<p>My roommate is moving all the way across the country and I wanted to do something sweet as a welcome gift. I've been talking to her for quite a while now, so we're not complete strangers and I know enough about her to know some of the things she likes.
Would it be weird to give her a welcoming gift?
What should I do for the gift? (basket, goodie bag, etc.)</p>
<p>A welcome gift is sweet, but she’s just going to school. Like, think about it. Would you give a welcome gift to someone who is coming from across state?</p>
<p>Perhaps, a roommate goodie bag would be more appropriate if you’re set on giving a gift. It could include things you guys could do together, such as popcorn, a DVD, some nail polish, and snacks for a night in? </p>
<p>I wouldn’t-- she almost definitely won’t be getting you one, and I’d personally feel awkward and obligated to buy you something in return…just be welcoming and friendly and a nice roommate and I’m sure she’ll appreciate that!</p>
<p>I think it’d be just as thoughtful and more fun to just do something with her. If you’re from the area, you could both go out to a good restaurant you know about or some place that’s unique to the area that they might not have where they’re from. I don’t think a gift is really necessary. I would feel weird about getting a gift from a roommate who I just met. Going out and doing something fun is always welcome, though, especially if you already know the area.</p>
<p>Don’t put her in the awkward position of being a good gift receiver and liking what you bought her.
She may be weirded out getting a welcome basket from you just for showing up.
Too much. Too soon.
Your generosity may not be reciprocated, perhaps she can’t afford to buy you gifts in return.</p>
<p>just a thought what if you end up hating each other. It would suck to see your welcome basket on her dresser after that.</p>
<p>I agree with the others that giving her a gift right off the bat would be a bit awkward. She’d likely feel obligated to give you something in return.</p>
<p>I think it would be better to plan something like going out to dinner together to get to know one another. </p>
<p>My roommate gave me and our other roommate little plastic trinket things she got on her trip to China–she left them on our desks for our arrival, since she got there first. I thought that was sweet, and I now have them hanging up in my room at home, even though she and I never became close (we got along fine but we don’t have much in common). I think a really small thing like that might be nice, but I wouldn’t get her too much because she might feel bad about not having gotten you anything. </p>