When my oldest son got married, he converted to Judiasm. No biggie, I have no problem with that, but I don't know that much about the faith. My problem is that my granddaughter is having a Bat Mitzva this weekend. What kind of a gift is appropriate for this special occasion? I'm much more familiar with First Communion, etc. Help a brother out here, please.
My best suggestion is to ask your daughter-in-law, assuming that line of communication is open to you (which I hope it is.) I would expect that she would welcome the inquiry, since it stems from the same openmindedness that got her her husband's conversion without drama. Failing that, I'd go to a local rabbi where you live and ask him/her what's appropriate/expected. Maybe get an intro from a clergyman you're closer to? These guys all typically know each other from hospital chaplaincies etc.
My understanding is that these ceremonies are about a formal recognition of new adulthood, so talking about Grandpa's Little Girl may be out of place on the big day, but people who know what they're doing will talk you through it. The big thing is that you are interested and you care and she's part of your family too. Everything else is details.
My Jewish buddy at work says the main thing is to give the gift at the reception, and not at the ceremony. He also says that other than that, just give her something that a young girl would want. Jewelery, iPod, DVD of her fave TV show, etc.
He added that if you just want to give her some money instead, make the total a multiple of 18. That means "Good Luck", like stuffing it in a red envelope for someone with an eastern Asian heritage does.
Money, but that is from seeing what was given at about four or five that I've been to. Also, they were all boys. I don't know if it makes a difference.
friedgreencorrado wrote: My Jewish buddy at work says the main thing is to give the gift at the reception, and not at the ceremony. He also says that other than that, just give her something that a young girl would want. Jewelery, iPod, DVD of her fave TV show, etc. He added that if you just want to give her some money instead, make the total a multiple of 18. That means "Good Luck", like stuffing it in a red envelope for someone with an eastern Asian heritage does.
This ^^^ I was raised Jewish, though I don't practice now. My Bar Mitzvah was 25 year ago, but I don't think much has changed. The gift is given at the reception. The most common gift, far and away, was money. As stated, in multiples of 18. Most of that money was put away by my parents until I was 18 years old. I didn't get a whole lot of gifts like cassettes (no digital music or CDs back then), etc... The only one that sticks out in my mind is that about 7 neighborhood families all pitched in to buy me a full size pinball machine, as I was an '80's arcade junkie. 
But if you don't want to do cash, any other gift a 13 year old girl would like is fine.
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