A lovely graduation present, April 20, 2008
By Julie Neal
"Just Who Will You Be" Maria Shriver
This little book will give an inspirational boost to almost any new high school, or middle school, graduate.
Though its advice might be too lightweight for college grads, and a little too sunny for kids from deprived backgrounds, the book is still a terrific gift for any reader who is open to it. In other words, Shriver makes no attempt to be Maya Angelou, but she does have something to say. An example: "The only way you can come to feel worthy, and really good about yourself is to find your own voice, find your own path, follow your own heart and live your own life."
Another benefit: the recipient of this book might actually read it. Just 100 pages, it takes less than 30 minutes to get through, as each page has only five or six sentences and is set with wide margins and lots of white space. It's a very easy read.
The book is divided into three sections. A 20-page introduction is about Shriver herself, as the author recounts her dreams as a young girl. The next 40 pages reprint a speech Shriver recently gave (titled "Just Who Will You Be?") at a high school graduation ceremony. The last third of the book offers more reflective thoughts from Shriver, and includes a nifty list of Ten Things I Pledge to Myself -- including "I pledge to show up in life as myself, not as an imitation of anyone else" and "I pledge to use my voice to connect my dreams to my actions."
Shriver has used this concept before, reprinting another of her high school grad speeches in 2005's And One More Thing Before You Go....
Ragged pages add a timeless touch. Underneath the blue dust jacket is a plain hardback cover in the same blue color.
I have purchased $25 or $50 savings bonds in the past, or purchased a subscription to "Debt-Proof Living" which if actually read will teach them how to get a good jump start on living without credit cards. Good luck!
A keepsake to remember the moment by. Maybe a sworski crystal of some kind you can get them at Dillard's and there are lots of variety's to choose from that range in price so you don't have to spend alot of money. I would also suggest savings bonds or even some stocks since now they are embarking on the challenge of learning to be financially responsible. Anything that can teach them something or provide life long memories would be a good choice in my opinion.
Stephany A
Legal Assistant & Mother 4 yr old girl and 18 month old boy
I found the cutest cook book all about ramen noodles. I bought several of those and case of ramen noodles. I used these gifts for the people that i felt (and wanted) to get them something. They turned out really cute. I had some friends that were closer to me so put that along with a couple pots, dish soap, scrub brushes, dish towels, pot holders, cooking spoons, etc... And i wrap it all up in a laundry basket. Always a welcome gift for the student going away.
When my son graduated from a small private school, because most of the seniors were going away to college, we purchased towel sts for everyone. Light colors for the girls and darks for the boys. Consider what the seniors are doing after graduation and give accordingly. My son did receive a lot of money to purchase whatever it was he needed.
I have some great ideas for you that are a lot more fun that just money or a gift card. Arbonne has a line of products called FYI (For Young Individuals). They just launched a new line of sugar scrubs that are affordable and awesome! There are 4 different fragrances for personality type: mysterious, ambitious, vivacious and flirtatious. I would think ambitious would be a great fit for a new grad ;)
Check out the line- it's awesome and it's been a hit with all of the grads I am buying for: https://arbonne.com/shop_online/showcatalog.asp?category=185
The ENTIRE line retails for $54, but I can get it at wholesale cost for you (35% off!) Only $35.
Let me know if you are interested and I can help you put some fun gifts together.
Thanks and good luck,
Melissa
If they are going to college, stuff from their new school goes over well. Gift cards from restaurants really help. Talk to their parents about what they might need in their dorm room or apartment.
Hope these suggestions help.
j
Paige S. I have a great one. It's a page frame by Creative Memories. You put a picture in and have friends sign the mat at an end of year Graduation party. Look at them on my website www.mycmsite.com/anitacopeland and then contact me to order if need fast or order off my website. If take digital pics we have the Storybook also. It's an awesome gift. Anita C.
A great gift, especially if they're going off to college, is a set (of 2, or maybe just one) of towels with their monogram or name embroidered on it. You could either do their school colors (for college) or find out the colors of their room and do it to match.
Another gift would be a personalized bag for those trips back and forth from school to home for the weekend.
Jon Hart is a great company for that kinda stuff. Also, Lillian Vernon has great stuff online. Pottery Barn Kids has fun towel colors right now, and they do monogramming.
I know this may seem odd, but when I graduated, a friend of my mom got me an umbrella for my backpack (to use at college). This year is my 15th reunion from high school and I STILL remember that gift (don't ask me what anyone else got me). I used that umbrella my entire college career, and more than once, was glad I had it.
If you wanted to add to it and the kids will be living on their own for college or otherwise, a roll of quarters (for dorm clothes washers) or a container of laundry detergent. All these things are necessities and the kids will find themselves without the basics more than once as they learn to support themselves.
I carry affordable teen skin care and fragrance sets that I place in gift baskets with school type items....if you are looking for something "different". Good luck to you! www.marykay.com/tpreston
Have they registered at Target or simular stores? My son really liked having picture frames for family and friend photos for the dorm. Container store has a lot of awsome ideas for gifts too.
I give the Alpha Omega Ring by James Avery for young men or the Alpha Omega charm for young women. Or I will give the book Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey that teaches money responsibility so they will never have to worry.
I know this is late getting to you but, I would buy a simple throw and have their name monogrammed on it in the school colors of where they were going to college. You can usually find inexpensive throws at TJ Max or Ross. Also, the tool box gift sets are great. In fact, we found a pink set for my daughter when she went off to college. Everyone at her dorm used it and she always knew they were hers when borrowed because they were pink. I also would take $1.00 bills or $5.00 bills and tape them end on end and roll them up and wrap them in a box. It was a fun way to get money.
If you are looking for a unique Graduation Gift try www.gratefulchics.com. This Houston based company founded by two "Mompretreneurs" feature gifts that are centered around Gratitude. It's a great way to help new graduates focus on the good in their life during this time of exciting transition. Grateful Chics have lots of inspirational gift items for him or her and even a NEW Graduation Gift pack set for only $18 each.
I am truly amazed at all the wonderful and creative gift ideas that everyone had. Thank you all so much for responding to my request. I will most likely put together a survival kit that includes towels, flash drives, and a gift card. I’m saving some of the other ideas for other gift giving times, though. Thanks, again. P.