Christmas Present for Grandma (she is in the same sorority as me)

[minnesota]

So basically I joined a sorority thinking that I was the first in my family to do so.
After I joined my dad was talking to his step-mom (my step-grandma) about it, and she said she was in the same one!
So for Christmas I was thinking of getting her something sorority related, but I'm not sure what she would like.
She's a sweet older lady, who tries to stay modern with everything, and still get out often. She's very into looking nice.
I was at first thinking a sweatshirt or t-shirt. I'm sure she would wear it, but I'm not sure its the BEST thing

[aephi alum]

What a great thing to find out!

Just off the top of my head - does your sorority allow alumnae to wear their badges as rings or pendants? If so, how about offering to pay to convert her badge into a ring or pendant? If not, you could buy her a piece of jewelry with your sorority's letters and/or gem.

[honeychile]

Yes, I would certainly avoid a t-shirt. There are so many other ways to commemorate your sisterhood! A Christmas ornament from your sorority, or of your sorority mascot or symbol, a a badge holder, or something else of the kind.

If you must buy clothing, think dignified, like a polo shirt with smaller letters on the pocket (or where a pocket would be located). She'll thank you for that!

[DubaiSis]

If she's a playful type, you could get her a t-shirt or sweatshirt that says Kappa Grandma or something like that. She's of course much more than the grandmother of a Kappa, but maybe more socially appropriate as she's out doing her grocery shopping.

(And of course I have no idea if you're a Kappa, but it makes more sense if you use a real sorority in the example )

[ASTalumna06]

I love the Christmas ornament idea.

You could also:

- Make her a jewelry box
- Get her a necklace with one of your sorority symbols
- Make a donation in her name to your national foundation

[pinksequins]

The suggestion of a donation (in the amount you might spend on a teeshirt) to your organization's foundation is a terrific idea. It may even encourage her to re-engage with your group (alumnae chapter events, reunion, book group, etc.). Though the HQ may send a card, you could too (featuring the chapter flower or other symbol) stating something to the effect of how excited you were to discover after you pledged that it is the same sorority as hers -- good taste must run in the family!

[ree-Xi]

I don't know if your sorority has these or if she's the type who likes them, but how about a blanket with the Crest on it? I Know that both AXiD and Gamma Sig have them. They can go on a wall, or be used as a blanket. I would love one but I belong to two organizations and I can't really play favorites. lol.

[als463]

I like the idea of donating to your sorority's foundation in her honor. I know some organizations allow you to buy a brick in someone's honor at National Headquarters. That would make an amazing Christmas gift.

[DubaiSis]

I personally like the idea but not all people do. My mother, for instance, thinks it's a huge cop out. She donates a lot to charity and doesn't need anyone making her philanthropic decisions for her. And yes, she's impossible to shop for. Unfortunately this acorn doesn't fall from the tree

If she hasn't been an active member through the years, there may be some member recognitions she hasn't been given. For instance, Alpha Xi Delta has an Order of the Rose pin for 50 year members. If your sorority has something like that and she doesn't have hers, maybe you could arrange for her to get it.

[AGDAlum]

I'm a step-grandma to a college student (not in a GLO, though).
I think that a t-shirt would be a great gift!
Alternative: a tote bag.

[MTSUGURL]

Originally Posted by DubaiSis

I personally like the idea but not all people do. My mother, for instance, thinks it's a huge cop out. She donates a lot to charity and doesn't need anyone making her philanthropic decisions for her. And yes, she's impossible to shop for. Unfortunately this acorn doesn't fall from the tree

I had an uncle that would donate to an organization in our name every year for Christmas, and the org he chose happened to be one that I didn't support due to several of its aims clashing with my religious beliefs. I was like, "Dude, just don't put my name on it and don't get me a present. Really."

My family LOVES receiving Christmas ornaments and they are some of the more sentimental gifts that we exchange over the holidays, so I think that's a great idea.

[sigmagirl2000]

What about one of those scarves? Maybe the greek zebra ones? They seem more affordable than lilly

[Cheerio]

Originally Posted by minnesota

So basically I joined a sorority thinking that I was the first in my family to do so.
After I joined my dad was talking to his step-mom (my step-grandma) about it, and she said she was in the same one!
So for Christmas I was thinking of getting her something sorority related, but I'm not sure what she would like.
She's a sweet older lady, who tries to stay modern with everything, and still get out often. She's very into looking nice.
I was at first thinking a sweatshirt or t-shirt. I'm sure she would wear it, but I'm not sure its the BEST thing

Would something sorority-related include something for her home? Others on this thread have not mentioned gifts shaped like an emblem or symbol representing your group.

The past few days I've taken outdoor walks and noticed sides of homes decorated with fleur-de-lys, anchor, squirrel, and even a turtle.

Does your Grandmother host meetings with her sorority sisters in her home? Even an interior home design/display featuring your sorority symbol may be appreciated, and Grandma can decide to display it ALWAYS or just for her at-home sorority events.