A friend emailed today, asking what kind of gift to get for his girlfriend for their 1 year 23 month milestone. Yeah, I know it’s a little over-romantic – but I also know his girlfriend’s got exams for the next couple of weeks.
So we’ve put together a little Study Survival Pack, with suggestions for adding that personal touch.
Lollies (candy)
Sugar fixes are a favourite among exam-cramming students. Whether recommended by doctors or not, it makes a study session much less painful.
Small vial of fragrance
Even if it’s just an urban legend that wearing a fragrance while you study and in the exam helps you retain information, including a little fragrance is a nice little gesture. Pick essential oils (aromatherapy oils) over perfume if you don’t want to blow your budget. Find a scent that’s mild and natural to avoid the risk of giving her a headache.
Gingko bilboa
A memory improvement herb – sounds like something out of a novel, doesn’t it? But gingko bilboa has been known about by Eastern herbalists for centuries. A whole bottle will last awhile, so if she’ll only need it in the short term, look for sample packs, or package up some pills from your own (or a friend’s) stash.
A letter
A legible (yes, this means you, boy!), handwritten letter is always a thoughtful gift. If you’re stuck for what to write, explain what each of the Survival Pack items are for. That should pad you out to about a page – just enough room left for a couple of “I love you”s and your signature.
Small soft toy
No need to go all out here. The furry (or plush) gift toy is simply filler and a few extra points for the smile factor.
Nice box
Presentation is the key to making a gift look uncheap. Get a nice giftbox and maybe a little ribbon.
Variations
Further personalise your gift by getting her favourite scent instead of a practical one. Or visit your local health shop to look for chocolate containing gingko bilboa instead of giving plain pills.
Package any candy or tablets in specially selected fabric (for making bundles), pillboxes or envelopes. Decoupage the giftbox in happy memory photos or magazine cutouts of things she likes.
Nice & Easy
What makes this gift so great and simple is that you can buy just about everything in one trip to even a small shopping centre.
Out of Pocket: Shouldn’t cost more than $25-30 at most.
