Gifts for 20 year old

[thyme4change]

We just got back from a foreign country. We went with my daughter’s friend who has lived there and speaks the language (and reads a bit). She worked really hard for us - finding tucked away restaurants, interacting with waitstaff and other service workers. Making phone calls and figuring out transportation, etc.

We paid for all the lodging and trains and rental cars as well as some meals and some activities. But I still want to get her a thank you gift. She is moving into her first apartment- it is furnished and is what I call a “private dorm.” She says she has ‘most’ of what she needs but hasn’t specified what she doesn’t have. She might not know what she doesn’t have. I have been trying to figure out a fairly small gift to get her to thank her for all the work. But I am kinda struggling.

I could go very practical and get her a gift card to the grocery store. Or something that everyone needs in their first apartment - a pan or a set of glasses or whatever.

I could see her space and buy her a plant or a fake plant if if it looks like it needs life.

I could go sentimental with something that would ‘mean something.’ Or I could just skip the gift and say that our spending was thanks enough. Maybe write her a heartfelt note - which absolutely is not my forte.

Any ideas?

[billisonboard]

The restaurant thing sticks out to me so maybe something like this could work:

"Remember when we were at that little restaurant in ... and we said it reminded us of this place back home? Please accept this gift certificate for that place and be reminded of the restaurant on our trip and all the other wonderful things you helped us experience."

No idea if it would work at all but perhaps might spark something. 

[Tennesseer]

Thyme his her 'private dorm' in the U.S. or in the country you all visited.

[laterbloomer]

Since you paid so many expenses I would go with a sentimental gift. If it was more monetary stuff it would start seeming like you hired her rather than traveled together as equals. Imho

[Artemis Windsong]

My GrGrD and her SO are getting an apartment.  I know they have been gifted just about everything.  I got them matching aprons and an LED candle for their table.  Her comment was these weren't on our list.  She was pleased. They do cook together.

I did the same gift for my GrD's wedding shower even though I'd already bought her a wedding gift.  She did use the candle on her table at the wedding.  I was surprised by that.  This couple cooks together, also. 

I had intended to put names on the aprons but I couldn't find any at the craft stores.  I went to Etsy.  They had them but I had cancelled my account because of so many emails I got from them.  Time ran out.

Something very unique.  Etsy has bouquets that are made with wood flowers.  Reasonably priced.  No idea about shipping.

[thyme4change]

Jul 23, 2023 20:17:34 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Thyme his her 'private dorm' in the U.S. or in the country you all visited.

US - 20 min from me

[Tennesseer]

Jul 23, 2023 21:31:07 GMT -5 thyme4change said:

Jul 23, 2023 20:17:34 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Thyme his her 'private dorm' in the U.S. or in the country you all visited.

US - 20 min from me

Instead of money or hard gift, invite her to dinner in your home as a thank you. Make it a special dinner?

[swamp]

cash.  

[weltschmerz]

Does she cook?  A GOOD hardwood cutting board, not a bamboo one.

[Artemis Windsong]

Maybe reciprocate with unique places and experiences for her!

[thyme4change]

My daughter told her we would buy her a comforter, but she seems a little stalled out. I will give her another week or two.