Reply #7: Yes, flowers, yuck. [View All]

Gift certificates are really nice. Many people in those administrative positions don't make much money. Does she like books? Is she feeding a bunch of people (I have been very appreciative of grocery store certificates, when putting food on my family was a challenge). Does she go to movies? Does she have landscaping, do gardening, like living plants? Does she have a lawn that needs to be mowed? Does she have any animals to dote on? Can anyone donate or finagle a day off for her? Is she a do-it-yourselfer? If she likes her car, get it detailed for her. Get her a gift of her favorite magazine for a year. If she drinks alcohol, a gift certificate to a place that specializes in wine (be cautious with that, maybe).

My advice (and my personal prejudice), don't make it real girly-girl. I always found that a little insulting. But, she's your friend, so maybe she likes that stuff.

In which case: a gift certificate to the hair place she uses. A gift certificate to tanning places if she uses them. A massage (not from you, silly).