The Best Graduation Gifts

By Holly E. Newton

The end of the school year connotes graduation time, celebrating many different levels of school completions. Books, as always, are the perfect gift and help commemorate this important event in a young person¹s life. Here is a list of some outstanding picture books celebrating the graduate.

For the younger reader celebrating a change in schools, here is a simple tale about judgment.

Zen Shorts, by widely acclaimed author Jon J. Muth, is a story that involves three tales. Three children become friends with a giant panda. He imparts a clever story for each child. One of the tales expertly demonstrates how we need to forgive. A young monk criticizes an older monk for carrying an unappreciative traveler over rain puddles, as he says, "She didn't even thank you!" The wise older man replies, "I set the woman down hours ago." The older monk was able to forgive and forget, while the young monk was still learning this lesson of forgiveness.

Another perfect book for the younger child is This Little Light of Mine. This picture book is based on the familiar song of the same title and is illustrated beautifully by the acclaimed E. B. Lewis. The words of the song describe how the light from within will shine on and on. But, the pictures tell much, much more. A young boy sees another youngster sitting alone, appearing dejected as he is slumped with his head in his hands. As the song progresses throughout the book, the boy invites the sad fellow to join his friends and before long a smile shines through the sad face. This book will surely strike a chord with all ages!

Sometimes it's the wordless books that seem to have the greatest message. Home, by Jeannie Baker, shows the progress of life through an open window. Ms. Baker has small remnants of a girl's life on the windowsill, displaying her growth though the years. For instance, the book begins with congratulations for the birth of a baby girl. Through the window, you see the proud parents in their back yard holding this new baby. There are older looking vehicles on the street beyond the yard. Several pages later, there's the girl as a teen putting makeup on in a mirror that's sitting on the windowsill. Beyond the yard is a full garden and beyond that newer looking cars on the street. There's much to observe and reflect on one's own growth throughout the years.

Sometimes biographies are the perfect inspiration for graduates. Walt Whitman: Words for America, by Barbara Kerley, is a look into the life of one of America's best and most famous poets. His poetry reflected the feelings of our country during the tumultuous Civil War. I found it fascinating that when Walt was young, he loved words and loved to read. He was always writing down feelings and expressions in his little notebook. In the Author¹s Note located in the back of the book, he states that when he was eleven years old, he was given a library card. Later he added, it was ³...the signal event of my life up to that time." Brian Selznick beautifully illustrated the pictures throughout the book, and he studied many historical documents and locations to accurately reconstruct this amazing poet¹s life.

Here is a perfect companion to Walt Whitman¹s biography. When I Heard the Learn¹d Astronomer is a wonderfully illustrated book by Loren Long, based on Walt Whitman¹s famous poem. This poem celebrates the amazing imagination that is budding in all of us. The incredible pictures take you to a young boy's experience as he ponders life and the stars, ³In the mystical moist night-air, and from time to time, look'd up in perfect silence at the stars.²

Mother Teresa, by award winning Demi, is an inspirational account of one humble woman serving those much less fortunate and extremely poor. This incredible woman gave all that she had throughout her life. Included here is wisdom that we can glean from her: ³Life Is An Opportunity --Avail It. Life Is Beautiful --Admire It. Life Is A Challenge --Meet It. Life Is Costly --Care For It. Life Is A Promise --Fulfill It. Life Is Sorrow --Overcome It. Life Is Too Precious --Do Not Destroy It.²

And lastly, here's a book celebrating and exploring the endless possibilities of life. Imagine a Day, by Sarah L. Thompson, and creatively illustrated by Rob Gonsalves, will spark your imagination --beyond imagination. ³Imagine a day Š when a book swings open on silent hinges, and a place you've never seen before welcomes you here.² Give a great gift to your graduate. Give a book to inspire, motivate and celebrate!

Visit Holly's Web Site!

Remember your Grad but don't forget Dad! One click gets you access to all the best Fathers Day ideas on the web.
Click Here for Great Father's Day Gift Ideas!

1. Patron Saint,Catholic Jewelry,Patron Saints,Medals,St. Medallions,Religious ...
... garnet, emerald, amethyst, cubic zirconia, gift items for Valentine's Day, I Love You Valentine ... ... two-tone gold and black onyx styles, fireman charms, Graduation, gold cross pendants, sterling ...
http://www.jewelry-gifts.info/patron-saint-i.htm

2. 5 products price list
... These wooden items with an NFL, MLB, or college logo are perfect for holiday gift giving, groomsmen gifts, birthday gifts, graduation gifts, Father's Day gifts, and other special occasions which call ...
http://bumblebeegiftshop.com/5.html

3. Hammond Hobby & Toy stores
... galoob, baseball cards, magic, wizards of the coast, tsr, fasa , warhammer, #1 CAMEL HAIR #1 GIFT PACK #1 OXFORD BRUSH #1 SABLE ROUND #10 MOTION SYSTEM #17 DEWALT TAURUS #18 INTERSTATE MONTE CARL ...
http://www.hammondtoy.com/

4. Budget Friendly Halloween Costume Ideas.
... The Graduate - Have an old graduation cap and gown? If it doesn't ... uniform (nursing, military, fireman, policeman) can be used as a ... Expires Oct. 31st. Other Gift Personalization Mall Codes ...
http://www.simpledebtfree ...en-costume-ideas.html

5. Say It With Bears - Teddy Bear List
... Nici Graduation Monkey Nici Graduation Tiger No 1 Mum Bear Norm ... Peter Rabbit Peter Rabbit Gift Set Petunia Phew Petunia Pig ... Sparkle Kringlebeary Sparks Fireman Sparky Christmas Special ...
http://www.sayitwithbears.co.uk/sitemap

6. http://www.thesweetshoppe.com/subcategoryitems-greetings___messages-get_well...
... & Parties New Home Gifts Graduation Gifts Bar/Bat Mitzva New ... an illness? Here's a get well gift basket that will express it ... Ann & Andy #raadg05 $35.00 Fireman Get Well Wishes #fetgw04 $40 ...
http://www.thesweetshoppe ...___relax-146-150.html

7. Toppers & Survival Kits
... TOPPERS! Gag Gift Toppers Mix Gift Toppers F.A.Q. about Toppers ... Kit Fathers Day Survival Kit Fireman's Survival Kit Fisherman's ... Scout Leader Survival Kit Graduation Survival Kit Grandparents ...
http://www.kitchenmixgifts.com/Toppers.htm

8. Personalized Name Gifts - Home
To create your own unique Gift for someone special in your life ... P-Cowboy P-Fatherhood P-Graduation P-Boy Praying P-Girl ... personalized family gifts, fireman, fireman's prayers ...
http://www.personalizednamegifts.com/newback.cfm

9. An Aussie in America - English-es
... Or want to give a great Aussie gift? My sponsor Simply Australian ... American accompanying me was a fireman who had a rock climbing ... Are you going to the graduation ceremony?" "Oh, I can't be ...
http://www.aussieinameric .../language/english.htm

10. Fireman Sign & Name Board: PubSignShop.com
... Personalized Name Board Perfect for the heroic fireman who quenches fires and rescues maidens. This ... ... attached below. It makes a great graduation and recognition gift as well as a present the boss will ...
http://www.pubsignshop.com/page/P/PROD/pds-166

11. Career Gifts - Mall of America - Cybermall Bargain Shop Best Buy Shop BuyOnl...
... Dept. for DRR Golf Gifts Graduation Gifts Halloween Gifts ... Sign Hairdresser Old Time Sign Fireman Old Time Sign Architect Old ... > Page [1 of 3] Top Selling Gift Store Card Stock: White (Light ...
http://mall-of-america.le ...ifts8-Gifts_store.htm

12. Personal Creations - Unique Personalized Gifts online store
... There's nothing like a gift that says, "You're one of a ... the Day Mug Paw Prints Mugs Graduation Coffee Mug United Nations ... Hair Stylist Wood Sign #1 Fireman Ornament Harry Potter ...
http://www.storesreview.com/Personal-Creations.htm

13. Firefighter Memorial Silver Eagle
... Eagle Cases Dansco Albums Graduation Present Case Happy Birthday ... founded by a surviving fireman of September 11th. These ... Let's Roll Silver Eagles IN GIFT BOX $189.97 $149.99 ...
http://www.chipmancoins.c ...rial_Silver_Eagle.htm

14. Birthday Cakes are the perfect gift to send from Creative Cakery
... FIREFIGHTER- Where's the fire? Fireman figure Cake POLICEMAN- Help ... whopper! TOUCHDOWN!- A perfect gift for the football fanatic! FORE ... conGRADulations- You did it! GRADUATION THEME- Pomp & Circumstance ...
http://www.creativecakery-van.com/birthday.html

15. Eject! Eject! Eject!: COURAGE
... day. And, like just about everyone else at that age, at that time, I had decided that my future would consist of being a railroad engineer, or a fireman, or a cowboy ñ that would be a Daniel Boone ...
http://www.ejectejectejec .../archives/000033.html

16. Veronica's Jewelry Box - Gold Jewelry, Diamond Jewelry, Silver Jewelry
... trade logos , hobbies, engraving styles, graduation year, or other available options. We make ... ... mother's rings baptism jewelry gift certificates Best Sellers Fireman's Police Jlry EMT Jlry Sports ...
http://www.veronicasjewelrybox.com/

17. FOOD GIFT BOXES - food gift boxes - Food Gift Boxes - Food gift boxes
... Gifts for newborns christening gift ideas - Graduation gift ideas anniversary gifts for teenage him ... ... gift baskets - Gift baskets delivered to france birthday gifts for turning 50 - Fireman gift shops ...
http://food-gift-boxes.gift-catalogs.biz/

18. Fire/ Rescue
... Sale! Balloons Baking Themed Gift Ideas Baking Tips Baking Pans ... Glitter (Edible) Sale! Graduation Grandparents Gymnastics ... Plastic) 12 for $2.09 FRR-30 Fireman Figurine Set 2" Set of 5 ...
http://www.babykakes.com/fire_rescue.htm

19. FiremanGift
... Great for celebrating graduation or promotions. High quality & fast shipping. Satisfaction guaranteed. careergifts.com [FiremanGift] 6 from 20 for "FiremanGift": Fireman Gift Products - Lowest ...
http://firemangift.st12.com/

20. Beauty and the Book, the only hair salon/bookstore in the country Newsletter
... and in cancer wards. Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World ... ... is the closest I've ever gotten to a college graduation. Today I want to tell you three stories from ...
http://www.beautyandthebook.com/septnews.htm

21. Police gifts, firefighter gifts, and military gifts at Things Remembered
... Gifts Religious Anniversary Graduation Housewarming Back to School ... It takes a special kind of gift to thank them for their ... Men's U.S. Army Photo Watch Fireman Throw U.S. Navy Emblem ...
http://www.thingsremember ...0001_1102_-1_1584_1_1

22. Party Favors - Wedding Party Favors - Birthday Events
... favors fire house party favors fireman party favor first communion ... favor garden tea party favor gift favors party gingerbread man ... favors golf party favors graduation party favor ideas to make ...
http://www.fun-party-favors.com/partyfavor.html

23. Knifesales4u.com Select many knives at great prices
... knives, highlander, red, graduation, engraved, leather, handle ... and other fine items. Free gift with any order, Click for ... Our Discount Price: Swiss Army Fireman Lockblade Retail: Our ...
http://www.knifesales4u.com/

24. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
... National Kidney Foundation's Gift of Life Awards. At the ... Academy "A First Class" graduation celebration. At the Sinning ... Angels fund. At the West View Fireman's Banquet Hall; 412-635-7787 ...
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/03001/436255.stm

25. Character Toons
... Easter Fathers Day Graduation Grandparents Day Labor Day ... 41.90 Click To Enlarge Tigger Fireman Your Price $41.90 Click To ... Network       Gift Directory     ...
http://www.philregalo.com ...VIEWCATS&Category=153

26. Cherished Teddies
... Our Love is the Greatest Gift Cherished Teddies with ... Age 4 Cherished Teddies Graduation Boy Cherished Teddies Jumbo ... Groom to Be Cherished Teddies Fireman Clark with Puppy Cherished ...
http://www.collectnget.com/Cherished_Teddies.html

27. Chairman's Letter - 1985
... term participation in the insurance business of Firemanís Fund, and (d) our sale of our stock in ... ... a given year bear similarities to a college graduation ceremony in which the knowledge gained over ...
http://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/1985.html

28. Free Birthday Party Printables & gift tags for your birthday, Christmas ...
... Baby Mickey Mouse Baby Mickey Fireman Baby Minnie Bag Bambi Box ... New Years Party Masks Baby gift wrap Valentine boxes St. Pat's ... kit Cinco de Mayo fiesta kit Graduation gift wrap Graduation party ...
http://www.familyshopping ..._party_printables.htm

29. RAYZER'S DISCOUNT
... Shipping and Returns Gift Voucher FAQ Links Contact Us ... WALL CROSS $39.95 ALAB ANGEL/FIREMAN NIGHT LIGHT $29.95 MUS ALAB ... 05. "FRIENDSHIP" PLAQUE 06. "GRADUATION" 4" X 6" FRAME 07 ...
http://www.rayzerdiscount.com/catalog/index.php

30. Seraphim Classics Products page Professionals
... Caring Touch Angel with Fireman 81775 8" High $87.50 Retired ... Special Moments Communion, Graduation, Weddings Angels of the ... The Valencia Collection Angel Gift Shop Our Song Products Angels ...
http://www.seraphimworld.com/professional.html

31. eBay Store - Skyabove Charms: HOBBY, TRAVEL, SPORT AUTO
... 79) MOM(56) WEDDING(16) NEW BABY(16) GRADUATION(9) HOLIDAYS(42) BIRTHDAY(4) MUSIC(11 ... ... CHARM DAUGHTER GRAND GIFT FOR MOM DALMATIAN PUPPY ITALIAN CHARM 101 FIREMAN DOG FIRE GIFT See ...
http://stores.ebay.com/Skyabove-Charms

32. HALLOWEEN STENCILS - halloween stencils - Halloween Stencils - Halloween ste...
http://halloween-stencils.gift-catalogs.biz/

33. Angels Lapel Pins, Necklaces and sports angels, Gold Angel pins, Protector A...
... a Christmas or get well card. A gift for yourself, a friend, co ... 2.49 $3.79 each Qty: #2233 Fireman AngelPin Guardian Angel will ... Angel Pin Get Well Angel Pin Graduation Angel Pin Grandma Angel Pin ...
http://www.churchsupplier.com/angels.htm

34. Online Shopping Mall | Online Stores - Home to the World's Best List of Onli...
... Reunions First Birthday Graduation Party Holiday Party Kid's ... Party Dinosaur Party Fireman Party Hollywood Party ... Contact Us Coupons Feedback Gift Shopping Links Newsletter ...
http://www.reasontoparty.com/shopping.htm

35. website links
... Central High School. Upon graduation from high school, Minister ... future! Turn Out Gear Central, Fireman's gear Vertigo View WDZZ 92.7 ... Crystal makes a perfect gift. Unlike jeans which will fade ...
http://www.winebarrel.com/web_links_page.htm

36. Nursewing Gift Shop, Gifts for RNs, LPNs, CNAs, MDs,
... birthday, Christmas, graduation, and thank you . A great ... giving. "All Other Job Roles" Gift Section This is a section we ... as; housekeeper, bus driver, fireman, security officer, hospital ...
http://www.nursewing.com/nursewing-gift-shop.html

37. CHIEF Customer Testimonials
... The shirts look great! Three more weeks till graduation (EMT)... Marcy Carlino, LPN (pending EMT) IL ... ... of page The badge wallet arrived today. It is a gift for our son who was sworn in as a Deputy ...
http://www.chiefsupply.com/whats_new.html

38. lies.com » 2005 » January
... can just make out the yellow-clad legs of the fireman standing between him and the creek. Or at ... ... paid for our breakfast, and gave us a very nice gift certificate to a local restaurant, and Julia ...
http://www.lies.com/wp/2005/01/

39. Kimberly Chapman's Cake Decorating
... racetrack, golf course, graduation, spider, Valentine lips ... modelling paste. Cake Types: Fireman Sam, The Flower Fairies, The ... based on the traditional gift for those anniversaries (i.e ...
http://www.kimberlychapma .../cakes/cakebooks.html

40. Cakes
... upside down cake unique graduation cake wedding cake top fireman wilton cake book yellow layer ... ... kids, and when I ask him what he'd like as a gift, he nonchalantly shrugs his broad shoulders ...
http://cake.glamourous.info/

41. Personalized Throws - Afghans - Free Shipping
... Pets | Love & Marriage | Graduation Personalized Throws ... The Kit box can be given as the gift, therefore, you don't need to ... Tree Info / Order Career Fireman Info / Order Teacher's World ...
http://www.cherrylanekeep .../man_personalized.htm

42. Triangle Gift Bags: Plum Party Supplies & Favors
... dice' gift bag - small 5.00 vintage traveler gift bag 7.00 fireman helmet gift bag 6.00 taxi gift bag 7.00 frog prince gift bag 5.00 graduation gift bag 9.00 red apple gift bag 5.00 pumpkin gift bag 7 ...
http://www.plumparty.com/ ...ory_Code=TriangleBags

43. Fireman Gift Graduation
Your Best Resource for Fireman Gift Graduation Information Fireman Gift Graduation High School Graduation ï College Graduation ï Home 2004 Graduation Gift 2005 Graduation Gift 2005 High School ...
http://www.mygraduationgi ...iremangiftgraduation/

44. Gifts, Collectibles, China,Arthur Court, Precious Moments, Cherished Teddies...
... for freight charges out of US. Gift Wrapping Free upon request. We ... Ornaments Auburn Collectibles Fireman Collectibles Patriotic ... Moments Baptism Gifts Graduation Gifts Puppies/Dogs Bears ...
http://www.crystalcorner.com/Categories.htm

45. Calendar of Events :: Nebraska's Easter City
... pageant is the Curtis area's gift to Nebraska because, without ... NCTA Graduation Graduation ceremonies. Check NCTA's ... for date for current year. EMT/Fireman Appreciation Picnic A ...
http://www.curtis-ne.com/calendar_of_events.html

46. MBR: Small Press Bookwatch, September 2005
... the International Cat Association, and even a "fireman's farewell" to mark his passing. Bear: Heart ... ... pre-screened for freshman retention rates and graduation rates to ensure that admitted students have ...
http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/sep_05.htm

47. Cherished Teddies -buyCherished Teddies. The Cherished Teddies Store
... Easter Cherished Teddies Fireman Clark with Puppy Cherished ... Girl Cherished Teddies Graduation Proud Mom with Graduate ... Our Love is the Greatest Gift Cherished Teddies It's No ...
http://www.gifts-collecti ...herished-Teddies.html

48. Pitchfork: Track Reviews
... F.U. [mixtapes] Uncle Jim: Graduation Day [from the Superstars of ... of Fire soundtrack] Lil Wayne: Fireman [mixtapes] Ricky Martin [ft ... Remodel) [from the Return the Gift bonus disc] J.R. Writer [ft ...
http://www.pitchforkmedia ...tracks/05-11-01.shtml

49. Personalized graduation gifts
... to assist you. Personalized Graduation Gifts Especially Made For ... something just for you. Free gift cards included if requested ... Babies Kids Hard Hats Kids Fireman Hats Kids Construction Hats ...
http://www.karencreation.com/graduationgifts.html

50. Why I am a Christian
... it, the number needed for graduation was 120. Hence I expected ... last and most lucrative one as fireman in a laundry. But soon an ... This must be regarded as a gift of God, or an ultimate act of ...
http://www.leaderu.com/truth/1truth16.html

51. the evangelical outpost: Economics & Law Archives
... I suspect the answer is hidden in the gift cards. Even though the store receives the cash for the gift card at the time of purchase, they typically donít show up on the retailers' ledgers until after ...
http://www.evangelicalout ...at_economics_law.html

52. Dinnerware Depot! Äì Bunnykins Nursey Rhyme Collection Figures - China, Por...
... 43.00 Quantity: DB286 - Graduation Day MSRP: $43.00 Price: $43 ... Limited Quantities DB875 - Fireman Bunnykins MSRP: $42.00 Price ... Home| Community| Help| Search| Gift Registry All rights reserved ...
http://www.dinnerwaredepo ...lected~pf_id~2343.htm

53. Decorative Flags, Flag Banners, Garden Flags, Custom Flags, Custom Flag Banners
... Personalized Decorative House and Garden Flags Individual gift flag themes include military, sports, fireman, birthday, wedding, anniversary, Christmas, graduation, pets, new born baby, home/garden ...
http://www.wealthwood.com/flags/

54. Charming Tails - DBC Collectibles
... Angels by Karen Hahn Graduation Gifts Growing Up Birthday ... 15.00 You're The Perfect Gift ct95104 $ 20.00 Stacks Of Joy ... You Need Us ct89150 $ 18.00 Fireman Listen To Your Heart ct89152 ...
http://www.dbccollectible ...rming_tails/tails.php

55. PartyMerchant.com birthday theme party guide
... s Day] [ Fiesta Party] [ Fifties Theme Party] [ Fireman] [ First Birthday Party] [ Fish Theme Parties ... ... s" Party] [ Frog Party] [ Gifts] [ Gift Exchange Game] [ Graduation Party Season] [ Greeting Cards ...
http://www.partymerchant.com/

56. Exclusive collectibles, dolls, figurines and more - Specialty Gifts.com
... Dolls Inspirations Imaginations Baby Boyds Gift Shoppe Boyds Throws >>More Choices Byers ... ... Newborn Baby Graduation Anniversary Retirement Sister Daughter Grandma Grandpa Fireman Nurse ...
http://www.specialtygifts.com/

57. DoggieDoodles Wacky, One of a kind, or Custom of Your Dog GIFTS - Crittergif...
... Hat, Pipe & Rake B-132 FD Fireman w/Hat & Fire hose B-136 EMT ... Bear w/Beehive B-306 GRD Graduation Bear w/Mortarboard & ... & Urns | New & Sales! | ******* Gift Certificates ****** | OTHER ...
http://www.doggiedoodles. ...tcom__valentines_bear