I have a few shotguns. Older Berretta A303 semi-auto for ducks (stock refinished to get rid of the horrid shiny plastic finish, now has a nice dull oil finish and refreshed checkering that I love). That was my first shotgun back 3 decades ago. I also have a 12 ga O/U that I inherited from my late brother-in-law when he passed, which caused me to pass on my older 12 O/U to my kid a few years back. I have a Winchester 12 ga pump combined turkey/deer gun, synthetic and full camo head to toe, which is great for those types of hunting. Just change the choke tube from full to rifled and attach a red dot for deer.
However, I also loved upland game, specifically grouse hunting, and hauling a 12 ga for that style of hunting was a bit unwieldy and heavy. even with an O/U. So I treated myself to an Italian Caesar Guerini O/U in 20 gauge maybe 10 years ago or so. It's the most expensive gun I own (and I have a fairly big collection of shotguns, rifles, black powder and handguns). But man, walking and shooting with that little 20 is such a joy!
A fine shotgun, if you can afford it, is well worth it, in my experience. One day my kid will end up with it....but hopefully not for many years still.