A former undergrad student of mine is graduating from the same masters program (counseling) that I graduated from and encouraged her to attend. Well her mom died over a year ago so I am sure it's a bitter sweet time for her. Dads not in the picture. While we are not close she has invited me to her graduation, she said that I had inspired her. I really feel honored by the invitation and would like to get her a sentimental type gift as opposed to a gift card. I know I am not anywhere close to being her mom, I think she sees me as a mentor/role model type figure, so I really want to make it a nice meaningful gift. Do you have any ideas of a gift that would make her feel special?
a name plate for her desk.
leather portfolio with a note inside telling her how proud you are of her
a frame for her diploma
dont forget a bouquet of flowers. Moms are usually the ones to give the grad a bouquet and without her mom there wont be anyone to give her flowers.
I would give an inspirational quote/proverb on something permanent; maybe a journal or something that will send daily inspiration. I like 'Love myBoys' suggestion of a locket too. my congratulations to you for mentoring above and beyond and to your student.
Something like that happened to a friend of mine. My friend was a Headmaster of the school this girl went to. She was the only real female Adult Role Model, in that girl's life. The girl, had no one really. Not even a Dad. She raised herself.
She invited my friend to her graduation. She went to the graduation.
They still keep in touch sometimes.
My friend touched her life, in a very meaningful way.
That girl still remembers that.
Something from Etsy would be nice.
www.etsy.com
A pendant on a pretty cord or chain... with the word "dream" or "strive" or, something to that effect. Something with an inspiring word on it. Would to me, be nice.
All the best,
Susan
I also like the locket idea, maybe a cross or a simple heart. You could have it engraved with the word inspire. That way it is something that she could wear (that she could touch and remember) to remind her to do for others what you/her mother did for her. "Inspire" How honored you must feel. :)
I honour you for being an inspiration. You have gone above and beyond the call of a regular teacher. You are very generous to accept her invitation and want to purchase her a memorable keep sake.
When I graduated from University, my mom gave me the book, how to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie. She inscribed: "Always remember who you are and where you have come from." 20 years later that book still takes priority on my book shelf.
Books stand the test of time. Jewelry is nice but everyone has personal tastes. engraving a picture frame or something, again, very nice "gift" but if you really want to impact her, I recommend the power of words, your favourite book perhaps.
Nice picture frames with an engraving on it.
A locket so she can put a picture of her mom in it.
Think back to your MA graduation. What is one thing that you were given or needed for your next life step....
Remind her how proud her mom would be. Having someone around who can carry the reminder for her is a gift.
Something degree specific.
I third or fourth the idea of a piece of simple jewelry with an engraved message. A bracelet with the date of her graduation engraved inside, with her initials might be good, or as several mentioned, a locket. If you know anything about her style of dressing or tastes, it could guide you to something like a heart, or you might want something less "traditional" like an oval. There are antique looking lockets, and more modern ones. Adding the flowers is a nice idea.
I like the idea of a personalized piece of jewelry. Or is their something specific used regularly in your field? Could that be personalized? Maybe even a nice pen with her graduation date or something.
I liked al the ideas and I really liked how special you are to her. A very meaningful book and a nice dinner is what I would love. OR you can make it girly massages and mani pedis. Don't forget a lovely note about how proud of her you are and how wonderfully proud her mother would be
Check out Blessings Unlimited - they have a pearl necklace, not too expensive, called a Teardrop Necklace. A very nice gift. Kudos to you for being an inspiration to her.
Maggie
Perhaps a combo picture frame/photo album/scrapbook; possibly engraved.
I think a tree would be really special, symbolising new beginnings. Maybe something native to your area :)
