Son is 16, best friend is 17, they go to the same high school. Best friend’s family’s wealthy. He bought son a brand new iPhone 16 Pro Max & a pair of AirPods Pro 2, so they can “match”. Son’s obviously very happy, but I think it’s a bit too much. I called the parents and they said it’s fine, it’s just pocket change.
I don’t think that the gift in itself is a problem or that your son should return it, however I would talk to your son about a power imbalance and make sure that his friend isn’t asking for anything in return or manipulating him. Expensive gifts that have to be paid back is a tactic that gangs (allegedly) use to recruit people but if they are really best friends then I wouldn’t be worried.
the power imbalance is if the rich friend is giving as a way or the parents, said something about you being poor and needing help, that wouldve been insulting and wierd.