<p>I know that is a bit pre-emptive, but it was on my mind today, so I figured I’d ask. A good friend of mine is graduating with her doctorate in May. I was invited to the ceremony, and while I won’t likely be attending, I would like to send a small gift to her as a congratulory tonken for all her hard work and accomplishments in her field. I have no idea, though, as to what would be approriate. From a purely practical standpoint, I’m tempted to send her a check (ala HS and college graduation), as I know she could probably use the money as she gets her career off to a strong start. However, I can’t help but feel that that would be really awkward, as she is far older, more experienced, and better educated (duh) than I am, and I feel that would just come across poorly. I also considered sending flowers, but giving flowers as a gift always strikes me as a tad wasteful, as flowers are so perishable, not to mention generic.</p>
<p>Any advice on good grad. gifts for people academically “above” the giver, though not in the same field?</p>
<p>how about a gift certificate to a nice frame store so she can get her new diploma nicely matted and framed.</p>
<p>Restaurant gift certificate, enough for 2, with the wish “I hope you’ll indulge in a celebratory meal in honor of your PhD.” I can’t imagine she’d think you’re expecting to be the invitee, but I can;t get the wording quite right to get that across.</p>
<p>Another idea is a gift certificate to an office supply store, or actually purchase
a handsome note-taking clipboard. A beautiful photographic 2008 calendar is another idea.</p>
<p>My H loves to receive a nice pen, and these come in every budget. It might even be engraved with her name. Some stand up on little trays with the engraved name, PhD.
on the wooden base.</p>
<p>What’s her PhD in? A year’s subscription for a journal in her area of study would help her a great deal. These top journals not only print latest research but also advertise postdoctoral positions and Pharma jobs. </p>
<p>It’s a gift that keeps giving!</p>
<p>After the stress of getting her diploma, I think she’d enjoy a gift certificate to a local day spa. Having BTDT, I’m sure she’s in great need of pampering.</p>