My old college friend is turning 40 and it is a big deal to her. She wants to celebrate in a big way and is having a girls' retreat to Las Vegas. I cannot attend for several reasons and I also have a very limited budget. Any suggestions for a nice or cool gift for her?
How about some personalize M&Ms? You can choose the color, message, and now you can even have a photo put on them. They are pretty cool, I must stay. www.mymms.com
My advice would be to stop calling her your "old" friend from college. I'm forty, and I would be really insulted by that! I'm sure you didn't mean it that way, but that's how it came across.
As for gifts, candles are always nice. Ask her what her fave scents are. I refrain from getting friends scented lotions, soaps, or other bath products because so many people are either allergic, or won't use it.
Along the same lines as the suggestion of covering the gift bag with photos, I vote for a gift that doesn't cost you much and will always remind her of you... I am almost 40 and I find myself tripping down memory lane alot- so why don't you make her an album or photo gift- go to www.snapfish.com and check out all the photo gifts they have and see what suits your friend the best- I made my mom a calendar collage of all the photos of when we were visiting her in July and she absolutely loved it! ( And it was less than $10!!)
Maybe get her new PJ's for the trip, with some fun travel stuff. If you want something more special, a gift of jewelery, maybe engraved, will be lasting. It's better than the gifts of Depends and prune juice.
You could give her a nice card (store bought, or homemade) with the invitation to have her over for dinner and dessert at your home. Maybe play games and watch a movie after your daughter goes to bed. I guess it depends on your friends "love language". Is it gifts? Quality time? Words of affirmation? I think that is the main thing to consider before making a decision. What would be meaningful to your friend?
Since she's going to Vegas, I'd get her a guide to Vegas and a bag of lotions, body spray, etc.
A dear friend of mine was in that exact situation- so here's what she did- . She bought a really nice card- and enclosed a letter about some of the highlights of our friendship--- fun things we'd done and moments of brilliance ( and foolishness) we'd supported one another through--- it was so wonderful- and I still treasure that letter-- ( she died 2 years ago- and I miss her daily--) never forget to let the people you treasure---that you do.
Blessins, F.,
J.
In Las Vegas I've heard you can get pedicures there for cheap. Before she leaves you could give her some nail supplies w/ some money and a card for a pedicure. Here in Alaska they are $50 and worth it. In Las Vegas you can get them for $25 or less. Plus, by giving her cash if she doesn't want a pedicure she can use it for a haircut and gambling or buy something she likes.
A "wowzer" gift I have come to rely on is chocolate-covered strawberries from www.berries.com (Shari's Berries). It will cost you about $50. You can even have them delivered to a Vegas hotel room! I also have called ahead and had the hotel (and this was a Vegas hotel as well) send up a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne. I have no idea what those looked like or tasted, but I got a great thank you. The Shari's Berries, I will GUARANTEE you are excellent - and giant, delicious berries (not those tart, unripe ones) - they ship them overnight to be sure they are fresh.
Another lovely thing I have received as well as given, is a box made up with a fun selection of socks, pedicure goodies, lotions and nail polish. If you want to be goofy, add a card that says "I thank heaven for the day you walked into my life!" That might be more affordable.
Either one might sound silly, but the thought is what counts...and I am now 40 and realize that I really don't want more "stuff" in my life or house. The berries have to be eaten, and the socks are a comfy addition to my belongings (not something fancy like another vase or photo frame).
I also always-always-always LOVE a manicure or pedicure. It's the ultimate spoiling experience for me. Everyone is different, so this might not be the case for your friend. I can't afford them for myself too often, so when I get that certificate saying I get to have this service, I am OVER THE MOON! My husband thinks I am nuts to want the same thing every time, and I keep reminding him it is TRULY EXACTLY what I want.
One of the nicest party favors I ever received was a note from the hostess, telling what I meant to her. This gal was known for her over-the-top gifts to her friends, so this was a switch to have her only give us the gift of her thoughts and words! She moved away soon afterwards, and although we are still in touch, it is hard to imagine she is "gone". I still have her note about me and will treasure it always.
I've started going to Etsy.com to find unique, fun, homemade gifts for friends and family. There are tons of options in every type of category - home furnishings, stationery, art, accessories, jewelry, etc. And you can find some really good deals.
If you wanted to do something around the Vegas theme, though, I'd recommend getting her a gift certificate for the Canyon Ranch Spa. It is absolutely gorgeous and so relaxing. Plus, it takes Spa Finder gift certificates, which recently you could nab at Costco for $20 off the regular price.
I agree with one gal who mentioned giving a card (or letter) that tells your friend how much her friendship means to you. Include some memorable moments you two have shared. I have also pulled an idea off of Oprah and have used it for gift giving. I have given a box that contains my favorite things....movie, book, magazine, candy, nail polish, whatever. Good luck!
Get her a gift card to Coldwater Creek and package it in a wonderful bag with lots of frilly's and get a nice card. You need to take care of yourself first and someone who is your friend will think you really love her and respect you for looking out for yourself too.
I'm sorry to hear that you can't attend the Vegas trip, but times are hard for all of us and just remember, you are the only one who has to answer if the bills are not paid for yourself.
Best wishes,
Kim B.
For my 30th my girlfriend gave me a gift that I adored... She took a plain red gift bag and had made paper copies of about thirty pictures of the two of us over the last ten years and glued them onto the bag. Inside the bag had three little gifts and the note said that she loved me and wanted to give a gift to each part of me... My Body, My Mind, and My Spirit. I don't even remember what the little things were but use your imagination with a picture frame, lotion, or homemade gifts. She will love the thought and time you put into it!
Good Luck!
T.
