Frugal Retirement Gift?

**peanut** · 07-27-2011, 04:59 PM

Okay, guys and gals, I need help. I just received notice a very good friend is having a retirement party in a week. No time for me to make much of anything. I was up to the framer's today to try and get something framed, but he said 'no way' could he do it in a week! He's going away this weekend with relatives to a family reunion.

I'm stuck! I really love this gal and want to do something special for her. What would you suggest? Her interests are sewing, and her grandchildren. She's pretty frugal herself. I'd like to splurge a bit on her.

**low-1** · 07-27-2011, 05:08 PM

What are you framing? I've ordered frames from pictureframes.com before and had them in hand in Northern Manitoba in under a week. I started doing some fine art photography over the spring, mostly northern lights and wildlife/landscape, and that place was the cheapest I could find that you could order individual frames from. Plus being in an extremely isolated community, USPS shipping was important as all the courier services charge outrageous service fees to hand parcels over to the bus or the post office.

Getting a little more serious as a business, I found a Canadian supplier of frames that is quite a bit cheaper, but requires a minimum order of 5 of each item ordered.

**TigerGirl1226** · 07-27-2011, 05:16 PM

I tend to give gifts that can "used up". I'm sure that she will receive plenty of sentimental, hang on the wall type things.

How about a gift that relates to things she can do with her grandkids? A gift card to their favorite hangout or open-ended tickets to something she can do with them.

**mauimagic** · 07-27-2011, 05:18 PM

There is no reason you must give her a gift at the party - give her a card and include a note that says her gift is on the way.

**dcompton** · 07-27-2011, 08:46 PM

If I ever get to retire, I would love gifts to support my hobbies that will trickier on a retirement budget. If she likes to sew, a gift card or certificate to a fabric store?

**peanut** · 07-27-2011, 10:47 PM

low-1: I was going to have a piece of stitchwork framed. However that was not my first choice.

My first choice, Donna, was a Fabricland gift certificate because I know she loves to sew and does so for sale as well as her grandkids.

But the ladies I've talked to IRL thought that was a bit unusual for a retirement gift, and I should give her something like a $500 painting

or piece of stitchwork I'd made. I don't know.

I'm definitely out for the $500 painting!!! But the stitchwork I thought I could do. Maybe I'll go back to the gift certificate.

MM: I'm kinda rethinking the framed stitchwork on another front. You know, this lady's mother was a real stitcher, and I don't remember seeing any stitchwork on her walls. Do you suppose she might not LIKE framed stitchwork???

**Debbie-cat** · 07-27-2011, 11:19 PM

I think a gift certificate from the fabric store is a good choice. If you spend time with her, I would include a note stating that the day she choses to go to the fabric store, it would include a lunch date with you (your treat). Then you could both enjoy the day together. If it was me, I would enjoy something like that than a framed painting.

**peanut** · 07-28-2011, 11:50 AM

Thanks DC. I think that's what I'll do. Now to settle the denomination question...$50 or $100. DH doesn't think we need to give any gift! But I've known this lady quite a few years now, and she's been a very good friend for me.

**wanderlusting** · 07-28-2011, 01:25 PM

I love this idea too! I think a gift like this shows your really put thought into it and are giving her something that she can actually use.

I remember when my dad retired from the military, he got framed certificates, nice pens and framed photos. They're all in a box under the stairs.

Originally Posted by Debbie-cat

I think a gift certificate from the fabric store is a good choice. If you spend time with her, I would include a note stating that the day she choses to go to the fabric store, it would include a lunch date with you (your treat). Then you could both enjoy the day together. If it was me, I would enjoy something like that than a framed painting.

**xtena** · 07-28-2011, 05:16 PM

As someone who sews (and crochets and knits) I'd be thrilled to receive a gift certificate. Especially if I was retiring which means a reduction in income. Anything to help build a stash for the future :-) Of course I'm not your friend...so who knows what she likes

**peanut** · 07-29-2011, 03:23 PM

Talked this all over with DH and made the decision today. We figured, seeing as she is going to be basically subsisting on very little in retirement, we'd spring for a sizable gift certificate. She is such a good seamstress and derives so much pleasure from it. It makes me feel good to know I'm giving her hours of pleasure as a retirement gift.