My co-worker is having a big party for his step daughter next weekend for her 15th birthday and sent me & Kevin an invitaion.  They are Mexican and this party is a really big deal in their culture.  It is called a Quinceañeras, its a coming of age celebration.  I guess you could compare it to a really formal/fancy sweet sixteen party.  I'm not to sure though since I'm not that familiar with it.  Anyway, I unfortunately don't think I am going to be able to make it, so I am debating... do I still give her a gift? And if I do... what?  I've worked here for almost 3 years, and met his daughter only a few times, so I really don't know much about her.  My co-worker, I would consider a work friend, I never see him outside of work.... But we get along great at work.  So what do you all think would be the appropriate thing to do?  It's a very small office here, only 3 people including me...

Ok, I took the advice and asked her dad.  He said she likes money.   Well that was helpful!  Who doesn't like money!?  But as a gift?  Wouldn't that be kind of impersonal?  I don't know, I'm no good at gifts!!   He also said she likes Starbucks, so a gift card to there would be good.... I don't know though, is a gift card for coffee good for a 15 yr. old?  The last 15 yr. old I knew was when I was 15 so I am just clueless!  She's going to summer school right now to catch up on her English, so he said she stays up until 2 am doing homework so she drinks coffee every morning.

Oh, yeah, he also suggested pens.  Colorful pens...

A gift card to the local mall might be good.  Then she could use it wherever she would like.   I wouldn't feel comfortable giving someone I don't know very well money.  I think the gift card is definitely the way to go.  :-)