A gift for someone who has everything?

[Deleted]

My former boss is retiring soon and is apparently refusing to let anyone throw a party. I want to get her a present because she was such an awesome boss. But she's really rich and has everything. What the heck do I get her? Just send flowers?

[dexteroni]

Flowers are nice, or just send her a card and write how awesome she is or how much she helped you or whatever. Reading that she made a difference would probably mean more than any gift.

[Deleted]

I agree, definitely send a nice card. and maybe a bottle of wine?

[Deleted]

Good call on the note. I'll probably have to start working on it soon - I'm much better at sarcasm than heartfelt! I don't think I've bought a serious card in years! Champagne is a good idea. What about a restaurant gift certificate? Is that weird? I have a particular one in mind.

[Deleted]

I don't think a restaurant GC is weird. My research adviser is wealthy too, and our group has gotten him a restaurant GC in the past as a birthday gift.

[ejpint]

I think restaurant GC is great, especially if you know of a place she likes - that's what I usually fall back on for gifts like this (friend's parents, former bosses). When I left a boss that I loved several years ago, I got her a certificate for 18 holes at her favorite course - does she have a similar hobby?

And definitely the heartfelt note. In addition to just being a nice thing for her to hear/read, who knows, even though she's retiring, she may be beneficial in your job search!

[cjeanette]

Harry and David basket