We're definitely going to host a family party to wish her well.

We will also send her out for a night on the town with her au pair friends (get a limo, set a specific budget that she can spend from us, etc.).

I was thinking about maybe one of those blurb photo books but hadn't figured that out yet.

We do/ have done (1) a more meaningful parting gift, like a photo album we have assembled from the year, special photo in a personal frame, etc.; (2) another gift like jewelry or gift-card; (3) for APs going back to their country, the "box" (described on aupairmom.com) - i.e. we pay to ship home their stuff that won't fit into their suitcases; (4) a dinner out to a restaurant of their choosing with just us parents (no kids); and/or (5) a party in our home for a few select friends (we'll provide the refreshments, get out of their way for the evening etc.).

Do you need another au pair?

Wondering how you all celebrate your au pair when she leaves? Our au pair has been with us for 2 years, we truly love her, and she will be leaving in 2 short weeks. I am wondering what an appropriate parting gift is or if we need to throw her some sort of celebration? We gave her the $500 education stipend for the year even though she didn't go to school during the year (she is applying now for a student visa, so asked for the funds to put toward her schooling in the future). I know we weren't obligated to give her that $, so I feel like that is a bonus in some way.
Would love to hear what others have done....
Many thanks in advance!