STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Coming from somebody whose boyfriend just finished his doctorate, anything that involves relaxation and entertainment is probably a great gift. Are they foodies? Certificates out to a nice restaurant or a gift basket full of pampering bath items if she is into that sort of stuff. If you don't think it would be offensive, a maid service gift certificate might be nice as well.

If you think about it, she's going from an incredibly busy and stressful to what could very well be just as busy and stressful. Anything that can get her to relax and just chill out in the next couple of months will probably be very welcome.

I love the spa idea. If a whole day at the spa was too much you could get her a gift certificate either to a spa you choose or through Spa Finder (if you belong to Costco, they sell them at a bit less than the face value).

Spa is a great gift, but pricy, especially whole day... gift cert. to Nordstrom - expensive enought and on the budget enough to get something for herself on any amount you can afford to buy gift cert. for her. Bath & Body Works always have pre-made baskets or just assemble a gift of your own from a huge variety of products.
Also, if you'd like something memorable, as opposed to relaxation, Swarovski does beautiful crystal jewelry, i don't know what your budget is, but there are earrings/pendants that you can buy under $50-80 or even cheaper, you can check every itme online with the price & gift ideas. Packaging it beautiful, & there is never enough sparkle in any woman's life:)