my kid’s GF will graduate with a master’s soon, and I am looking for an original gift in somewhat awkward circumstances. She and her parent are estranged enough that we have helped pay for her schooling (she is brilliant, and was working two jobs bc the parent didn’t like the choice of school and so was withholding some funds) …but I don’t want to upstage or interfere with some superduper present. She loves to cook but food-related seemed too sexist? She commutes to a major metro area and their apartment is tiny. Hoping for a great idea that isn’t money (or jewelry, as a certain ring is in the offing after graduation!)
I’d go with jewelry, but obviously not a ring. Pearls? So many styles and prices.
I don’t think ‘something cooking’ is too sexist. A really expensive pan?
you are so generous.
for the practical side… do you cook ? do you have good family recipes ? Could you get a good cookbook and supplement with your recipes? or could you do a bunch of cooking in advance, freeze it, and fill her freezer with easy to heat meals and instructions ? (and in one of them, throw a $50 bill with instructions to ‘order out!’)
for the celebration side… what about a nice piece of jewelry? Does she wear earrings? Professional job or more science (lab-related?) ? Maybe a small set of diamond or pearl studs ? Or small drop earrings? Something not trendy - classic, that she could wear for graduation even ?
when in doubt… cash. cliche, yes, but always appreciated.
How much do you want to spend?
What is her line of work?
How about a Longchamps Tote…with a wallet inside. You could put a gift card to a favorite restaurant or Whole Foods in the wallet.
If she loves to cook, absolutely get her something cooking-related!
What about a gift card to something like Blue Apron (or insert other similar service here).
I love giving folded art books. You can personalize it with whatever you want (her name, her degree, the school mascot, anything) and she will not have another one like it! You can select your own book if you want, or have it covered. Lots of options. Gave one to. DS#1’s MIL and one to a neighbor for their anniversary. Big hit! https://www.■■■■■■■■/market/folded_book_art
A few comments:
– First congrats to your GF for her accomplishments and to you for being there to support her. And congrats on your upcoming engagement.
– If she loves cooking I don’t think food-related things would be sexist. If you don’t want to get an appliance maybe find a cooking class you can take together or go out to a nice restaurant you think she would love.
–Another idea might be something she could use in her new job.
You have done enough already. Nevertheless, a framed photo of her & your son, and an Omaha steak & seafood shipment.
Yes, congrats on her accomplishment and how kind of you to be so supportive.
Since it sounds like she is a future DIL and this is a significant milestone, I would buy a nice pair of earrings. They won’t compete with a ring and they will then be ‘in the family’ and could be passed down, assuming they plan/hope to have kids some day.
If you’d like to spend a small(er) amount and give something more modest, I do believe something she’d enjoy having in the kitchen (since she likes to cook) or something that will help her in her post-school job (a nice commuter backpack or tote, for example) are both options.
How about a gift of experience? A fun evening out for both of them.
I thought of a fabulous cookbook, but there are so many to choose from – she has a couple I gave her because she liked mine! Someone asked — she works in the sciences, in a medicial lab, actually.
If you want something for her to have, then earnings, pearls, or the nice cook pan.
If you just want a gift she will remember, a weekend trip. Depending on where they live, a cruise could even be inexpensive.
Food-related things aren’t sexist. Everyone eats, and people who love to cook come in all genders.
If “the ring” is upcoming and you have already been generous with educational expenses, I would avoid jewelry and focus on her interests or sentiments. Perhaps consider a shared experience (cooking class?), photo book of her grad school years, desired kitchen item or something else you know she would enjoy.
Weddings bring plenty of opportunities for gifts; your generousity speaks for itself and I’d be focussed on the welcoming relationship vs. a super-gift for something your efforts made possible. DH and I run generous, yet have restrained ourselves from impacting kids’ SO relationships with gifts prior to the commitment. This is a personal preference and every family has their own perspective.
^^^this. I want to “stay in our lane” , so to speak. I also want to avoid antagonizing the parent, who gave a string of pearls for undergrad and still tells me how ungrateful and uncultured the GF is for not wearing them all the time. In a room full of people, no less, this is loudly announced.
Cooking-related , I worried it might come across as implying now she should get in the kitchen, but I may be overthinking. I thought of getting a dutch oven, but they really have a tiny, tiny apartment & kitchen.
Does she need something like a nice Le Crueset Dutch Pan? Or an All Clad item?
I don’t know…I still think this should be something for HER…not for her and your son to share. There will be plenty of chances for those sorts of gifts in the future.
Will she frame her diploma? Those frames are nice…and not something most grads would buy themselves.
How about a good set of knives, like a Wusthof classic, Henckels or Shun? Most students lack them, and it is something that they will use for most of their lives, and will remember you whenever they cook. She’ll need something to do with all that free time.
I like the knives idea - I have a good set of Cutco - they last forever (offer free sharpening for life). They don’t take up much space and can be used every time she cooks.
This is dependent on your beliefs but I was always told it is bad luck to gift knives as a gift. Whenever we would shop bridal registries my mom used to say never give knives as a gift. It breaks the relationship between the giver and the receiver. If you don’t believe in these things then I guess it is nothing to worry about.
How about getting her diploma framed?