<p>A good friend of mine helped my daughter with her college essays. She spent hours editing with my daughter making sure that my daughter’s “voice” was not lost in the process. She really went the distance. </p>
<p>I want to show her my appreciation with a nice gift. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>I would take her out to lunch and maybe write her a letter about your appreciation?
If you wanted to do more maybe a gift certificate to go out to dinner?
It also might be nice to frame a photo of your friend & your daughter.</p>
<p>I understand people’s inclination to give a gift, but I already have too much stuff and I don’t want more of it, & I imagine there may be others who feel the same.
No offense. I have the same inclination! :o</p>
<p>Have your daughter write her a thank you note too! That will be appreciated!</p>
<p>A young friend’s mom sent me an Amazon coupon- completely unexpected. Whatever you do, it’s also very nice to hear from the student, sometime in first semester, a note about college and how things are going.</p>
<p>Two suggestions–food or flowers. As has been mentioned, most of us already have too much stuff…and have your daughter sign the card. Your friend will know you paid, but it sends the right message to your D. </p>
<p>Does your friend host a gathering during the holidays? If so, send her a gift basket from a local deli or gourmet shop. Or, send a coupon/gift card for a special food item she can serve her guests at TG. What better gift than stress reduction during the holiday season??!!</p>
<p>Heartfelt letters from students are a treasured commodity, which are very inexpensive and good practice for young people. A nice meal with the friend–perhaps all three of you–student and two friends or any combo–student & your friend or you & your friend would all be nice. My preference these days is food and taking folks out to meals. I & most of the folks I know have way too much “stuff.” ;)</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your wonderful suggestions. </p>
<p>My friend usually works 10 hour days with additional hour commute. Because of Hurricane Sandy, her workplace is closed giving her the time to work with my daughter. She is always on a diet so, I wouldn’t dare give her food. </p>
<p>Keep the suggestions coming.</p>
<p>Is her commute by car or public transportation? I am thinking a book to read in the train or an audio book for the car or even a mp3 player (of course depending on your budget, they can be as little as 50 dollars)</p>
<p>She drives to work, but she does love to read. In fact, she is my book group.</p>
<p>Audio books or a subscription to something like audible dot com could work for a reader who has a player that can be used in the car</p>
<p>Even most folks who are on diets seem to enjoy a treat of dining out with a loved one. Perhaps a place that has a wide variety of healthful foods including great salads might be a good choice.</p>
<p>Sorry, my main source for books is our local public library, so don’t know where folks go these days to purchase books or audiobooks (our library has all versions–electronic, audio and paper).</p>
<p>An Amazon gift card would be nice since she likes to read. Most important is the thank you note from your daughter, though.</p>
<p>chinablue–depending on how much you want to spend, a Nook or Kindle might be a good idea. If not, a GC to Barnes and Noble maybe?</p>
<p>I agree that the main thank you should come from the daughter, but if I were in OPs place I would still want to express my appreciation as well.
An amazon gift card could be used for either hard copies, ebooks or even audio books.
I still like my idea of a framed photo of the two of them though. :)</p>
<p>How about buying her the next couple of book club selections?
I have a fav body lotion from Origins. It is expensive as an every day lotion so I love to receive it as a gift</p>
<p>[Ginger</a> Souffle™ | Origins.com](<a href=“http://www.origins.com/product/4185/11250/Bath-Body/Must-Haves/Award-Winners/Ginger-Souffle/Whipped-body-cream/index.tmpl]Ginger”>http://www.origins.com/product/4185/11250/Bath-Body/Must-Haves/Award-Winners/Ginger-Souffle/Whipped-body-cream/index.tmpl)</p>
<p>Flowers are always appreciated!</p>
<p>A random book just does not feel like it conveys the heartfelt appreciation I have. I really want to give her something nice.</p>
<p>How about a lovely bouquet with a gift card tucked in amongst the flowers?</p>
<p>That sounds nice. I am liking that idea.</p>
<p>What about a spa gift certificate? If she works such long hours, a nice massage or facial maybe greatly appreciated.</p>