My step-daughter, 27, is married and a high school teacher. She's a great girl. She and her husband just completed their first master's degree programs and they're excited to be walking in the ceremony and want to have dinner afterwards (it's in May). They have already signed up to start work on their second master's degrees this coming fall.
Do we get a gift for her and her husband? Money is tight -- isn't it everywhere! -- and I'd like to just get a card for them and say "congrats." What's appropriate?
Two days in a row I've asked questions and you all have given me such good advice. Thank you so much! (I like the frame ideas. They love to hang things on their walls.)
I don't know that a gift is a necessity.
If you do want to do something for them, you could give a donation to the "framing fund." Getting a diploma or two framed for display is pricey (even with discount coupons), but it's a fine, respectable way to show off such an achievement! :^)
Hi Robbe-
I know when I got my masters...I assumed the diploma would be 'bigger' than my bachelors...It was the same size...lol...My parents had both diplomas nicely framed for me...but the masters had a bigger mat (sp?) around it...
Just a thought!
Michele/cat
If money is that tight, then your presence at the ceremony and dinner and a heartfelt toast to both of them would be enough.
If you decide to purchase something, you could check with the school. When I graduated with with my master's the school sold items like frames for the diploma and other appropriate things.
In this case I don't think there is an "appropriate." What do you want to do?
Sounds like you would like to mark the occasion but since money is tight you aren't comfortable with something pricey (which I think is unnecessary anyway). So I would suggest coming up with how much you want to spend and go from there. If the dollar amount is zero then write a really nice card or poem. If the dollar amount is very small, a token or appropriate svarowski crystal of some kind, or a gift certificate at a nice restaurant will do.
I am also wondering what the degrees are in. Maybe you can come up with cute gifts in regard to that. I recently gave a graduate planning on beginning medical school a stethoscope. A lab coat would have been cute too. So, what's their thing?
When my husband recieved his Master's degree, I got him a nameplate for his desk, with his name and degree engraved on it. It wasn't very expensive, just thoughtful.
Maybe chip in for a part of their dinner afterwards, card, maybe something related to their master's degree, pen, gift card to a store they go to a lot if they are tight with money.
Really nothing big is needed. Decide on what you can afford and I am sure they will be greatful for your thoughtfulness.
Here is a fun website that has always got my wheels turning for unique gifts in whatever price range you are looking at: http://www.findgift.com/
As with all gift giving - it's the thought that counts! A card with heartfelt congratulations is appropriate if that's all you can afford. My parents treated me to a dinner out when I completed my MBA.
I got a couple of cards when I got my master's degree (while I was working toward my doctorate, but no gifts. Although my mom hosted a family gathering which was nice because then my extended family congratulated me personally, which meant a lot to me. The in-person "we're proud of you" was better than any gift.
If she is going to continue as a high school teacher, skip the diploma frame. Why? Unless she wants to mount it in her home, there really is no place at the school to hang it.
I think a card and flowers would be appropriate. That's what I got from my husband when I finished both of my masters programs.
Maybe a card and a bottle of wine for them to share. The wine doesn't have to be expensive either.
When I got my Master's Degree, my mom bought me a new lap top bag and a really pretty glass paper weight with the first letter of my last name engraved. Both were wonderful gifts!
I have to say though, the best thing she gave me was the card where she explained how proud she was, and how it made her so happy to see me accomplishing my goals and becoming a successful woman!
I wasn't expecting any gift at all! It was a bonus!
