gift in lieu of attending sister's graduation? I can't go

[Anonymous]

I will be very pregnant when my youngest sister graduates across the country. I'm not going for medical reasons, but I would like to (preferably) do or give something special with/to her. I'm a bit tempted to just give her money as she doesn't have a job yet and it seems really practical, but that's not that special (plus, I'm not that flush).

Ideas? She will be returning to our home town so I could ostensibly do something with her in person (she'll be living with my parents).

[Anonymous]

Will you still (likely) be pregnant when she gets back, or is it likely you'll have a newborn then?

Maybe take her out for a nice meal and get her a job-hunting gift? Gift certificate to professional clothing store, or a nice bag? Will she have access to a printer? A printer would be a great gift for a new job-seeker, and there's a large range of price points, so you could fit it into whatever your budget is.

[Anonymous]

I would give cash and then a nice, long, specific letter about what you love about her and how much you mean to her.

[Anonymous]

I bought my sister tiny diamond studs when she got her PhD. They are modest, so small, but really sparkly. It was what I could afford and she was really touched. i got them from Boone & sons at a reasonable price. I love seeing them on her.

[Anonymous]

Thanks... I guess I am looking for ideas that would be akin to a spa day, but not a spa day per se...

[Anonymous]

My sister gave me a simple black pearl necklace after her post-college trip to the south Pacific. She shouldn't have spent so much. It's my favorite piece of jewelry.

The usual gift is cash because all grads are broke as a joke.

[Anonymous]

get her a day spa treatment for the day after the graduation out there

[Anonymous]

Make her a fun video congratulating her and send it on grad day

[Anonymous]

Can you get a bottle of Champagne delivered to her, with a note saying you'll take her to a special "congrats and let's catch up" dinner when she moves back home? Amazon and Wine.com are super easy options, assuming she lives in a state that you can get alcohol delivered.

(just an FYI - you may not want to promise a specific date for the dinner if you'll have a newborn when she gets back. New motherhood is insanity at the best of times.)

[Anonymous]

How much do you want to spend? Girls day out - have lunch and buy her some outfits to get ready for the real world? If you need to limit spending get a mall gift card in advance with a set amount and promise to go together and add in lunch or whatever else.

[Anonymous]

jewelry that would work in a professional setting

gift cards for a new wardrobe

handbag/briefcase

[Anonymous]

A girl's weekend away. Away from the parents (she will appreciate that). A weekend of NOT talking about babies. Focus on her. Focus on other things you share. An adventure, something fun. Make her a priority. Even if it's one night away.

[Anonymous]

How about a massage with a happy ending?

[Anonymous]

My sister got me a nice Bulova watch for my college graduation and I still have and wear it 7 years later. Maybe get her a nice watch and some money to put into savings?