Ideas for a not-so-frugal going away gift

[rnorwo1]

A co-worker is leaving and moving out of state and I need an amazing going away gift idea! A few of us will contribute, so we can spend about $60-75. I initially wanted something sentimental that she could take to her new office, but I couldn't think of anything except a picture frame. I really don't want to do anything as "standard" as that though, that's typically my fall-back gift when I don't know someone well. She's moving to FL, about an hour away from Orlando, so I was also trying to think of things that would help her there, but I'm stumped on that end too... except for maybe some "joke" gifts, like flip flops, sunscreen, etc. I'd really like it to be nice though, so maybe the joke stuff in addition to a nicer gift? I'm at a loss, any ideas appreciated!!

 

[RachelsMommie]

I would research the best take-out restaurants in her new town and get gift cards to them with menus printed. Moving is stressful and it takes time to get your kitchen unpacked.

 

[clh2]

What state are you in? When I've needed to do something similar (although on a budget) I sent along things that represented Wisconsin - which is where she was moving from. (I did things like cow-hotpads, dishtowels and dishcloths - again - just something to represent her time in Wisconsin...AND something useful.) While I realize that she might not want cow-print stuff out when she had company...who can't use new kitchen linen stuff from time-to-time.

Just want to toss an idea out to help out on your search.

Too bad your budget doesn't allow for an annual pass!

 

[Tanbellisima]

A co-worker is leaving and moving out of state and I need an amazing going away gift idea! A few of us will contribute, so we can spend about $60-75. I initially wanted something sentimental that she could take to her new office, but I couldn't think of anything except a picture frame. I really don't want to do anything as "standard" as that though, that's typically my fall-back gift when I don't know someone well. She's moving to FL, about an hour away from Orlando, so I was also trying to think of things that would help her there, but I'm stumped on that end too... except for maybe some "joke" gifts, like flip flops, sunscreen, etc. I'd really like it to be nice though, so maybe the joke stuff in addition to a nicer gift? I'm at a loss, any ideas appreciated!!

I know the best thing to get is money when you are moving. There is always an unforseen expense that comes up. American Express Gift Cards or Visa Gift card is awesome. $75 gift card would make anyone HAPPY! My second pick is a grocery store gift card for local stores in the area the person is moving because they can buy food, cleaning supplies, etc. Money and a nice card are the best. You can always buy like a pretty welcome matt for the front door found at Ross, Marshalls, Target, Wal-Mart for like $10 bucks too and give it with the gift card as a nice new homey thing to move in with.

 

[cjdj4]

What state are you in? When I've needed to do something similar (although on a budget) I sent along things that represented Wisconsin - which is where she was moving from. (I did things like cow-hotpads, dishtowels and dishcloths - again - just something to represent her time in Wisconsin...AND something useful.) While I realize that she might not want cow-print stuff out when she had company...who can't use new kitchen linen stuff from time-to-time.

Just want to toss an idea out to help out on your search.

Too bad your budget doesn't allow for an annual pass!

It might not cover an AP to the world, but it will cover a Busch Gardens AP - or close.

I live in FL, and you cannot have too many pairs of flip flops. Seriously! Really nice high-end thong sandals are always great and well within the price range. You can't have too much sunscreen or bug spray here either. Hats with sunscreen built-in are expensive, but come in handy every weekend.

 

[StephMK]

When we moved out of state, my co-workers gave me some stuff from the state I was moving to plus a snowman decoration with our state bird on it. I still think of them when I pull it out each year. I think a basket of treats & momentos of your state would be nice plus some things she can look forward to in her new home state.

 

[rnorwo1]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas, they were very helpful! I think we're going to do a combination of a few of them and get her a nice new bag to carry things in to her new job and then we'll fill it with some stuff from here (LA, so maybe some Saints and LSU stuff), as well as a few things for FL like the flip flops and sunscreen, a gift card or prepaid visa. I would LOVE to get her an AP to WDW... she grew up an hour away from there and went only once as a young child Thanks again!