8Th Grade Graduation

some sort of logo wear for her high school. My high-school aged nieces are always wearing their sweatshirts and pajama pants with their high school logo.

If you are comfortable writing her a letter, she would cherish it. Something that includes your hopes and dreams for her in high school and beyond.

Also, cash is better than a gift card because she can get what she wants.
A professional makeover with the makeup is the gift I remember from that time.

I advise against Wii and such electronics because the accessories and games are outrageous. I bought someone a $300 computer at walmart, but it needed hundreds of dollars in upgrades to do everything she needed and it didn't have the memory to do it.

My mom gave me a small ring with my birthstone in it for 8th grade graduation. I'm 34 years old & still have it!

Maybe a necklace or bracelet with her initial or something like that.

Assuming Mom and Dad agree, a spa gift card or a department store card for a makeup lesson and a new outfit. You and Mom should go with her and have some fun!

What about an "experience" gift? Is there something that she really likes to do, but doesn't get to very often? What about taking her on a "date" with you for her first mani/pedi? It's something she would remember and be special without breaking the bank.

Gather all the family and friends and throw her a party! With mom being ill and dad losing his job, it would take some stress off the parents shoulders. Take lots of pictures and make a scrapbook of the party.

A scrapbook...even a small one if you have access to some pictures, or other important things in her life...including that letter someone else recommened.... or simply a photo-collage framed ....