She Really Deserves Something Special
May 1, 2012 9:35 AM   Subscribe

I'm looking for a meaningful and beautiful, but inexpensive, gift for a young woman who has successfully completed a treatment-oriented sentence, remaining drug and alcohol free for two years. She also aced her treatment program and has found and retained a good job.

My contact with her has been professional only, so I don't know her tastes. I have noticed that she is a practical person who likes to work with her hands. She is very bright but not intellectual or bookish.

I'd like something that is simple but will last, and embodies the idea of peace, or serenity, or achievement.

Thanks in advance, hive mind.
posted by bearwife to Human Relations (12 answers total) 2 users marked this as a favorite
 
Best answer: I'm not one for trinkets and objects, but I wonder if in this case a small pendant of the phoenix with a brief explanation of the myth would be appropriate.Even if she doesn't want to wear it, it could be kept somewhere.

Also, I think a note/card expressing some of your thoughts (you are proud of her for this ...etc) could be meaningful.
posted by Wolfster at 9:45 AM on May 1, 2012 [1 favorite]


I think you can't go wrong with an orchid-- something beautiful that will last, that requires surprisingly minimal care but is still something outside oneself to care for. I received one when I finished treatment and I still have it today (almost 5 clean/sober years later)!
posted by mireille at 9:45 AM on May 1, 2012 [7 favorites]


If you can find a store that sells crystals, you could probably find something that is pretty, comforting to hold in one's hands, and could double as a paperweight or just a lovely knick knack. I have a flourite heart (similar to this) that I love and I am not into the whole healing power of crystals thing, but adore it nevertheless. There are also spheres, animal carvings, etc. and if you notice she has an infinity for a particular color, you could find something in that hue. They also make excellent crystal worry stones, but I'm not sure if that has a positive enough connotation for this purpose.
posted by katemcd at 9:50 AM on May 1, 2012 [1 favorite]


Best answer: (Define inexpensive?)

This necklace from Made by Survivors is appropriately symbolic: In honor of our survivors' courage, the flames in this design represent the human spirit freed from slavery and blazing with potential. Bonus that the money goes to a good cause.
posted by evilmomlady at 9:51 AM on May 1, 2012


Best answer: I love this necklace -- probably too pricy--but you could get and inexpensive id bracelet or dog tag and have a this or a similar sentiment engraved. I also like this "Now, voyager..." necklace.
posted by agatha_magatha at 9:54 AM on May 1, 2012 [1 favorite]


Response by poster: Oh, sorry re not being specific about price. I'm thinking not much more than $50. Mostly to keep myself from overdoing it.
posted by bearwife at 9:56 AM on May 1, 2012


You can get a perfectly serviceable Timex watch for $50, possibly with engraving, which to me can symbolize responsibility.
posted by rhizome at 10:00 AM on May 1, 2012


Perhaps a handmade silk scarf? Since she has a job now she might find that she needs something lovely to make her work clothes a little more interesting. You could find something with a peaceful motif, or colorway, or with a phoenix-inspired pattern... There are hundreds of options. Scarves are one of those things that everybody needs at least a few of, because they just come in handy unexpectedly. Everyone of all sizes and all ages can wear them. And if the fabric is nice to the touch, like silk, it's very comforting.
posted by Mizu at 10:01 AM on May 1, 2012 [1 favorite]


I recently saw a Lenny and Eva cuff bracelet on Pinterest that looked cool. If you think she might like that style, they have lots of different quotes available that may be appropriate. I'm sure Etsy has endless similar creations.
posted by ghost dance beat at 10:03 AM on May 1, 2012 [2 favorites]


What about a set of Moleskine (or other) journals - yes, she has traveled so far - and there are so many more places that she can imagine going (and actually go) in the future! You could write a note inside the covers or even a poem. Which reminds me of another idea, that could be time intensive but not cost intensive - you could make a collection of poems for her. I am thinking Wild Geese by Mary Oliver or other poems of a similar nature.
posted by anya32 at 10:04 AM on May 1, 2012 [2 favorites]


Response by poster: Many wonderful ideas here. This is what I went with, along with an omega silver chain.

Thanks very much, everyone.
posted by bearwife at 10:49 AM on May 1, 2012 [1 favorite]


Beautiful choice.
posted by hermitosis at 12:36 PM on May 1, 2012


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