Ok, my neighbor has finally wrapped up her religious studies, and is about to be ordained as a minister in her chosen faith. Mrs. ricepad and I do not share her faith (Presbyterian), but we are happy for her, just the same. We’ve been invited to her ordination and reception, but haven’t the foggiest idea whether it’d be appropriate to give her a gift in celebration and recognition, or if that might offend her.
Any Dopers out there with some advice?
Can’t go wrong with a nice engraved pen, when in doubt 
Well, when a close childhood friend of mine was ordained as a Lutheran minister, I gave her an old copy of “Luther’s Small Catechism” that my grandfather had given my father (the atheist). This had sentimental but not monetary value, and it was something that also had some historical interest. If I recall correctly, others at the reception that was held after her ordination also gave her gifts.
I’d say you can’t go wrong with any small token, especially if it’s tastefully religious (you did say Presbyterian, right? Emphasis on the “tastefully”). On the other hand, she will be receiving countless gifts of crosses, Bibles, wall plaques, and the like, so if you’d rather, a donation in her name to a charity for the poor might be in order. In any case, a gift is certainly appropriate (although just as certainly not necessary).