Masters Graduation Gift

May 2, 2012 9:11 AM

Graduation gift for a close friend getting their masters in education? (More inside)

Posting anon as I'd rather not connect some of the details to them - short story is that I have a very close friend that s graduating with her master's in education in a few weeks. This is a big deal as it's the end point of a rather tough few years involving a divorce, moving her and her very young daughter back in with her parents, hitting a milestone age (40), watching the ex marry the "other woman", and other stuff. I am very close to her and her family, and would really like to get her something that is "awesome" - I'm so proud of what she's done, that I feel like it deserves.. something.
It's not about money, it's about sentiment that something can convey. Frankly, I'm out of ideas. I am good at doing the little things that I can to help, but grand gestures are not really my specialty.
I am hoping the hive mind has some suggestions of what could do/get..

posted by anonymous to shopping (6 answers total)

Since she's livIng with her parents, You don't want to get something physically substantial, because she probably doesn't have much space and she's going to be moving again soon-ish.

Educators use such a diversity of tools these days, few seem likely to last through her career.

That leads me to think good jewellery that she could wear while working, such as a necklace or earrings. To me that means nothing ostentatious, but more classic (in her style). Probably something made by an artisan or craftsperson (not a dunkin donuts machine).

My other suggestion, which others recommended for new lawyers & businesswomen on the green is a good (substantial, engraved) business card holder.
posted by Heart_on_Sleeve at 10:10 AM on May 2, 2012

How about a massage and/or spa date with you (or on their own)? I would imagine your friend is probably going to be exhausted from all of the work they must be finishing up now; and given all the "hard" life stuff going on, some rest and pampering could be a wonderful treat. You can of course expand on this, depending on your budget, etc.
posted by anya32 at 11:05 AM on May 2, 2012 [1 favorite]

If she's going to teach, I recommend getting her a gift card to the local small teacher's store -- teachers love teaching swag/supplies!

Also, think about subscribing her to one of those "treat a month" clubs -- first year teaching is the hardest, so having a monthly "love you!!" treat might really help.
posted by spunweb at 11:38 AM on May 2, 2012

A weekend getaway, either with you and/or her other girl pals or by herself?
posted by SuperSquirrel at 11:54 AM on May 2, 2012

Jewelry, or maybe something luxurious that she would not ordinarily buy for herself, like a cashmere sweater.
posted by elizeh at 7:47 PM on May 2, 2012

does she already know what grade she'll be teaching? if so, a huge collection of books for her classroom library would be awesome.
posted by These Birds of a Feather at 8:24 PM on May 2, 2012