What should I get as a graduation present for my sister - quickly?

June 28, 2009 2:19 PM

What should I get as a graduation present for my sister - quickly?

My sister is about to graduate from university/college and is hoping to work in mental health. I've only got a couple of days before I go up to see her so I need to pick up a little present quick - I was thinking a really nice book would be ideal, but I wasn't able to find one just browsing. (Ideally it'd be both a beautiful hardback book and something appropriate to the occasion - about life after university, or life in your early to mid-20s, or something..) However I only have a couple of days to get this, so speedy suggestions much appreciated!! Not only books, anything else as well (I was also thinking a nice pen or journal or something) but something I can probably pick up where I am (Brighton, UK) without having to order online. I was thinking up to about £40-50 or so but don't let that be a factor in your speedy and helpful suggestions!! :)

posted by Kirn to shopping (7 comments total)

Get her some stuff for her home? Kitchen?
posted by mooreeasyvibe at 3:01 PM on June 28

If she's going to be moving into her first grown-up apartment after college, then household stuff might be a great present. I really love these bowls, but if you don't have a Sur La Table near you then try the fantastic OXO kitchen gadgets (sold at Target, among other places). They're a bit on the pricey side for someone just out of college, but they're fantastically designed, and will last her forever. Try making a set with the can opener, garlic press, sweet measuring cup... Universal design ftw! If she's really into tea or coffee, I'd also recommend Bodum's products (especially the double-walled borosilicate glass) which are usually sold at Target and even some Starbucks.
posted by you're a kitty! at 3:14 PM on June 28 [1 favorite has favorites]

A really beautiful vase with flowers would be nice. Vases are a good house-building habit for a young woman. Nothing helps with the stress of young adult life like some beauty in the room.

A set of pretty wine glasses and a special bottle of wine!

Spa treatments are nice. I got my first (oh, only actually, damn!) facial by using a giftcard from my college graduation, and it was SUCH a treat.
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur at 4:37 PM on June 28

Given the time constraints, I'd suggest a gift card, maybe one from amazon, so that she can choose exactly what she wants. I'm sure she'd be pleased.
posted by ragtimepiano at 11:02 PM on June 28

I received a business card case from one sister and a bracelet from the other for my graduation. Both were lovely keepsakes and much appreciated. Sorry I can't help with a book idea.
posted by lunaazul at 11:42 PM on June 28

Dr. Seuss's Oh the Places You Will Go is surprisingly fitting, despite the fact that it's a children's book. Gift cards are great (especially if they're for things for a new apartment like the aforementioned kitchenware), but personally, I'd accompany that with a more thoughtful gift as well (e.g. one sentimental gift, one practical gift).

A lot of people forget that it's actually pricey to build a work-acceptable wardrobe. Sure, the key is to buy a few key pieces with every paycheck, but that means for the first month and or two you have to alternate the same boring 3 pieces every. single. day. If you don't know her size, just get her a gift card to a store that specializes in age appropriate apparel. (I say age appropriate, because some stores feature clothing that comes across as rather unstylish and stuffy).

If she's going to be interviewing at a lot of places, a nice leather portfolio/folder (for the resume and other paperwork) would be nice as well. It's a little late to get it embossed, I suppose, but perhaps some stores have on-sight embossing of initials?
posted by mittenedsex at 12:57 AM on June 29

Thanks everyone.
posted by Kirn at 12:58 AM on July 30