Appropriate Going-Away Gift?

Question

I've been a personal assistant since early last fall for a wonderful lady who is moving out of state. She will be having a barbecue for myself and the other assistant before she leaves, and I'm trying to figure out what an appropriate going-away gift would be. She will be boarding a plane, so nothing that would be too difficult to lug, and I think giftcards are a little impersonal. Any good ideas? She's a woman in her mid-50's who has had a recruiting business her whole life until she recently had a brain injury.

Answer 1

A leather-bound journal, a set of flavored tea or coffee, or a good book with a handwritten note inside are what come to mind.

Answer 2

A charm bracelet with charms that YOU pick out that make you think of her, so she knows how you see her (if she's a shoe freak, a shoe, if she's a baker, maybe a rolling pin, etc...) then pick out a couple that will remind her of you... if you bike a lot maybe a bike ...you get the idea...or maybe a couple that will remind her of special things you've done together ...maybe there's a great memory you share that you can find a charm that will match.  You can even ask the other assistant to go in on it with you.. and let her pick out a few charms too...

Answer 3

Find a store that's unique to the city where she'll be living, like an ice-cream store or gift shop that's only there.  Find them on the internet and call them up and order a gift card.  They may even fax it to you.  It will be a fun surprise.