Care Package for soon-to-be-empty nester

Parent Cafe
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<p>My niece graduates from high school next month. As part of her graduation gift, I’m compiling her first college care package full of things she can use in the dorm. I’ve had no problem with ideas for this care package, but…</p>

<p>I thought that I’d ALSO compile a care package for my sister (her mother) to use after my niece leaves for school. My niece is an only child, my sister is a stay-at-home mom, and I’m envisioning a sad September for my sister! So, I’m looking for some suggestions (some serious, some tongue-in-cheek) for a care package for the soon-to-be-empty nester.</p>

<p>So far I’ve thought of a box of kleenex, some nice chocolates, a coffee mug with the name of niece’s school, maybe a gift certificate for a spa treatment/facial. A book that talks about letting go of your child as she/he leaves for college would also be nice - any suggestions? Thoughts? Ideas? Thanks!</p>

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<p>Gift certificates for movie tickets. A list of dance and nightclubs for folks of her age. ;)</p>

<p>This is supposed to be a great book:</p>

<p>[Letting</a> Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years, Third Edition:Amazon:Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/006095244X]Letting”>http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/006095244X)</p>

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<p>I would put gift certificates for places to go/things to do in her area–depending on your budget. I like the spa idea. For some funny, but useful, ideas, how about a step-by-step process for downloading Skype, maybe a book on what not to do as a new college parent (if there is such thing), a funny t-shirt with a cute saying about being a new empty nester along with an empty wallet or something like that?</p>

<p>Some paint chips and decorating magazines to re-do the niece’s bedroom??</p>

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<p>How 'bout something related to exercise, which can be great therapy. Presumably, she’ll have time on her hands. If she’s not already an exerciser, there are lots of good programs and books for self-direction… Maybe a CD or some walking/exercise music to download on her Ipod. I’m envisioning keeping oneself busy on crisp fall days by walking and exploring new areas/parts of town, etc…Maybe focusing on herself for a change?</p>

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<p>Travel guides. Oahu Revealed is a good one. Make sure to bookmark the craziest activities (parasailing, ziplining, skydiving, etc.) with yellow stickies. :)</p>

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<p>Thanks for all the suggestions so far! BB, that was the book I was thinking of.</p>

<p>I’m thinking about stuffing the box with play money, too…</p>

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<p>The one thing that helped me the most was a really good novel. The kind you can’t put down until you finish it.</p>

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<p>I would like the book on how to run all these stupid computer things (including all the gadgets that attach to my TV) in my house! I’d gotten so used to just yelling for a kid to come download or upload or fix something on my computer–really miss their personalized service!</p>

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<p>Paint, a couple of brushes, and a canvas, or a box of pastels.</p>

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<p>I was thinking an ipod. Or maybe a gym membership. </p>

<p>Or a puppy? :rolleyes:</p>

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<p>I do have a friend who’s gotten a puppy every time she sends a kid to school. I like the idea of exercise too–you know your sister and what she might take to. Yoga class? Water aerobics? Something more home-based (which would be me)?</p>

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<p>I love the play money idea!</p>

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<p>Coupon for wine tour/tasting. Living Social had one today in our local area :)</p>

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<p>Coloring books and Crayons, bottle of champagne, eye mask for sleeping in, new slippers, </p>

<p>A cd of songs she can load into her mp3, scented candle,</p>

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<p>Great idea. Also, if she’s a bookworm and doesn’t already have one, gift her an e-reader.</p>

<p>If she’s a knitter/crocheter/cross-stitcher, a gift certificate to her favorite supply store.</p>

<p>If you’re in the same area, include a coupon book for various sister-dates with you.</p>

<p>This is a really thoughtful idea, BTW.</p>

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<p>Agree that if she’s anywhere near you, coupon book for some sister-dates, photo album with some photos of great times with you, child graduating, and spots for her to put photos of your sister’s adventures. How about a catalog of courses at the community college near your sister’s home? Brochures of places to go & things to do in her area and places you know she’s always wanted to go? B&B brochure for near her home?</p>

<p>What a very sweet idea!</p>

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<p>Thanks for all of the thoughtful ideas! The wine, spa, and hobby-related ideas are especially good (the new puppy - not so much! They already have two dogs…)</p>

<p>Unfortunately, my sister and I live about 700 miles apart; I really wish we COULD do some sister-dates. I’m thinking, though, that maybe I can suggest that the two of us plan a weekend together somewhere, after her daughter leaves for school. (Maybe some place at the beach where we used to vacation as kids.) My only child graduates from college this spring and starts a job this fall, so it would be nice opportunity for me, too, to reconnect with my sister.</p>

<p>So, who can suggest a can’t-put-it-down novel? I haven’t read anything for fun in so long…</p>

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<p>What a wonderful sister you are!</p>

<p>For a novel suggestion, check out this thread…
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/403424-one-best-books-ive-read-last-6-months.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/403424-one-best-books-ive-read-last-6-months.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

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<p>For a funny gift, how about the real estate section from the area where your niece will be attending school? I told my kids that I was going to get an apartment halfway between their schools for next year.</p>

<p>A book on starting a bed and breakfast business might be amusing too. We always tease my daughter that we are renting out her room.</p>

<p>I agree that you are being very thoughtful.</p>

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<p>This made me laugh out loud! Thanks to MD Mom (and to everyone else) for the suggestions.</p>

<p>I don’t think I’m a particularly thoughtful sister (there are times when I think I’m a pretty crappy sister!), but I do remember those first few weeks of hollow feelings when my own D left for college. Not that chocolate, wine, and books will make it go away completely…</p>