My husband will graduate next Friday, the 30th, with his Master's Degree. He will be in Boston for the ceremony. While I'd love to be there, I think it is best for me not to go (planefare money, kids in school, etc). He will return late Friday night. What would be an appropriate gift or celebration for such an occasion?
This is a huge accomplishment and I am very proud of him. He is also proud of himself. Also, no one except for me and his parents know about this. We never told anyone that he was working on this degree because he didn't want the extra pressure of people asking him about it/how long will it take/etc.
I am open to any suggestions. I'm not loaded with money so frugality is always a must.
Thanks for your help!
What about a nice, romantic dinner at home w/just the two of you. You could express how proud you are of him & it'll be nice & quiet w/just the two of you at home & if you wanted to get him a small gift of appreciation you can do that as well. What about a really nice pen-pencil set? There are some really nice ones that aren't too expensive and come in a nice case usually. Those are always nice gifts & appropriate too! Good luck!
I'd say have a small family party when he gets home! Maybe everyone could write him a letter of how proud they are of him for their own reasons-
Congrats!
I understand about money and kids! I stay home with my 3. I'm 34 and have been married 10 yrs. I seriously would find someone who could watch the kids and you fly out alone, and don't tell him, make it a surprise! Really this only happens once in a lifetime. This would be good for your marriage as well! And for you to get some alone time! I know that sometimes I don't put my husband first (he understands, but I really can tell it makes a difference!) We went out alone for the first time in along time(because of breastfeeding) and he was so happy! I know money maybe an issue, but there are times its worth it! You can eat beans and rice for a couple of weeks to make-up for it. :)GOOD luck! ) You know its kinda a celebration for you too, you supported him through all this time!
I think a lot depends on him. My husband likes money, so I would probably give him a cash award that we agreed on, to spend however he wanted and get a group of a few close family members and friends together to meet and celebrate at one of his favorite restaurants. I would think of his personality and what he would truly enjoy bc my hubby is just not a big party guy but I am and I always try to remember that his lack of excitement for parties is not a lack of interest in what is going on, he just isn't that guy. So I say think of him, what he loves and try to do that:)
Throw a small party?
Buy a nice briefcase or watch?
Take him out for a night on the town?
Make a cake,
have any friends or family that come to bring sandwiches,chips,dips,etc.
Be sure and take those pictures so he will remember who came.and have fun. Mine did the same thing after retiring from the service at 23 years in. felt good.
Where is his BA degree? If it isn't already framed, frame it and purchase an identical frame to put the Masters in. Frames are not expensive.
This is such a huge event in your husband's life that I would imagine the best gift of all would be you being there. I just checked airfare at Expedia.com and you can fly out on the morning of the 30th and return the next morning for $291.00. If money is a concern, maybe the parents could chip in and help you to get there and they could take care of the children for the time you are gone. Flights were as early as 6:30 and you would be in Boston by 1:30. Just an idea! A huge congratulations to your husband on his accomplishment!
If he is going to be late to the point of past dinner time, plan a private celebration just the two of you or with his parents.
This is a big deal. I would plan a celebration with extended family and friends for another night. I recently celebrated my 40th birthday and while we didn't have the money for a "big" party, I wanted people to join me in celebrating this milestone. So, I made up invitations that said, "we will be celebrating my 40th birthday at (name of restaurant) and would love for you to join us". Then I filled in the date and time details. My husband passed out the invites. I worded it this way in an effort for people to understand that it would be dutch treat. No one had any questions about it, and we had a fabulous time. My MIL bought my cake.
I would have a "private" homecoming on Friday night. Then invite the family and close friends over on Saturday for a dinner. CB
You can have a small gathering at your home with just close friends and/or family. You can make finger foods and be done with it. I wouldn't do it when he gets home on Friday night because he may want to relax. Maybe a nice dinner out with you and your boys may be more his speed.
Congrats to your hubby!
Since you say he's returning late, I'd have a private celebration waiting for him when he arrives...maybe some wine to relax & toast his accomplishment, some grapes/cheese/crackers...something to nibble on...and make yourself gorgeous girl! Then on Saturday you can have a family get together at your house, invite his parents of course and whomever else you wish to have celebrate his accomplishment with you. You & MIL can cook his favorite dishes. As for the gift, maybe tailor it to his degree.
Have fun!
That's awesome!!! Good for him! Why not tell everyone now? How about doing something with family and friends? You should have enough time - but why not tell everyone and let them know you'd like to share in the celebration and do a pot luck? I know that may come off as cheesy - but it's not the food that is being celebrated...it's your Master Degreed husband!!!
Also, why not write him a letter about what's in your heart and what you've seen transpired this whole time. Have the kids make him cards too.
Remember: It's not about 'the stuff' - it's the celebration of him, his dedication and the accomplishment.
Good luck and have fun!
Don't know if you are interested, but I found a flight for $218. You would be there by 12pm and back home the next day by 10am. Here are the flight details.
1 Review trip details 1 traveler, round-trip (2 days, 1 nights) More flight detailsTotal airfare, taxes and fees: $ 218.90
Please note: AirTran Airways charges an additional fee for checked baggage.The fee is not included in your total trip cost.See details
Fri, Oct 30 Depart: 5:50 am Houston, TX (HOU) AirTran Airways 290
1 stop
Arrive: 12:02 pm Boston, MA (BOS) AirTran Airways 279
Sat, Oct 31 Depart: 5:50 am Boston, MA (BOS) AirTran Airways 272
1 stop
Arrive: 10:31 am Houston, TX (HOU) AirTran Airways 294
E-mail flight information
Total Trip Duration: 2 days / 1 nights
1 traveler, round-trip
Total Airfare $178.00
Taxes and Fees $40.90
Total trip cost $218.90 USD
Please note: AirTran Airways charges an additional fee for checked baggage.The fee is not included in your total trip cost.See details
Search other airline fares with Orbitz
Friday, October 30, 2009 Leave
AirTran Airways 290 Economy 70% on time Boeing 717 2hr 0min 691 miles
Depart: 5:50am
morning Houston, TX
Houston Hobby (HOU) 1 stop
Arrive: 8:50am
morning Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson ATL (ATL)
Change planes. Time between flights: 0hr 40min
AirTran Airways 279 Economy 90% on time Boeing 717 2hr 32min 947 miles
Depart: 9:30am
morning Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson ATL (ATL)
Arrive: 12:02pm
afternoon Boston, MA
Boston Logan International (BOS)
Total duration: 5hr 12min Total miles: 1638 miles
Saturday, October 31, 2009 Return
AirTran Airways 272 Economy 90% on time Boeing 717 2hr 47min 947 miles
Depart: 5:50am
morning Boston, MA
Boston Logan International (BOS) 1 stop
Arrive: 8:37am
morning Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson ATL (ATL)
Change planes. Time between flights: 0hr 48min
AirTran Airways 294 Economy 80% on time Boeing 717 2hr 6min 691 miles
Depart: 9:25am
morning Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson ATL (ATL)
Arrive: 10:31am
morning Houston, TX
Houston Hobby (HOU)
Total duration: 5hr 41min Total miles: 1638 miles
wow, congrats to the both of you! If it was me I would make his favorite meal, have dinner by candle light and write him a hand written note telling him how proud of him you are and how much you love him, it would also be sweet to have the kids make him a congrats card.
Well, since you all didn't tell anyone about it. You can call your close friends and relatives and tell them, and then ...not tell him, and have a surprise party. It is a great accomplishment and should not go unnoticed.
Good Luck. PS. The candle light dinner sounds wonderful also.
Hi P.,
Congats to your hubby. It will cost you approx $100 to frame the diploma so that will be a nice gift. so, the next best thing would be a small celebration just for those who have sttod by him and given him support
good luck and blessings
