Need ideas for birthday gift for a nun

[JrsyDebs]

I am going to a huge birthday party in two weeks for my husband's aunt. She is a nun and she will be 50 years old.

Her only hobbies that I know of are photography and travel.

I was thinking of wrapping a gift in a photo storage box, but I do not know what to get her at all.

She has been a nun for over 25 years now, so she probably has more than enough religious items. Also, I do not want to give just a gift certificate (although I am certain that many of the party guests will give them); I would like our gift to be a bit more personal.

Any ideas would be welcome!!

 

[Stacerita]

My nana was very close friends with a nun for many years. She would normally send her something she could use for herself. If she gave her money or something that cost.....she would turn around and give it to the church. If im not mistaken, worldly goods are not something they can posess. I remembering her also giving toiletries and personal items that she could keep for herself.

If you want to give her a gift that could be put into a photo storage box, you might want to think of giving her stationary with stamps and such. I remember my nana's friend always writing letters and since she had no money of her own, sending her stamps really helped out.

I remember her also not wanting anything ornate or flashy or anything that added to time spent on herself. I would think more functional and practical.

 

[THE HAT]

i was thinking the same thing as pp..stationary and stamps, with maybe a nice pen(s).
maybe a scarf and gloves? i would think things that are practical would work well.

 

[Zoiebear]

I think what everyone else has suggested is awesome, and to add to it, something personal too, something like a photo for ur family in a beautiful frame, also a special book. One I have found really cute, and my grandparents friends ( who I keep in touch with even since my grandparents and great aunts and uncle have passed on) is this cute book, called Pets letters god
Stacie

 

[JrsyDebs]

Thanks!

Pretty stationary (I am thinking blank note cards) is a good idea. I think she would appreciate that gift.

Maybe times have changed somewhat, but I am under the impression that DH's aunt does have her own money to spend. She is a teacher and makes a modest salary, and although she probably gives a lot of it to the church or other charities, I think she is "allowed" to keep some...

Any other gift suggestions out there?

 

[THE HAT]

what about a nice photo album since she is into photography and some acid free pens to write on the back of her photos with. do you know is she has any trips planned? maybe a book on that destination?

let us know what you get her!!

 

[Disney Doll]

Does she wear a habit or her own clothes???

The nun who is in charge of the Parish Ministry at my church wears "regular" clothes, so she likes pins (nothing too flashy) and she wears a lot of scarves (silky material). Maybe a simple sweater if she wears her own clothes.

If she is a teacher, how about a gift card to a teacher supply store in her area or a Staples or Office Max gift card?

The stationery/stamps idea is a good one too. Maybe a gift card to a drugstore so she can purchase tolietries or whatever. I know nuns can have some of their own money, but they still need to live "frugally".