violent weather pass through here this morning. I didn't want to be on my computer during it. I'll post my numbers tonight.

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Hi No Buy Friends. I am going to go off topic a bit, if no one minds (I hope.) I'd post a seperate thread, but I feel like you are all my friends and will help me with good advise. My DH is turning 40 next month. He is going to Vegas as is going to have a great (but not cheap) time. He is going to jump out of an airplane (a lifelong dream) as his main "gift." It is $350 with the photos and video and stuff. So money wise I am trying to keep costs down. Originally I was not going to have a party and spend about $200 on a gift, but after talking with a good friend, I changed my mind. She offered her house and her help for a surprise party for him. She has a great party house and no kids at home anymore. Her DH is a DJ so all the music is covered, they have a card room (card tables, decorations) which is a great theme since his b-day goft is Vegas and many of his friends are card players. She has an old fashioned popcorn cart and stuff like that, so her house is great. We have it all planned out. She sent us an invite to "her b-day party" that night (it won't be her party, it will be his but it works cause her b-day is the next day.) We have good friend coming from about an hour and a half away and to get some good time in with jus them, we made plans (before the invite came) to hang out with them that day. The guys are going to see a movie while she and I go to my friends and deliver all the food and stuff. Then we told our friends "we'd have to call it a day aroudn 6 to make the party." They will head to the party (everyone is meeting at 6:30) and our invite says 7. So it is well planned out. Now I need to plan the party.

It isn't a big party, about 25 people. My DH is a great guy, funny and everything, but he does better in small groups so I kept it our closest friends. I am going to make a game out of "the year you were born" and other then that, I think that is the only game I might do. Do I need mroe then that? I suspect it will be more fun just to hang out, play cards, eat...that leads me to food.

I would love to cook everything, but being a surprise I won't be able to pull that off. I plan on making cheesecake. I am kind of known for my cheesecake. I figure I will make 3 or 4 of them and one sugarfree and light for him since he is doing so well on his diet. I can make these Friday and store them in our little dorm fridge in the garage. He won't see them there. Beyond that though I can't make much of it. So I was thinking of ordering one of those HUGE subs. I have never ordered one but I think he'd get a kick out of it. They have 4.5 foot and 6 foot, I am leaning toward the smaller. They are $41 and $65. Then I figure a few sheet pizzas and wings. Chips and veggies with dips. Do I need more? Should I have salads? Macaroni and potato? Seriously, this may seem stupid but I don't know. This is a first for me. Then soda and beer, DH and I don't drink (me never, he rarely) so is that enough or should there be more and if so what? Any advise I would love.

Since I am spending money on a party I had to keep his gift cost down (again, skydiving isn't cheap.) So this is what I did, I am happy with it so far and hope it all comes together. I asked 40 people who know and love him (family, friends- childhood and new ones) to write a message to him in EXACTLY 40 words. My DD16 is putting them into photoshop to look like photos and we are turning them into a photobook along with photos of him over the years. It is only going to cost like $20 but I think it will be a good gift.

Soooo, my no buy friends. Help me out. For a 40th b-day party how much food and drink variety should there be andwhat about games? Is one or 2 enough? Too much??? Thoughts???

 

[3goofyboys]

I'm in for the month! This should be a good month. No birthdays, baby showers, weddings, ect! I am hopeful that we will be spending a bit extra on moving, but we'll see if our current house rents soon. We did move back our move date to May 1st, so we have a bit more time.

I'm going for 14 no buys this month.

March 1

March 2 $31 groceries, $40 gas

March 3 $20 groceries (why is there always one more thing to pick up?)

March 4

March 5

March 6 $273 groceries- that will hopefully keep us in food for the next 2 weeks and it includes a baby shower gift (apparently I spoke too soon when I said we didn't have any this month) and dollar bills to play a shower game.

March 7 PLUS, I actually won all my dollar bills back plus $36 at the shower last night. That was enough to cover my baby shower gift. Hooray!! I did pay tuition for my guys today, but that comes out of a separate account, so I'm not counting that.


March 8 $40 gas, $11 landfill run. I also got my hair cut, but I paid for that out of my shower winnings!

March 9


5/14 No Buys

 

[Tiggerish]

The March budget is $700 with 12 no spend days.

Auto $50
Eating Out/Entertainment $100 / $78 left
Giving $10
Groceries/Household Goods $250 / $223 left
Medical $25
Misc. $75 /$48 left
Set bills $205 / $175 left

No spend days 12 / 5
Coupon savings $15.55
Christmas 2011 $8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2/1 $0
2/2 $0
2/3 $0
2/4 Misc. $27
3/5 Groceries $22
3/6 Set bills $30 (church); Eating out $4
3/7 Eating out $18
3/8 $0
3/9 $0

 

[SunnieRN]

February 25-March 11:

No buy goal: 7
Cash: $100
Medical:$180/-20 /-75
Groceries:$200/-92

Feb 25: $92 groceries
Feb 26: $0
Feb 27: $0
Feb 28: $0 ( do not count medical costs, just try to contain them )
March 1: $0 have to go to a meeting at work.: they usually put out coffee.
March 2: $12 Subway, picked up my med refills, which I track, but don't count.(I keep forgetting to add that I had $20 cash from something so this didn't come out of my $100/cash).
March 3: $0, I owe, I owe, so off to work I go.
March 4: $0, was going to buy fruit at work last night, but someone bought it for me!! She said, well, I can afford it. I notice you haven't been spending any money lately. I explained about no-buy, then she wanted me to have a no-buy day!
March 5: $0 This was not planned as I really wanted to go to Target, as I need a couple of items, but my punky feeling is a horrible chest cold.
March 6: $0, was going to go buy medicine, but too achy and sneezy. So being lazy, in bed. Maybe tomorrow.
March 7: $0
March 8: $712, can you say shop from home?! I have been telling my Dad I wanted a MacAir. Really Bad, but didn't want to spend that much money. HE PAID 1/2!! Gigantic for my Dad, made me cry!! So, it's on order. This is the man who doesn't believe in Christmas presents and gives us each $20 for our birthdays. Shocking, to say the least!!
Mar 9: $0

No buy goal: 7 / 10 accomplished!

 

[Tiggerish]

MickeyMomOfThree - It sounds like you have things well under control. If it was me, I would skip the salads 'cause with your game theme they don't seem necessary. You might want to get a box of wine if you are doing beer but having no alcohol is absolutely fine also. With pizza and wings, the smaller sub seems like a better fit.

I am so envious of his parachute jump. I alway was going to do that, then life interferred and I cannot get a medical clearance any more. So he should do it now and savor the experience.

 

[SunnieRN]

MickeyMomOfThree, Your party ideas sound smashing!!! What a wonderful surprise that will be for your husband!

How many people are invited? It sounds like you have the food well covered!! Only thing is, I would base the size of the sandwhich on the number of guests you've invited.

If I did salad, like potato or macaroni, I don't think I would make them hugh and with the sandwhich, pizza, wings, chips may actually be easier to eat, as they are 'finger' meal items.

Either way, it sounds like it will be a fantastic, wonderful, surprise filled evening!! How cool that his friends are 'in on it' and will be a great distraction to getting everything set up!!!

As for his gift! WOW!! And how cool that your daughter is creating it! Your idea and her help will make it even more meaningful!! I think I would splurge on really great wrapping paper and 'professionally' wrap his gift!!

 

[SunnieRN]

Virgderon, congratulations on at least getting a check, even if the commission part is missing! I hope they rectify that for you!!

 

[Virgderon]

Thanks Sunnie!I'm almost ready to give up on getting my commissions. My energy is better spent elsewhere. I think I am mentally moving on since I got another job.

Another 0. Its amazing what we can do without when we just don't want to spend money.

Running Total: Spent $125
$900 budget... $775 left
$0 Days: 4
Goal is 8 or more!
coupon/sale savings :43

Groceries budget- $250-3-52= 195 left

March 1: 22
March 2 : 0
March 3: 52 ( groceries)
March 4: 0
March 5: 11 ( Walgreens pop, cooking supplies)
March 6 : 22 ( cleaning supplies )
March 7 : 0
March 8: 18 ( 13 Walgreens, 5 snack at bowling)
March 9 : 0

 

[dtr_angel]

Budget until 3/17 for Groceries, Gas, Eating Out, Gifts, & Misc - $92.55 left/9 days (can I do it?!)

1- $13.22 misc (cat food), $15.75 groceries, $55.40 gas
2- $2.29 groceries, $8.36 misc (CVS), $8.42 misc (eyeshadow)
3 - $98.22 groceries, $6.13 eating out
4 - $0!
5- $0!
6- $7.19 eating out (DH), $5.03 eating out (me)
7 - $0!
8 - $5.30 eating out (DH)

 

[IMALOVNDISNEY]

Thanks everyone for the good thoughts. We are STILL splish splashing away. The sump pump has been running 24/7 since 6:30 am Monday. And we are expecting alot more rain tomorrow. We lost more things then we originally thought. Atleast it was nothing that wasn't replaceable. We have been working non stop to clean it all up. My biggest worry is mold. Thankfully we will only have to take up a small amount of drywall. Most surfaces are concrete.

Auto $80.00/$240.00
Groceries/Household Goods $36.00/$150.00
Eating Out/Entertainment $26.00/$150.00 (raised DMil's Bday)
Misc. $160.00/$200.00 raised this one due to Prom
No Buy days 4/15
Coupon savings $38.00

January coupon savings $360.00
no buy days 17/10
February coupon savings $124.00
No buy days 15/12

03/01 $40.00 $30.00 gas already!!!!, $10.00 Pizza.. Mom's on strike day. At least I had a $10/20 purchase.
03/02-0-
03/03-0-
03/04-0- I've haven't been feeling well. So, I've been going right home after work. Upset stomach has been helping with my no spend days What ever works right.!
03/05 $66.00 $50.00 Gas- $16.00 dinner out with the ladies. Shouldn't have gone, I ordered a dinner and then didn't eat it. But, the company was priceless.
03/06 Today will be a spend day. Have to do some shopping....It was cold and raining today...So, we only went out to go to Church and to bring DD to work. Then back in the house for the day.
03/07$160.00 Woke up to a flooded basement this morning. By 6:30 AM my DH was at Home Depot buying a sump pump and things that go with it. Luckly I don't think there is a lot of loss. Our old house used to flood every year. We learned from that. We have a small fortune invested in totes and very few things are actually on the floor. Although we did loose a stockpile of T. Paper, paper towels, and 4 bags of dog food so far. DH was able to take the day off from work to get rid of the water and start the cleaning.
03/09$36.00 Walmart groceries and extra cleaning supplies(coupons savings $28.00.

 

[ronnmel]

Hi No Buy Friends. I am going to go off topic a bit, if no one minds (I hope.) I'd post a seperate thread, but I feel like you are all my friends and will help me with good advise. My DH is turning 40 next month. He is going to Vegas as is going to have a great (but not cheap) time. He is going to jump out of an airplane (a lifelong dream) as his main "gift." It is $350 with the photos and video and stuff. So money wise I am trying to keep costs down. Originally I was not going to have a party and spend about $200 on a gift, but after talking with a good friend, I changed my mind. She offered her house and her help for a surprise party for him. She has a great party house and no kids at home anymore. Her DH is a DJ so all the music is covered, they have a card room (card tables, decorations) which is a great theme since his b-day goft is Vegas and many of his friends are card players. She has an old fashioned popcorn cart and stuff like that, so her house is great. We have it all planned out. She sent us an invite to "her b-day party" that night (it won't be her party, it will be his but it works cause her b-day is the next day.) We have good friend coming from about an hour and a half away and to get some good time in with jus them, we made plans (before the invite came) to hang out with them that day. The guys are going to see a movie while she and I go to my friends and deliver all the food and stuff. Then we told our friends "we'd have to call it a day aroudn 6 to make the party." They will head to the party (everyone is meeting at 6:30) and our invite says 7. So it is well planned out. Now I need to plan the party.

Since I am spending money on a party I had to keep his gift cost down (again, skydiving isn't cheap.) So this is what I did, I am happy with it so far and hope it all comes together. I asked 40 people who know and love him (family, friends- childhood and new ones) to write a message to him in EXACTLY 40 words. My DD16 is putting them into photoshop to look like photos and we are turning them into a photobook along with photos of him over the years. It is only going to cost like $20 but I think it will be a good gift.

Soooo, my no buy friends. Help me out. For a 40th b-day party how much food and drink variety should there be andwhat about games? Is one or 2 enough? Too much??? Thoughts???

Both gifts are awesome. I've always wanted to try skydiving, though I did try bungee jumping so at least I had a small taste of it. And the photobook will surely be a very sentimental gift.

The party sounds like it will be a blast. I can't help you for the food though, as I am completely clueless for these types of things.



No Buy Days : 5/12
Gas : 72$ (max 120$ Raising the max due to higher gas prices)
Groceries : 0$ (max 250$)
Eating out (and snacks) : 40$ (max 100$)
Non-necessities : 225$ (max 300$)

03/01 : 45$ (gas + pharmacy)
03/02 : 0$
03/03 : 0$
03/04 : 0$
03/05 : 0$[
03/06 : 95$ (canadian tire + dinner)
03/07 : 0$
03/07 : 118$ (dinner, passport, and a few little things)
03/08 : 79$ (gas + long overdue windshield wipers)

 

[3goofyboys]

Mickey Mom,

The food sounds perfect. I agree, if you're going to do salads keep them smallish. Playing cards while eating salads is a bit of a challenge. And I love the book idea, what a thoughtful wife you are!

 

[QVCshopper]

MickeyMomofThree, your party and gifts sound great! I'd stick with finger foods as well! And lots of desserts, I have quite the sweet tooth.

6/15 no-buy days

3/1-$45 Wegmans, $6.50 Acme, $24.50 CVS prescrip, $17.50 Kid's Trips/Girl Scout Cookies
3/2-$0
3/3-$0
3/4-$0
3/5-$14 Sears, $23 Costco, $26 Hallmark, $25 VS (but got a $10 coupon), $5 Build A Bear
3/6-$18 Wegmans, $20 birthday gift
3/7-$0
3/8-$0
3/9-$0
3/10-$3 Dunkin Donuts, $55 Wegmans

 

[Debbie]

Hi No Buy Friends. I am going to go off topic a bit, if no one minds (I hope.) I'd post a seperate thread, but I feel like you are all my friends and will help me with good advise. My DH is turning 40 next month. He is going to Vegas as is going to have a great (but not cheap) time. He is going to jump out of an airplane (a lifelong dream) as his main "gift." It is $350 with the photos and video and stuff. So money wise I am trying to keep costs down. Originally I was not going to have a party and spend about $200 on a gift, but after talking with a good friend, I changed my mind. She offered her house and her help for a surprise party for him. She has a great party house and no kids at home anymore. Her DH is a DJ so all the music is covered, they have a card room (card tables, decorations) which is a great theme since his b-day goft is Vegas and many of his friends are card players. She has an old fashioned popcorn cart and stuff like that, so her house is great. We have it all planned out. She sent us an invite to "her b-day party" that night (it won't be her party, it will be his but it works cause her b-day is the next day.) We have good friend coming from about an hour and a half away and to get some good time in with jus them, we made plans (before the invite came) to hang out with them that day. The guys are going to see a movie while she and I go to my friends and deliver all the food and stuff. Then we told our friends "we'd have to call it a day aroudn 6 to make the party." They will head to the party (everyone is meeting at 6:30) and our invite says 7. So it is well planned out. Now I need to plan the party.

What a great sounding party! Your DH will love it, I'm sure!

March 8: $712, can you say shop from home?! I have been telling my Dad I wanted a MacAir. Really Bad, but didn't want to spend that much money. HE PAID 1/2!! Gigantic for my Dad, made me cry!! So, it's on order. This is the man who doesn't believe in Christmas presents and gives us each $20 for our birthdays. Shocking, to say the least!!

That's so sweet of him. Congratulations on the MacAir.

Thanks Sunnie!I'm almost ready to give up on getting my commissions. My energy is better spent elsewhere. I think I am mentally moving on since I got another job.

When we can't change things, we can control our attitude, and yours is great.

Budget until 3/17 for Groceries, Gas, Eating Out, Gifts, & Misc - $92.55 left/9 days (can I do it?!)

I think you can...I think you can...I think you can...

Thanks everyone for the good thoughts. We are STILL splish splashing away. The sump pump has been running 24/7 since 6:30 am Monday. And we are expecting alot more rain tomorrow. We lost more things then we originally thought. Atleast it was nothing that wasn't replaceable. We have been working non stop to clean it all up. My biggest worry is mold. Thankfully we will only have to take up a small amount of drywall. Most surfaces are concrete.

Thank heavens for small blessings, and sending prayers that the rain will soon be over. If not, I hear ark shopping doesn't cost much.

Mickey Mom,

The food sounds perfect. I agree, if you're going to do salads keep them smallish. Playing cards while eating salads is a bit of a challenge. And I love the book idea, what a thoughtful wife you are!

I'd probably forgo the salads and buy more chips.

MickeyMomofThree, your party and gifts sound great! I'd stick with finger foods as well! And lots of desserts, I have quite the sweet tooth.

and this...Could you offer to 'help' your friend by cooking/baking for her birthday?

 

[charming23]

MickeyMomofThree, the party sounds like blast. I would stick with finger foods as it is easier for a large crowd. The smaller sub will do with the pizza and wings as well.

Today we did a huge shopping trip but we should be good except for milk, bread, and some fresh fruit, for the next two weeks. Had a ton of coupons and I finally broke down and filled the gas tank since I had collected $.45 off per gallon at our grocery store.

I have to run back tomorrow as we forgot eggs, plus the laundry soap I like goes on sale tomorrow and I have a good coupon for it.

March 2011 Budget
Grocery/Household- $300/$123.52 Left
Car/Gas- $50/$21.25 Left
Eating out -$50/$31.30 Left
Entertainment/Misc- $100/ $66.86 left

Total- $500/$242.93 Left

Goal of 15 No Buy Days

Week One
3/1- $75.27 Giant Eagle and $6.19 Drugmart
3/2- $18.70 Loco Laprachaun
3/3- $0
3/4- $0
3/5- $0
3/6- $10.25 Pat Catan's
3/7- $0

Week Two
3/8- $0
3/9- $95.02 Grocery, $22.89 Misc, and $28.75 Gas
3/10
3/11
3/12
3/13
3/14

5/15 No Buy Days

Coupon/Store Savings- $79.62

 

[Debbie]

It's DD's 17th birthday, and she has asked for pizza from the local Mom pizza joint (we rarely buy pizza from the pizza place), and an ice cream cake.
Here's my plan:
1. I will only track PoS transactions-cash, cc, or debit-usually, groceries and gas, although this month there will be a couple of birthday gifts, and my running shoes need to be replaced [there goes $200]
2. Bills paid regularly, including all charity, not included, nor all items that are budgeted for (eg. DD's music trips....money is already set aside-I'll note them, but they don't count)
3. Whatever 'fun' money DH spends i.e. junk food, on himself....not counting
4. I anticipate some eating out this month-birthday and March Break
5. Gas....there is no telling!
6. I would like to aim for 10 No Buy days. Something to shoot for.

Great start.
Mar. 1: DH took the car in for a needed oil change. Found other issues (I knew there was something) Maintenance $434, gas $40
Mar. 2: $0
Mar. 3: $0
Mar. 4: $0
Mar. 5: Mom paid for the hospital parking and supper, but went to Costco: $90 for DD's gifts (birthday), $20 for odds and ends
Mar. 6: groceries $98, gas $47 Music trips that are b$5udgeted for: $125
Mar. 7: medical co-pay , groceries $16
Mar. 8: $0
Mar. 9: Happy Birthday to my baby, who asked for pizzeria pizza (a rare treat) $25 and ice cream cake $24. (and for me-Buster bars while I was at DQ $10), fundraiser World's Finest Chocolate almonds for DNiece $20, gas $44

NO BUY DAYS: 4/10

 

[h2oophelia]

Was on track for another no buy day, but DD reminded me that tonight is her school's fundraiser at Papa John's. So, I'm off to go pick up the pizza.....at least I'm eating for a good cause!

Goals:
No buy: 12 days
Eating out: 1/4
Groceries: $250/$160.84 left
Entertainment: $75/$66 left

3/1 $0
3/2 $9 for two Fandango movie tickets @ livingsocial.com
3/3 $0
3/4 $182.00 for 2 tickets to Wicked. $40.41 oil change for the 'ol Saturn
3/5 $89.16 groceries
3/6 $0
3/7 $8.70 for lunch at Subway
3/8 $0
3/9 $18.02 Papa John's school fundraiser

No Buy days: 4/12

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

Thank you all for your input. Honestly I didn't want to do the salads, but thought maybe I should. It seems like more work, plus needing the forks and stuff. I love that you all think it is unnecessary. I don't have to order the sub till 2 days out so I have some time, but I will likely go with the small one. Then wings and pizza. I will be making my cheesecakes and I like the idea of offering to help her with her party if I need to cover for myself. He works such long hours and I don't work so I do have lots of time to get it done. I had not thought of the box of wine, I think I will do that for those who want it. (I am not opposed to people drinking, I just personally don't.)

As for the skydiving. When he joined the Army he wanted to be Airborne. BUT, he is flatfooted so they wouldn't let him. This has been something he has wanted to do for so long. I admit, I don't love the idea, but I said when I got married I'd never say he couldn't do something and I never have. He knows I am nervous about it so we made a deal. He will not tell me what day he is doing it until after, but I want to see the video and see the photos. I know it is pretty safe, I just love him so much I worry about something happeneing to him.

So glad to get your advise. I have thrown pleanty of kids parties but this is the first adult party I have thrown. I am getting sooooo excited. I love when I get on the computer and see the 40 words people are sending me. I can't wait for him to see how much he mans to people. They are very touching. I am still debating between 2, I don't know which to put in yet.