Category "Going Away"

Best Way to Come Up With a Going Away Gift

Princess Diana - July 28, 2015 - Going Away

There are few thing harder than saying goodbye to a friend. An exception might be picking out a going away gift.

They can be tricky. That’s probably why Hallmark doesn’t have a “Going Away Gifts” aisle in its stores.

Here’s my #1 rule for going away presents – give something that means something.

If your gift item doesn’t hold special meaning, then there’s no point in giving it. Your friend doesn’t need more stuff to haul in the moving truck. It’s full as it is!

The best way to come up with a meaningful going away gift is to reflect on your friendship and HOW you spent time together.

What was your “thing?’ Did you bond by going to the movies, eating at new restaurants or attending your favorite team’s sporting events?

Now, think of a gift that ties in with what you enjoyed doing together.

If you liked going to the movies or out to eat, you could get a gift card to a movie theater or a popular restaurant where he or she will be living. If you liked attending sporting events, you could get him or her new fan gear, maybe even buy yourselves matching shirts or hats! You could also frame a photo of the two of you at a game.

My friend Beth and I loved dressing up to go out to eat, drink and dance. We also bonded by volunteering with Girl Scouts.

“Here’s Some Dough!” Pizza Box Money Gift

Princess Diana - May 5, 2015 - Gifts for Him, Going Away, Graduation, Kids, Money

College students and pizza go together like movies and popcorn. Sing with me now. “This I tell you brother. You can’t have one without the other.”

pizza-box-money-thoughtful-graduation-gift

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What factors have caused this magnetic match?

#1 – It tastes amazing. Even plain cheese pizza is heavenly, and it just gets better from there. Pepperoni. Supreme. Meat Lovers. Oh, sweet Jesus!

#2 – It’s dirt cheap and sometimes free. I remember getting so much free pizza in college because most student organizations used it to lure people to their meetings.

#3 – It’s the ultimate convenience food. No plates or utensils necessary. Napkins optional.

#4 – It can be delivered. Just think of all the times pizza deliveries have saved college students from starvation when they’re either too drunk, too lazy, or don’t have a car to get food.

#5 – It even tastes good cold. Pizza for breakfast, anyone?

But no matter how much college students love their warm, gooey pizza, they can’t survive without cold, hard cash.

Money is by far the #1 request for gifts by graduates so give it to them. College is expensive! Ditch the envelope though, and get creative.

Give them a “Here’s some dough!” Pizza Box Money Gift for a present they’ll never forget! It’s easy peasy to put together with a few simple items, and it creates that “WOW!” factor!

HOW TO CREATE A “HERE’S SOME DOUGH!” PIZZA BOX MONEY GIFT

Easy Peasy Money Umbrella Surprise

Princess Diana - April 7, 2015 - Baby Shower, Birthday, Christmas, Going Away, Graduation, Kids, Money, Wedding

At Sunburst Gifts, we love coming up with creative ways to give money. This time, shower someone with cash with a Money Umbrella!

Money umbrellas are a fun and creative way to give cash gifts.

When they open the umbrella, they’ll be completely surprised by all of the cash that falls out from the inside!

If you give the Money Umbrella gift in person, watching them open the gift and seeing their reaction is half the fun so make sure they open it in front of you. And get your camera or video camera ready!

You can attach a note to the umbrella that says “Open Me” but I prefer say something like,”Open it up so you can see that it’s a lot bigger than it looks. It will really protect you from the rain!”

Yes, little white lies are completely appropriate in these situations.

If you’re mailing the gift or you won’t be there when it’s opened, definitely include a note that says “Open Me.” You don’t want the gift recipient to miss out on their big surprise and, even worse, lose the umbrella and the cash because they had no idea what was inside!

Th Money Umbrella gift idea is so much fun to give and receive, and it’s easy peasy to create!

HOW TO CREATE A MONEY UMBRELLA

Off to Boot Camp | Going Away Present

Queen Darlene - November 6, 2014 - Birthday, Going Away, Graduation, Military/Veterans

Have you ever had a lump in your throat and eyes get watery with hot tears? That’s exactly what happened to me when I read an invitation to attend a surprise party for Jonathan before he goes off to boot camp.

Jonathan’s Birthday Celebration

Many years ago when our children were little, the Ridge family moved in next door. Cindy was pregnant and within days of being our new neighbors, Jonathan was born.

He was always the baby of our neighborhood block and his siblings, Jayson, Jenifer, and Justin became my children’s best friends.

“Jon,” as we call him, turned 22 years old in September, and all he has ever wanted was to be in the military. As a kid, his birthday cakes were decorated with army men, tanks and trucks. Now the time has come.

Our families have stayed close even though we have not been neighbors for years. When I read the party invitation, it was like my own child had grown up and became a man overnight. How does that happen?! Continue Reading

A Going Away Present Anyone Will Love | Best Pizza in Town

Princess Diana - June 17, 2014 - $20 or Less, Experiences, Food & Drinks, Going Away

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When my friend Bose’ told me she was moving to Chicago to start her life anew, I felt sad for me but excited for her. I also felt proud of her for being so bold and courageous. Moving to a big city by yourself is no small thing.

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You have to find a new place to live, start a new job and make new friends.

With my going away present to Bose’, I wanted to help her make new friends while experiencing an important part of Chicago’s food culture – Chicago-style deep dish pizzas.

I bought her a gift card to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, a restaurant many people claim makes the best pizza in Chicago, especially if you order The “Lou.”

I thought Bose’ could use the gift card to invite a new friend to lunch or dinner.