I really need some help! My husband has finished his Bachelor's degree and has commencement next Sunday (Yeah!!!). His mom paid for his schooling the past 2 years and we really need to get her something that is very nice and personal to thank her. The problem: she is very hard to buy for and everything that is made (I scrapbook) is either taken to work (small cubicle) or not allowed to be displayed. She and her husband (of 4 years) live in a VERY nice house and he is OCD about EVERYTHING in it. There are no family pictures hung or displayed (except in the guest bedroom and those are rotated out with his family or my husbands depending on who is visiting). We are very strapped financially and need to keep the price under $65 (preferably less). She does not live in the state and I want to give her the gift next Sunday when she visits. Please send me any ideas you have that I could purchase or make that would be personal and appreciated. My husband does plan to write a heart felt thank you letter to accompany the gift.
So, thank you for all of the great suggestions! We purchased a digital photo frame and will upload pictures of our daughter and a few of the ones we've taken while we were together with my MIL and her husband from the past year. We also purchased an additional SD card and will put pictures of Sunday's festivities on it. My husband has been offered a job with a large company and will start in just 2 weeks! We have not told his mom yet and will put a picture of my husband standing in front of the building inside the card (with the two thank you letters from each of us). We are very excited about this weekend and spending some much desired time with them! Thanks again!
What about a nice necklace engraved... could be a locket, her birthstone in some sort of seting so you could engrave it or a heart.
There are various stores that focus mainly on that type of stuff. You might also be able to do that at Macy's or other sotres like that (they might also know where you can get the jewlery engraved if you ask).
If they have a fireplace, you could take pinecones and roll them in melted candle wax, add a bit of glitter and make a nice basket with those long matches and the firestarter pinecones. It is something they could use up and it is attractive. They do sell them in some stores already made up but I don't know if they are out yet. I gave one of these to my mother in law for her birthday once. She was so thrilled with it and told me that I always find the neatest gifts to give... coming from her that is a real complement since she is one who always rather had money for her birthday so she could go get something she likes.
You just have to dig deep and think of something she really loves. A certain place you could give her a $50 gift certificate for? A restaurant she loves for dinner (gift card)? A massage? A nice picture of him in his cap & gown and her in a nice frame? Good luck!
How about a massage or pedicure. Or the photo frame is a good idea. I saw that they were on clearance at Target.
could you make her a fancy dinner while she is here?? you can get steak and lobster and cook at home...this would be way less than taking everyone out for a fancy dinner at a restaurant. you could get wine and use candles and fancy linens...Sounds like she is particular about trinkets so why not create a memory.
Or..how about a digital frame loaded with family pictures?? That way she wouldnt have to rotate a picture when other family members visit.
Hi,
What about a gift certificate to their local nursery for a tree or perennial. We have done this for several occasions and then they can pick out something they really want to compliment their yard. Then she will always have it as a remembrance.
L.
You could buy a star and have it named for her. If she has a favorite charity, you could make a donation in honor of her. Another idea is to write her a letter and let her know how much she means to you and how her support has helped your family.
Made a donation in her name to her favorite charity. From J. S. in Missouri
Since she has somethings on display -- you could get a personalize calendar made for her. Each page could display a personal picture with an idea of gratitude expressed... or tell a story of blessing...
Your MIL would have 12 months to see your joy and know how much she has blessed your family. (then you can get her a new calendar and do it all over again...
Good luck
I just had to say congrats! My husband is in his last year for a Bachelor's degree and it's very hard on the whole family. Nice to know I'm not the only one in this boat. Good and bad part is we still have 6 more years of grad school to go through after this.
I think I like the idea of the star best. The spa idea is also good.
Sometimes the nicest gifts are free. If your husband writes her a nice thank you telling her about all the things he appreciates about her being her mother. You could do the same thanking her for allowing your husband the opportunity to further his education. These are things that will mean so much. If you want to put them with a gift perhaps put them with a book. I have gotten my husband some great - Your the Perfect Dad type books, but I can't think of a name of a book to give you about mom's but I'm certain there is one out there. Give it from the heart and it will be treasured!
What about a gift certificate to a spa for a pedicure or something?
Hi J.,
So nice for you both to acknowledge her support. The thank you letter will probably be the most treasured of what she receives.
I like the idea for the custom calendar and it doesn't have to be all photos, poems or motivational sayings would be nice too.
If you decide to go the route of jewelry, I am particularly proud of my .925 sterling silver line of jewelry, belts and watches. We have a lifetime guarantee.
A particular set comes to mind with a simple but pretty necklace and matching earrings for about $60. Or get the necklace now and matching earrings for the holidays.
View the entire catalog at www.mysilpada.com/J..mogck
Warm regards,
J.
How about a locket with a picture of you and your husbad in it. You could also have it engraved on the back with the date and a "Thank You." Just a thought. Liz
I don't think you would have enough time to do this by this weekend but perhaps a nice x-mas gift? You can go to shutterfly or the like and create a personalized book. It can be made up of family photos with quotes. I plan to do them for family this christmas because I have seen two and they were so nice and the grandma loved to show them off to people!
Hi J. -- Congratulations to your husband AND you!
Take a look at Swaravsky (SP!!) crystals. They have a good collection of them in Macy's and probably other comparable stores. They have all kinds of figures that are significant -- if not something that cries "Graduation," then maybe a crystal heart or puppy or boat or whatever her interests are. They aren't cheap, but would be affordable. Also, one would be very small -- easy to pack and very discreet to keep around ocd husband!
Paperweights can be super expensive, but a couple of years ago I found one for around $15 -- a plain, dark red glass heart that came in a handsome felt-lined box.
Or go to a good jewelry store and find a sterling silver Christmas tree ornament and have it engraved something like "To Mom - Thank you! - We love you!" and then put your names and the date of his graduation.
You'll think of something! Have a wonderful time!
L.
I don't know if you're famliiar with Arbonne products, but they make wonderful gift baskets. Let me know if you'd like more info.
And congrats to your hubby--that had to have been a lot of work for both of you!
What about a treat at a spa or a gift certificate to her favorite resturant. Or even a bottle of her favorite colonge. congrats to your hubby!
What about something personalized?
I don't have ideas myself, but would like to say that I like Debbie's idea about the digital photo frame... especially if your MIL rotates the pictures. Good luck in your search, and congrats to your hubby on his degree.
~SR
Depending where she is out of town from a nice blanket or quilt could be a good thank you. Something she could cozy up with on the couch. They make some really nice knitted afgahns out there and I haven't met too many woman that don't like a nice cozy blanket.
Good luck
