Present that pays off over and over?

[Milly]

I've drawn my young adult sister's name this year for Christmas and am running out of time getting a gift because I want to get her something that actually makes a difference. Obviously I can't make a change for her, but I could spark something. Anyways, she's gone to a few years of college, but realized that she doesn't really care to train for any occupation. She just wants to get married, have kids, and be a mommy. She'd be great at it too. Currently, she's happily working at a daycare, out of debt, living in a comfortable apartment with a good roommate, but is just kinda waiting for a guy to come find her. She once expressed that she doesn't really have a reason to change, but she also isn't sure daycare is a career path that she should follow through retirement.

My first thought is that she's got low expenses and could squirrel some money into a low money down real estate deal. If she gets a few rentals running, in 30 years when they are paid off, she could retire on a daycare salary just fine. Maybe some type of creative real estate book would be valuable? I can only see it through my own passion for real estate and am projecting it onto her. Maybe she'd think I was lame for giving her something only I am excited about.

What is something you think would add real value to her life? Yes, she already has a fish and some frogs to love and care for.

My budget is $20-$50, but I'd love to hear ideas in any price range.

[Jluke]

Online dating subscriptions

[Milly]

Online dating subscriptions

That's actually not a bad idea. My mother would be thrilled and my sister would be embarrassed. If she used it though, it could make for a much more interesting year.

[james.hendrickson]

Online dating subscriptions

I think they cost like between $20 and $50 PER MONTH.

[Milly]

I think they cost like between $20 and $50 PER MONTH.

Rats, I looked up the premium version of the free one she's used in the past. It's $7.99 a WEEK! That'd add up fast.

[james.hendrickson]

Rats, I looked up the premium version of the free one she's used in the past. It's $7.99 a WEEK! That'd add up fast.

And the reality is dating sites are a racket. They only get paid if you stay single. What kind of incentive does that set up? I wonder.....

[Jluke]

If she connects with someone who earns a high salary that would seem like a good investment.

with your budget you could just give the cash and let her decide

[bjl584]

I'm no good at this.
I usually end up going the gift card route in these situations.

[ua_guy]

With a budget of $50 or under, I'd be tempted to just go the gift route. Good cooking utensils are always great gift ideas for younger people starting life in their own apartment, and good utensils will stick around forever.

It's kind of hard to find a life-changing gift for under $50. If you go that route, I'd suggest a book that might have some meaning for her. The trap is coming up with a gift you think is life-changing but isn't received as such, and it just ends up being a weird gift. Someone gave me a Bible once. Yeah, I had already read plenty, no thanks. It got donated...lol.

[thegoldbering]

I know this is late but at least you can keep this idea for future and possible gift situations. For your sister you could sign her up to a brokerage account and buy her $50 worth of a low cost index fund. This month for example, there are some good promos in Coinbase, I'd suggest you get her $50 worth of Bitcoin if crypto is something you would consider. These gifts would only appreciate in value and encourage her to invest more for her retirement or for college funds.

[disneysteve]

I'd suggest you get her $50 worth of Bitcoin if crypto is something you would consider. These gifts would only appreciate in value

Really? Are you positive about that? If it would only appreciate, we'd all buy it.

[myrdale]

A can opener. One of the nice ones that leaves a smooth edge on the lid.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

a book on living within your means!