I'm attending the graduation party next month of a neighbor/friend who is receiving her Bachelor's degree after many years of part-time study, and I'm needing ideas for a gift for her. My original thought was an engraved business card holder (they are not that expensive), but apparently she doesn't use business cards.
Any ideas? She is 29 and the mom of a 2 year old daughter. Thank you!
D.
lol shameless plug here I'm sorry... I'm an Independent Consultant for PartyLite, and I always suggest candles as a gift for someone who's not incredibly close to you. Whether or not you choose PL products, candles are usually a big hit. If you're interested in shopping online, please contact me and I can give you my website. Good luck either way!
Get her what she, and every graduate out there, really wants.... MONEY! ;)
I graduated from college after many years of part-time study too. The only thing I told my parents I wanted (since I graduated in December that year) was a Christmas party with all the relatives...no presents, but just them showing up.
If she sends you an announcement - get a silver frame for it, and give that to her as the gift.
Gift cards to favorite places are usually nice, and if you get gift cards at places like Target or Steak-n-Shake, they don't charge you a fee for the card, typically. If you got her a "gift visa" from someplace like National City Bank, they'll charge you about $5 for it.
If she likes manicures, you could give a gift card to the salon she likes to go to.
I don't know if she's married or not - but you could offer to watch her daughter for a few hours one night so she and her hubby could go out to dinner and a movie.
I don't know what her field of study was for her degree....maybe you could tie it in that way somehow. Maybe business cards isn't what she needs, but maybe she could use a gift card to Franklin-Covey (the "planner people")? Or a nice pen/pencil set? A desk set?
You could always stop by "Things Remembered" (either in the mall or on their website) and see what they have.
For what it's worth.....and good luck!
I was 36 when I graduated. One of the only things that I am still using that was a gift was a picture frame that I use on my desk. Another item that I used a lot was a framed motivational saying.
YOu could do a gift card to Rollandia or some place like that where she could go with her daughter.
I know its so traditional but with the expense of going to college money is ALWAYS nice! If you want to give her a gift instead I think a nice shoulder briefbag would be helpful for any new career!! The ones that look like a purse are really popular for working women but they have all the compartments needed for your computer, paperwork, and other business needs! Good luck.
Another option would be a gift certificate (or if you know her size and what she's comfortable with) for clothes at a place where she can get some outfits for job interviews.
The book A Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren is good. It'll help her figure out her life past college -- it's a nice transition gift.
Good luck!
How about a gift card to a nice restaurant and an offer to babysit when she wants to use it.
I too am an adult graduate and I really did not want any gifts but I had some dear friends that insisted on getting me something and they got me a gift card. And I thought that was great. That way I can buy my style and what I like. Also a gift card for a nice dinner is also a good option. A place for her to celebrate. I would go with a gift card...
Something with her college on it might be nice, I still have the mug with the seal from my university. The only other thing I still have is my diploma framed with the matting having the seal of the school. Some places just sell the matting(inexpensive) but if it is only sold with the frame than it will be too expensive and you may want to go in with others or not do it. In my house I get a nice matting for $20 and then buy an Ikea frame for $20 and it looks like $100+.
When you have children your life changes. When you try to attend school full or part time and you have children it changes even more. You are always on the go and always having something to do. If I were you I would consider a gift that would not be work related. She's got the whole rest of her life to work! Maybe since she is done now she can take some time for herself to bathe in her own glory. I would suggest either a gift card to the local spa for some mommy time that she probably does not get much and volunteer to keep her baby while she goes so she doesnt have to find a sitter. Or I would buy a large basket from a craft store and buy different soaps, loofas, candles, and a bottle of sparkling water or a cheap champagne and put that all together with a congratulations you deserve it card and that way she can relax at her own leisure.
D.,
I am with everyone else, a gift card is great. But, I would find out what her degree is in and get a gift card to help her buy something she will need for her job. For example if she got a teaching degree a gift card to Holcomb's is fabulous! Or if she got a business degree get a gift card to a NICE business store, (I know there is an nice place on-line, however I don't know the name. They have leather desk sets, leather folders, etc.)
Good luck and have fun.
Congratulations to your friend!!
L.
