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. unique gift ideas Directory
http://www.ssws.com/uniquegiftshop/index12.html

2. Graduation Gift Guide - The Right Gift For Him
... By far the most popular graduation gift idea was cash. All right everybody loves cash, but if you wanted to give it as a gift you wouldn't be reading this. Some ideas from our competitors: A book ...
http://www.therightgiftfo ...uation-giftguide.html

3. Gift basket candy bouquet
... gift as "one who basket candy bouquet We also carry popular diaper cake gift graduation gift basket idea basket basket candy bouquet themes such as gift product line includes 1 tier diaper cake for ...
http://theme-gift-basket. ...et_candy_bouquet.html

4. Graduation Gift Ideas - Your ultimate graduation gift ideas resource.
... A few of our more popular student graduation gift ideas are: OneShare Special Promotions Looking for unique gift ideas and values? You'll find them at ... 4. Graduation Gift Ideas - Buy College ...
http://gifts.finance-arti ...graduation-gift-ideas

5. Hand-painted in soft hues this crafted metal candleholder features a lovely ...
... our most popular flavors. Are you looking for corporate gift or gifts for men? gift tested very much Information here regarding gift and gift basket idea is what we bright are about. graduation gift ...
http://bright.ourway1.com/basicoption.html

6. graduation gift
... com/ppp/graduation/graduation credit agency student graduation gift for a student graduation gift with no credit The popular this site is great and learn about credit cards a way to order. So when ...
http://www.flowersndirect ...tory/graduation/gift/

7. college graduation gift
... gear general get getting gift giftbasket giftbaskets ... gourmet gps grads graduate graduation grandmothers great grinch ... polaroid police pop pops popular populartoy populartoys ...
http://www.1st-online-mal ...-graduation-gift.html

8. Blog Ho! - The Website of Jason Reusch - Home
... A popular graduation gift was gift certificates to Barnes and Noble. One location around here has a particularly good selection of computer magazines and often carries Linux periodicals from overseas ...
http://jason.reusch.net/i ...imit=15&limitstart=15

9. Graduation Gift Ideas
... brass and can be engraved so your graduate will remember his special gift forever. Here is a selection of our most popular graduation gifts. Just click on the thumbnail image for larger pictures and ...
http://www.shooterdog.com/sextant/graduate.htm

10. College Graduation Gift
... Search results for "college graduation gift" 1. collectible and ... Search IRISHOP WHAT S NEW Irish Gift Finder Ir... http://www ... order This large selection of popular collectibles and unique gift ...
http://www.graduation1.co ...lege-graduation-gift/

11. HALLOWEEN SCREENSAVER - halloween screensaver - Halloween Screensaver - Hall...
... screensaver - Unique executive gifts halloween screensaver - Popular birthday gifts personalized new orleans gifts - College graduation gift ideas macdonald's gift certificates - Uk corporate gifts ...
http://halloween-screensaver.gift-catalogs.biz/

12. Sonoma Bath Company™ A Perfect Novelty Gift Idea!
... gift for her gift for him graduation gift groomsman gift holiday ... Diva Blond Bride Loser Angel Gift Sets Wholesalers From the ... offers fun bath soaps such as popular Glycerin SOP bar soaps ...
http://www.sonomabathcompany.com/

13. Gifts, Fine Jewelry for Graduation, Graduation jewelry gift ideas
... Perfect for Engraving: Groomsmen's Gift, Father's Day, Graduation $35.00 $28.00 Sale! More info ... ... would love to wear! We offer it on our very popular 14K yellow gold 1 mm omega wire for a ...
http://www.jewelrycrossin .../GIFT_graduation.html

14. law school graduation gift - Free funny jokes - 5000+ categorized funny jokes
... ussend this page to a friend homepagemost popular funny jokeshighest rated funny jokessubmit ... ... Whatever Jokes Yo Mama Jokes Law School Graduation Gift Joke Rating this joke is rated 3.00 how ...
http://www.freefunnyjokes.net/funny_joke_36.html

15. Graduation Gift
... DVD Electronics Kitchen & Housewares Magazines Outdoor Living Popular Music Software Tools & Hardware Toys & Games Video Graduation Gift Food Gift Basket, graduation gift and online gift, golf gift ...
http://www.populargiftide ...m/graduation_gift.htm

16. Dance studio birthday party invitations
... records records nevada marriage license index graduation gift idea the mail station ls vegas weddings christmas gift ideas for teenage friends most popular wedding destinations in u s canadian ...
http://dance-studio-birth ...tions.cream.sanok.pl/

17. CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY - christmas in germany - Christmas In Germany - Christm...
... in germany - Unique executive gifts christmas in germany - Popular birthday gifts personalized new orleans gifts - College graduation gift ideas macdonald's gift certificates - Uk corporate gifts ...
http://christmas-in-germany.gift-catalogs.biz/

18. Gift Registry
... month and only a link or purchase gifts at our popular online Gift Registry Contemporary furniture ... ... best offers | discount gift certificate louisville | hawaiian fine gift | prices graduation gift |
http://gift_registry.chat.ru/

19. Christian Religious Jewelry Gift Ideas, Passion of Christ Nail Cross Necklac...
... 18 inch diamond cut silk chain our most popular length nice lobster claw clasp free shipping ... ... jewerly store High School, College Graduation Gift Ideas For Men or Ladies Christian Jewelry ...
http://www.eazypage.com/prayer/

20. creative graduation gift idea - find the best creative graduation gift idea
... Creative gift graduation idea A selection of popular creative gift graduation idea sites and related resources, with reviews and comments submitted by visitors. Information... Teddy Bear Holiday Gift ...
http://www.free-gift-idea ...uation-gift-idea.html

21. Graduation Gift Sources and Information
... your special Graduate It takes a great deal of ... ... his special gift forever. Here is a selection of our most popular graduation gifts. Just click ... http://www.shooterdog.com/sextant/graduate ...
http://www.ontogifts.com/graduationgift/

22. Gift Boxes
... Whether you are looking for a holiday gift, wedding gift, graduation gift, baby shower gift, anniversary gift, or corporate gift, you are sure to find it at one of our popular shopping directories ...
http://www.gift-boxes.us/

23. i-Gift-Baskets.com - graduation gift idea christmas gift online fruit basket...
... gift C L I C K - H E R E. The popular romantic gift basket latest products christmas gift online, from your computer. Christmas Gifts After books on graduation gift idea? for the i need it fast ...
http://basket.i-gift-bask ...n-gift-idea-chris.htm

24. Madonna marriage problems
... bellevue washington wedding planners most popular wedding locations joey and maria27s comedy ... ... thank you gift idea wedding ring vows wedding readings and tobit graduation gift idea the ...
http://madonna-marriage-problems.cream.sanok.pl/

25. CREATIVE HALLOWEEN COSTUMES - creative halloween costumes - Creative Hallowe...
... Unique executive gifts creative halloween costumes - Popular birthday gifts personalized new orleans gifts - College graduation gift ideas macdonald's gift certificates - Uk corporate gifts ...
http://creative-halloween ...es.gift-catalogs.biz/

26. Booknotes
... It--it's also a very popular graduation gift, popular back-to-school gift. And I should also mention, by the way, that for younger students, we publish a World Almanac for kids. And this follows The ...
http://www.booknotes.org/ ...cript/?ProgramID=1504

27. Graduation Gifts & Gift Ideas for High School & College Grads from Graduatio...
... Sauce. OmahaSteaks .com Graduation Cookie Box Say ... assortments of our most popular flavors, two smiley face cut ... do. OmahaSteaks .com Strawberry Gift Box An elegant, fancy foiled ...
http://www.graduationday.com/gourmet.htm

28. Wedding Gifts Ideas - Gift ideas for Marriage - Wedding Presents Idea
... the groom. Crockery and cutlery are also very popular wedding gift items You can gift a decorative ... ... Ideas Get Well Soon Gift Ideas Good Luck Gift Ideas Graduation Gift Ideas House Warming Gifts High ...
http://giftideas.indobase ...ding-gifts-ideas.html

29. Graduation Gift Ideas - Shopping Guides - Compare Prices - Shop at mySimon.com
... above to get started. Graduation Gift Ideas Sony PSP What betterGraduation Gift Ideas - Shopping Guides - Compare Prices ... ...
http://www.mysimon.com/Gr ...06/2001-8066_8-0.html

30. American Gold Exchange: Coin Vault: Specials
... Mermaidî special also available! Fantastic graduation gift! Click here for details. Dutch Gold 10 ... ... of Germany's Weimar Republic. Immensely popular with collectors and investors alike, they will ...
http://www.amergold.com/vault/specials.shtml

31. Graduation Gift Ideas. Great gifts for Grads from The Brass Compass
http://www.brasscompass.com/graduate.htm

32. Suzy's Doozies & Suzy's Musings
... Fountain pens became a popular graduation gift, signifying the writerís entrance into the adult world and adult responsibilities. Suzy's Musings & More is a soft-covered book with over 160 pages of ...
http://www.suzybeggin.com/Musings.htm

33. Promotion Codes and Online Coupons for Gifts and Collectibles - Gift Ideas
... for original gift certificates from hundreds of popular stores, hotels, theaters, restaurants and more. Excellent birthday present, graduation gift, Mother's Day gift or Father's day present. Gumps ...
http://www.shoppersresource.com/gifts.htm

34. graduation gifts, graduation gift ideas, college-high school graduation gift...
... Give the popular personalized graduation gift with the Nomination braceletóa stainless steel bracelet displaying a name or significant symbols, such as a butterfly. Letters are available in stainless ...
http://www.crystals-gemst .../Graduation_gifts.htm

35. iGiftCatalog :: Gift Baskets, Fruit Baskets, Flowers Gifts, Christmas Gifts
featured Gift Catalog Fruit Baskets Gift Baskets Send Flowers Bonsai Trees Omaha Steaks Anniversary Gift Birthday Gift Baby Gift Christmas Gift Fathers Day Gift Holiday Gift Mothers Day Gift ...
http://www.igiftcatalog.com/

36. Basket country coupon gift wine
... of great gift basket gift graduation high school valentine gift ... basket country coupon gift wine gift has been received. Welcome ... and yellow. We also carry popular diaper cake themes such as ...
http://gift-basket-idea.h ...coupon_gift_wine.html

37. graduation gift ideas, graduation gifts
... easy ñ choose from hundreds of popular merchant gift certificates ... everlasting gift. The perfect gift anytime you need to show you ... of Interest high school graduation gift ideas, high school ...
http://www.gift-shop-cafe ...graduation-gifts.html

38. Unusual graduation party ideas
... Äù This book has become quite popular as a graduation gift, so it works really well to plan a party with the same theme. If you have not read the book, you will want to purchase it or borrow it from ...
http://www.webguru.com/un ...-graduation-party.htm

39. Marketing Articles - FAQ UniTerra.com
... Graduation **Popular Gift-giving Time** Launch your marketing messages approximately 3 weeks before. JULY - Independence Day - Back to School -- Although not a holiday, it's certainly a popular time ...
http://www.uniterra.com/f ...sificacion.asp?ID_1=7

40. Graduation-favors.com - The Graduation Favors Website - Graduation Gift
... Most Popular Sites for Graduation Gift Associated Sites Top 10 web sites for 'graduation gift' For your convenience, we've gathered hundreds of "graduation gift" Web Sites and narrowed them down to ...
http://www.graduation-fav ...m/graduation-gift.htm

41. Graduation Fact Sheet - American Greetings
... Money and gift card holders "rule": Money is the most popular graduation gift of all, so it comes as little surprise that money holder cards comprise nearly 25 percent of graduation card sales. Gift ...
http://pressroom.american .../factsheetgrad05.html

42. Unique Graduation Gift Ideas
... Gifts Housewarming Gifts Christening Gift Hanukkah Gift Graduation Gift Mother's Day Father's Day Valentine's Day WEB SITE SPONSORS OTHER POPULAR WEB SITES FREE Internet Services various Free internet ...
http://www.excitedeyeshop ...graduation-gifts.html

43. CHRISTMAS FOOD - christmas food - Christmas Food - Christmas food
... christmas food - Unique executive gifts christmas food - Popular birthday gifts personalized new orleans gifts - College graduation gift ideas macdonald's gift certificates - Uk corporate gifts ...
http://christmas-food.gift-catalogs.biz/

44. Popular Gift Gifts Ideas Vatlentines Christmas Wedding Anniversary Baby Birt...
... gourmet-baskets gps-units graduation-gifts groomsman-gifts ... computers irish-gifts italian-gift-baskets jackets jazz-cds ... guitars action-movies ï Popular Gift Popular Gift Popular ...
http://ourworld.cs.com/gi ...shw-popular-gift.html

45. 2004 college gift graduation
... graduation_gifts.htm Graduation Gift Ideas -Personalized Engraved ... The personalized engraved graduation gifts available from this ... have been selected as the most popular, unique, ... 7/5/2004 " Our ...
http://www.kittycatloverg ...-gift-graduation.html

46. WEDDING ANNIVERSARY GIFTS YEARS - wedding anniversary gifts years - Wedding ...
... Unique executive gifts wedding anniversary gifts years - Popular birthday gifts personalized new orleans gifts - College graduation gift ideas macdonald's gift certificates - Uk corporate gifts ...
http://wedding-anniversar ....executive-gifts.biz/

47. Graduation gift ideas, pearl jewellery gift graduation present UK
... We find that classical pieces of pearl jewellery, such as matching white pearl necklace and pearl earrings gift sets are the most popular choice of college or university graduation gift. However ...
http://www.absolutepearls .../graduation-gifts.php

48. GRADUATION GIFT :: Thematic Web Directory :: www.education.find-ez.com :: 20...
... thousands of online stores. www.shopping.com Graduation Gift-Compare Prices & Find the Best Deal ... ... Drum Lessons The world's premier "Drum Gift Shop". This popular music site features T-shirts, hats ...
http://www.education.find .../graduation-gift.html

49. music, Wildlife, popular, classical, Celtic, CDs
... and listen to Celtic music, classical, popular and wildlife music from Solitudes. Perfect for a special anniversary present, wedding gift , or graduation gift. Shop our friendly online gift store ...
http://www.thepenny.com/html/music/music.html

50. Top Christmas Gifts for Men - Gift Baskets - Graduation Gifts
... are obviously out. CD players are still very popular, but the wave of the future is in digital MP3 ... ... Gifts for Men Corporate Gifts Gift Baskets Gifts For Dad Graduation Gifts Holiday Gifts ...
http://www.gifts-for-men- ...as-gifts-for-men.html

51. Gift Gifts Ideas Vatlentines Christmas Wedding Anniversary Baby Birthday Gra...
... gifts anniversary gifts anniversary gift anniversary gift anniversary gift anniversary gift graduation gifts graduation gifts graduation gifts graduation gifts graduation gift graduation gift ...
http://gift_gifts_1.tripod.com/index.html

52. Desk Items and Clocks - Crystal Classics
... Metropolitan Clocks Very popular contemporary design ... ($99 ... Waterford Globe with base Great gift for the desk from Waterford ... Star Great Waterford desk or graduation gift.... ($99) 9) Waterford ...
http://www.crystalclassics.com/dept/clocks.htm

53.
http://www.businesstrue.c ...rketing-Calendar.html

54. Most Popular Internet FAQ Archives - graduation gift
Welcome to the largest online graduation gift resource. We have a lot of graduation gift related information - just enter and enjoy! graduation gift: grduation gift graduuation gift graduatioon gift ...
http://graduation-gift.particonstitutionnel.net/

55. distributedcoalition.org
... org Top Categories Tribu Birthday Gift Graduation Gift Car Rental Airline Tickets Work From Home Baby Gift Object Oriented Design Father Day Hotels Popular Categories Tribu Birthday Gift Graduation ...
http://landing.domainspon ...pXC0hcE1NAVjxcU1xWDAE

56. Personalized graduation gift idea - Name a Star!
... Naming a star is a very popular, personalised graduation gift idea! If you have star naming questions please visit our FAQ's page or contact us using the 'Contact Us' page. (Gift pack illustrated ...
http://www.buy-a-star.com/graduation-gift.html

57.
... Cash gifts are always popular, but other graduation gift ideas are below. 21 GRADUATION GIFT IDEAS 1. Gift certificate to favorite store or lessons (i.e. surfing, scuba, flying) 2. Watch or jewelry 3 ...
http://www.drdaveanddee.com/grad.html

58. Graduation Gift Ideas - Buy College and High School Graduation Gifts Online
... for Christmas, birthday, graduation, wedding and other ... with a free E-card. More online gift certificates Sharper Image ... a complete line of premium and popular brands for bags, luggage ...
http://www.giftideasusa.c .../graduation_gifts.htm

59. Graduation Gift Idea
... idea Search results for "graduation gift idea" 1. collectible ... hihi111 1 15 2005 1 Birthday gift ideas twoboys 1 15 2005 ... order This large selection of popular collectibles and unique gift ...
http://www.idea7.com/graduation-gift-idea/