What should I buy for this executive?

Question

I need to buy a parting gift for an executive who is moving to another department. I can spend up to $500 or so. But here's the thing: while she is a very nice and kind person, she is also so professional that we've all realized we know nothing personal about her. So I'm finding it hard to come up with a gift that is personal enough to really let her know how much we valued her. Someone suggested a spa certificate, but I'd rather it be somethign tangible, that she can have for longer than a day. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Answer 1

What about an engraved "Mont Blanc" pen? You can engrave anything you want on it: "Jen Smith - thanks for 10 years of invaluable service - your friends in Marketing" etc.... If you have $500 you can get a few things: a less expensive Mont Blanc pen, AND a spa certificate. But if you don't know anything about her - I'd go with just a top of the line Mont Blanc. Its a "status symbol" for executives: They wear Armani, but if they are still using a "Bic" pen to write with - they haven't "arrived" yet. And a Mont Blanc pen is meant to last a lifetime. Johnny Depp tried to get an Ernest Hemmingway collectors edition Mont Blanc, only 7 in the world were made - and none were available for sale. One of the Executives of Mont Blanc gave him the rare edition out of his own collection. These are like the Ferrari's of pens.

Answer 2

I would do gift certificates to Borders, Restaurants, Professional Clothing stores, or up scale office supplies (engrave pens, business card hold, or a plaque reconizing her for her work)

Answer 3

A placad that says something very inspiring.
or a very fancy paper weight.