2) Professional Makeup Session: So many young women learn how to apply makeup by watching their mother, or their friends, and they seldom know what products will highlight their own best features. Now is the perfect time to take them to a professional who can help them establish a good, everyday look so that they are always putting their best face forward!

      3) New Wardrobe: Let’s face it- what you wore in college would not have translated well into a career, and what you wore in high school does not often translate well to college. No matter what new adventure your graduate is headed off to, a new wardrobe is a perfect gift. Perhaps you can take them shopping with you, or contact a nearby boutique or department store for a consultation. Many of these shops have complimentary professional shoppers who can help your graduate achieve the perfect look that projects confidence and grace.

      4) Emergency Box: Sometimes life gets away from you and all of a sudden you realize that you are out of shampoo, and there is no time to pick up a new bottle today. Yikes! This is why an “Emergency Box” is a great gift for any graduate. Gather together some of their favorite things—candies, snacks, a movie, a candle with their favorite scent—and some of the essentials—hair and skin care, ibuprofen for those long nights, extra laundry detergent, etc.—and pack it up in a plastic bin. Mark it “Open In Case of Emergency.” They will be thrilled to know that you thought ahead and are still taking care of them even though they may be far away.

      5) Gift cards: These are one of best gifts a person can get when starting a new chapter in life! If there is a restaurant near their new home that they love, grab them a few gift cards to use when they’re too tired to make dinner for themselves. Or, does your graduate love getting a massage? Call to pick up a few gift cards for them. They’ll make a wonderful graduation gift, and it will be great for you to know that your present will help them adjust and de-stress in their new home.

      No matter what gift you choose for your graduate, no doubt that they will appreciate and love you just because you thought of them!

      A Clean House: Whether she works or stays at home, keeping the house clean is a task for any mom. With Mother’s Day coinciding perfectly with spring, why not hire a professional housekeeper to do a deep cleaning for her? With all the dusting, mopping, and vacuuming done, she will have far more hours in the day to focus on what is important: Herself and her family.

      A New Family Portrait: Getting the whole family together for a portrait can be a hassle, but what mother doesn’t want to have a beautiful, professional picture of her loved ones to show off to everyone? Perhaps you can schedule time with a professional makeup artist before the shoot so she looks her very best!