College Grad Gift for Sister?

[Blissful_in_TX]

I’ve been thinking about this for weeks, and with now down to the wire, I still have no idea what to get my sister for college graduation! These are some of the possibilities:

- have her diploma framed (but there’s no way that could really be a surprise and would be after the fact)

- money (or is that too impersonal? And how much would be a good amount for a sibling?)

- a necklace (have no idea what type…our tastes are very different)

- When I asked her if there was anything in particular she wanted, she said a high-powered laptop (in other words, too expensive) and a bag for her laptop, though she’s concerned about getting a bag that would be too small, but she doesn’t know what type of laptop she’s getting yet.

I have no idea! :confused: Thoughts??

[leightx]

You can't go wrong with money, and it would be most appreciated by a recent grad! Other than that, I'd probably go with a gift certificate somewhere - maybe to some place where she could buy a computer (Costco? Best Buy? Amazon?)

I don't have siblings, but I'd probably go with about $100 for my neices and nephews, once they get to that point (in other words, more than I'd spend on Christmas or birthdays).

[aggie94]

I’ve been thinking about this for weeks, and with now down to the wire, I still have no idea what to get my sister for college graduation! These are some of the possibilities:

- have her diploma framed (but there’s no way that could really be a surprise and would be after the fact)

I actually love this idea - it's taken 10 years for DH & I to finally get ALL of our diplomas and other certificates framed, and it's SO expensive. It's something that most people don't do right away and sometimes never do for themselves.

f you want it to be something of a surprise, you could find a nice frame shop near her and buy a gift certificate, or simply ask them to contact you when she brings it in so you can pay for it over the phone by credit card (and you could give her a card telling her to take it to ____________ store and they will take care of it, on you!).

[KAG]

You can most likely get a diploma frame from the campus bookstore with a beautiful mat featuring the school seal on top and across the bottom of the mat the name of the University. I've bought two from two different Universities and they are simply beautiful.

[Chefzhat]

You're being very nice - my sister hasn't even acknowledged my graduation. :mad:

I think the frame for the diploma is a nice gift.

[cumulus]

what about a day trip to a spa? or a manicure or pedicure? and nice relaxing end to the stresses of college :o

[oceanjasper]

If not the College bookstore, you might be able to order a frame and mat with insignia through the alumni association. I think many of them do it as a way of fundraising.

[Terri_A]

Although the framed diploma is a nice sentiment, I remember that as a recent college grad I was low on cash and heavy on expenses...so I would get her something she NEEDS and will use often. She'll think of you every time she uses the item.

There are plenty of laptop bags that will hold even the largest of laptops...that's the way I'd go.

Good luck!:D

[emncar]

You're being very nice - my sister hasn't even acknowledged my graduation. :mad:

I think the frame for the diploma is a nice gift.


No family member acknowledged my college graduation. That being said, I never got my diploma framed, but honestly wouldn't have hung it even if it was. I was broke after years of working 60 hours a week just to pay for school and I was in debt up to my ears. I would have preferred something practical that I would have had to buy myself. If she is going into a professional environment a gift certificate to a higher end clothing store might be a good choice. I found that buying work clothes was expensive.

[Blissful_in_TX]

I appreciate all the input!

She emailed me a link to the laptop bag she's been eyeing, but it's $400! :eek:

I'll look around online and see if I can find something similar but a little more affordable:
http://www.vajacases.com/images/bags/messenger-bags.html

And does anyone know how the price & quality of a framed diploma costs at the campus bookstore versus a regular frame shop?

She doesn't have any debt and already has a good job lined up, so I don't think she's too financially strapped. So even though money is always appreciated, I don't know if I should get something a little more memorable.

[KAG]

I just had one delivered from the campus bookstore last week. It was $154 including tax and shipping. Price of frame and matting was $134.

two years ago I ordered through the alumni assoc. and the cost was similar.

Quality was excellent on both, and I'm particular.





Just do a search on the University of choice + diploma frame and it should bring up what you want. Here is a similar frame to the ones I bought.


http://www.universityframes.com/Images/Classic-Mahogany-with-GoldL.jpg

[oceanjasper]

And does anyone know how the price & quality of a framed diploma costs at the campus bookstore versus a regular frame shop?

I have a friend who does framing as a side business and she was going to basically do it at cost for me. Well, as it turned out, she wouldn't have been able to do it for less than what the alumni association was charging, so I just ordered directly from them. My most recent frame with mat (middle of the road for what they offered) cost me $129 CDN including sales tax and shipping. The quality of the frame is excellent.

These (http://www.laurentian.ca/alumni/english/documents/FrameFormAdJan05E.pdf)won't really work for you, but it will give you an idea of the price range and styles.

[stefania4]

What field is she going into? That might help give some gift direction.

As someone mentioned, office-appropriate clothes, shoes, etc. can get expensive when you're first starting out. Perhaps a gift card for Ann Taylor or a department store?

[SheRa]

i got luggage after my h.s. graduation and it really came in handy! at first i didn't think it was a great idea, but i got SO much use out of it!