Thank You Gift for Sponsor
 

I would like to give a gift of thanks to the friend who is sponsoring my alumna initiation. She is herself an alumna, a professional out in the world these days, so I'm thinking nothing too obnoxious (i.e. giant fuschia letters, polka dots, etc). She travels a lot and is very much career-oriented right now. She is active in her local alumna chapter (we live about 2,500 miles from each other), but being Greek is just a fiber of her being; it's a lifetime thing for her now, but it's not the only thing on her plate like it was in college. There is plenty of Alpha Chi Omega jewelry out there on the web . . . perhaps a discreet engraved charm or bracelet?

Does anyone have any creative ideas? Thanks in advance!

I believe an elegant piece of understated jewelery is the way to go.

What about a small Vera Bradley bag monogramed with Alpha Chi letters? There's a great red pattern out right now.

Does AChiO have a leather portfolio available? As a professional, a nice leather binder would be useful and a subtle homage to Alpha Chi Omega without screaming silly sorority girl!

I have a few "dresser dishes" with violets on them which I give to special sisters. Maybe there's something like that with red carnations?

I appreciate reading the ideas, ladies. Does anyone have an opinion on the appropriate time to give your sponsor said gift? Before or after initiation? A private lunch between the two of you?

I would do it after initiation since that is the culmination of the process you are going through. I think it would be a special moment for the two of you to share.

I did elect to wait, and thankfully got the perfect opportunity. My sponsor actually sponsored two of us, and we all met at our sponsor's house to carpool to the initiation. When we got back, I dawdled to ensure I was the last person to leave her house and gave it to her then. Based on my sponsor's reaction, I would fully agree with SWTXBelle's suggestion of an elegant piece of understated jewelry. :)

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I think I am going to get a nice leather portfolio. This will be a perfect gift for her, given her focus on her career right now.