If keeping it in cash was not an option, then I would use any unspent amounts to purchase pre-1965 U.S. coins, often called "junk silver." Pre-1965 coins are 90% silver. A bag with coins having a face value of $1,000 is the standard size sold and would probably cost about $12K right now.

Otherwise, a pre-1974 pickup truck and parts would be high on my wish list.

Jeep stuff!!! Mainly, a cargo rack ($1000), a small lift kit ($1500), a decent set of tires ($1000). From there, likely some ammo (we'll say $500 worth, to keep it even). I live in an apt building, so I cannot build up my home base...likely spend the rest on gold, I suppose.

* Get some care packages together for my ill-prepared family members with food supplies, guns/ammo, etc
* Get our pickup truck and work vehicles in tip-top shape
* Take a trip

Other than that, there is nothing I really want or need right now. Life is good.

you say we can't use it to pay off debts, but can we use it as a down-payment on a new item? or would that be too close to cheating?
Volkswagon or Volvo stationwagon.
new house

or:
Adventurbilt Deluxe in beaver felt with a Kingdom bash. $400
G&B goatskin Expedition $500
Tilly Endurables T4 $80
a year worth of MREs probably a few thousand dollars

is there a time limit? and would college tuition and fees count as merchandise?

and a firearm or 2.
Seriously though I'd look for some very rural land to build a cabin on.

One years worth of freeze dried foods, MREs and provisions.
One years worth of meds for wife and self.
The remainder on ammunition and gear.

I'd buy me a couple guided hunting trips, probably Alaska for Kodiak bear and Moose or Caribou, maybe a fishing trip if there's enough to cover all three.

Land, bug out site.

Ultimately all of our money goes to caring for sick animals. If it isn't a dog with some odd, but expensive disease, it is for care of my wife's horse's broken leg.

Anything left over goes to buy camping gear. :-)

Geez, one little apostrophe and a couple letters...

OK, well apparently I get to start all over!
$1000 on "toys" - A surefire T1A ($250), a Fallkniven F1 ($125ish), gunsmithing on 2 of my rifles to improve accuracy (figure drop the remaining money on these parts and labor)

$3000 on a trip to Africa, the country my girlfriend did peace corps in.

$1000 on a summer trip to Alaska. Visit areas I haven't seen, go camping for a bit

$3000ish - might still get that engagement ring. It's an investment even if she says no (and probably cheaper in the long run too! LOL)

In combination with trading my new car, the remainder on a new/pre-owned car. Probably some sort of SUV or truck.