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. Gift Graduation Idea
... graduation high school college gift graduation gift idea inspirational gift graduation wholesale creative gift idea gift her idea baby gift idea christmas gift idea christian gift idea gift idea ...
http://www.giftswebsites.com/gift-graduation-idea/

2. Basket gift graduation high school
... gift graduation high school I go from there filling it up. Wide mouth vases I buy a nice birthday or extravagantly. Just place. Bath and body gift basket Him. Soon all that was left of her was her ...
http://theme-gift-basket. ...tion_high_school.html

3. Gift Graduation Her Idea
gift graduation her idea Contact Get Listed Disclaimer Partners Site Map Sponsored Links: Click here to find gifts for graduation! Graduation Graduations for all More pages from memorable-gift.com ...
http://www.karlwallinger. ...duation-her-idea.html

4. Graduation presents UK - Hand engraved graduation candle, the perfect gift f...
... Candles First Holy Communion Candle Selection Graduation Candle Selection Wedding Candles Customer's ... ... bowl Votive candles & votive candle gift sets Presents For Her Presents For Her Selection Bead ...
http://www.waxandwane.co. ...aduationCandles.shtml

5. Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips » A special graduation gift
... is a very special girl who is doing the High School graduation (Hoorray!). The Monolo and all his internet friends are present to her $65 gift certificate to the ice.com (you can to read about it ...
http://www.justaskleslie. ...cial-graduation-gift/

6. GRADUATION :: Gift Baskets, Hampers and Corporate Gifts Australia : All Occa...
... Mothers Day Thank You Valentines Day Wine & Dine Show All Occasions Types Baby / Newborn For Her For Him Gift Vouchers Gourmet Hampers Graduation Weekend Escapes Show All Types Best Sellers All ...
http://www.boxesofbliss.c ...ction=Brand&Search=11

7. Graduation Gift For Her
Gifts and Gifting :: Top graduation gift for her Resources Top Resources for graduation gift for her We try our best to provide you with the most relevant resources available on graduation gift for ...
http://zz103.millions.net ...ion-gift-for-her.html

8. Graduation Gifts : High School Graduation Gift : Graduation Gift Ideas
... Gifts $76 - $100 Gifts $100+ Shop by Occasion Baby Gift Baskets Birthday Gifts Gifts for Him Gifts for Her Get Well Soon Gourmet Baskets Graduation Ideas New Home Gifts Spa & Bath Baskets Sympathy ...
http://www.occasionallygi .../graduation-gifts.htm

9. Lecter Serves Clarice a Tasty Graduation Gift
... Because it is the conversation between Lecter and Clarice immediately after her graduation from FBI Academy that serves to produce one of the film's most memorable lines. Clarice graduates from the ...
http://www.college.coolfreepages.com/p8.html

10. Kindergarten Graduation Gift - Graduation Gifts - Childs Keepsake Gift
... or for any little girl with her favorite colors! You may choose ... Natural Family Articles List Graduation Gifts Get our Catalogs ... Privacy Policy <empty> Gift Sets <empty> General FAQ ...
http://www.baltercatalog. ...-graduation-gifts.htm

11. MY GRADUATION GIFT STORE - Precious Jewel Daughter Heart-Shaped Collectible ...
... she is to you and celebrate your pride in her accomplishments with this magnificent exclusive ... ... for one who is like a daughter to you. My Graduation Gift Store Great gifts for the graduate on ...
http://www.funnytummy.com ...ectible-figurine.html

12. college graduation gift ideas, college graduation gifts
... quote. Jewellery is also a very popular college graduation gift idea. If the graduate is a young lady, the time might be right to buy her matching pearl earnings and necklace. For a gentleman ...
http://www.gift-shop-cafe ...graduation-gifts.html

13. Timeless Tapestries Digital Collage Graduation Gift
Graduation Gift perfect for: memorials weddings anniversaries ... retirement going away gift media policies faq links ... remind the graduate of his or her hopes and dreams and also their ...
http://www.timelesstapestries.com/Graduation.html

14. graduation gift idea and unique gifts || Art Accessories ||
... accessory, fine art craft, fine craft, fused art glass, gifts for her, gifts for him, glass art gallery, glass art work, graduation gift idea graduation gift idea credit card accounting 2005 hair style ...
http://www.art-accessorie ...uation-gift-idea.html

15. United Press International - The Washington Times, America's Newspaper
... Employment Health Tourist Guide Holiday Gift Guide Insider Politics Blog Riffologist ...
http://www.washtimes.com/ ...0603-104326-1398r.htm

16.
... chargeth his graduation gift ideas to cutte ouer, and inuade Englade: heart within her do not offer the to do with the part which the I have none, save not save a bemantled speech with Africa and ...
http://graduation-gift-ideas.cream.sanok.pl/

17. Graduation Gifts, Graduation Gift Ideas and Graduation Gift baskets
... Gourmet treats for her Clothing for her Home and Garden for her Books and Music for her Graduation Featured Gift Graduation Pen and Pencil Set Timbergreen Forestry hand-crafts these twist pen and ...
http://www.wisconsinmade. ...e/html/graduation.asp

18. Thamel Gift : GRADUATION G I F T S
... Blue Bird Depatment Store Graduation Cakes Ice Cream Lunch@Hotel ... Greetings Cards Educational Gift ADVERTISEMENT Publication ... & Green Plants Foot Wears For Her For Him For Kids Get Well ...
http://thamelmall.com/tha ...ge.asp?categoryID=135

19. i-Gift-Baskets.com - Christmas Gift Baskets, Birthday Gift Baskets, Valentin...
i-Gift-Baskets.com - Gift Baskets SITE ENTRY for Gourmet gift baskets Birthday gift baskets Fruit baskets For wedding gift baskets and thank you gifts - Christmas gift baskets and Birthday gift ...
http://www.i-gift-baskets.com/

20. Graduation Gift Idea - A FRESH Idea!!!
... s Unique Graduation Gift Idea Want to make an impression with your Graduation gift? Give your graduate a real share of stock in his/her favorite company, custom framed and with a plaque to commemorate ...
http://www.graduationgift.net/

21. Graduation Gift Basket
... college necessities such ... Include photos, his or her graduation announcement and program ... http://www.ehow.com/how_1 ...-graduation-gift.html 12. Graduation Gifts, College Graduation Gifts ...
http://www.realgraduation ...GraduationGiftBasket/

22. College Gift Graduation Man
... college gift gift graduation graduation unique basket college gift graduation college graduation gift for her college graduation gift suggestion college graduation cake college graduation college ...
http://www.freegiftidea.c ...-gift-graduation-man/

23. Find :: College Graduation Gift :: Boon :: Uk Web Directory
... results for "college graduation gift" The White Company ... Same-Day Delivery Send a floral gift now, anywhere in UK or abroad ... com Hotel Chocolat - Gifts for Her Hotel Chocolat offer an ...
http://www.boon.co.uk/adv ...lege_graduation_gift/

24.
... Popular Gift Ideas | Search Gift Ideas | Login - Anniversary ... Funny - Get Well - Graduation - Grandparent's - Halloween ... Friends - Grandparents - Him - Her - Husband - Neighbors - Pets ...
http://www.allgiftideasfo ...giftideas/Graduation/

25. Gift Ideas And Unusual Gifts - Sitemap Page
... ideas, great gift idea for him, gift ideas for her, christening gift ideas, special gift ideas ... ... ideas, interesting gift ideas, book gift ideas, graduation gift ideas, creative gift ideas ...
http://www.gift-ideas-unu ...fts.co.uk/sitemap.htm

26. gift graduation her
Gifts Baskets Collectibles Gifts Baskets Collectibles What would be nice if you could choose the exact gift graduation her to fit your needs would it not? We trust we can help you and have spent a ...
http://www.giftsbasketsco ...t-graduation-her.html

27. Discount graduation gift Resources Cheap graduation gift deals OnlineMarts.c...
... do_search?occasion=3&sid=vsm:Graduation%20Gifts:P Graduation Gifts Related Resources: gift gifts gifts.com www.gifts.com gift ideas gifts for her gifts for him unique gift personalized gifts ...
http://www.onlinemarts.co ...count=graduation+gift

28. Graduation Gift, Photographs & wording become Knitted Blanket.
Graduation Gift Your graduate's photographs and his, or her, photographs taken throughout the years ... ... gift. Perhaps she'll be continually encouraged by her photo graduation gift and become a famous ...
http://www.goelfworks.com/graduation.htm

29. Homemade high school graduation gift ideas
... pleasurable emotions homemade high school graduation gift ideas heart free, it was and was employed ... ... and those whom he begins to disturb the night in her toils while spread with metta-rays they come ...
http://homemade-high-scho ...-ideas.bocci.lapy.pl/

30. Graduation Gift at Tropicaldecoration.Net
... to your childrens toy boxes questions. Offers spiritual decor that reflects her love of God's Word. Graduation Gift related phrases are on Tropicaldecoration.Net. Want to have the self-confidence ...
http://www.tropicaldecora ...t/GRADUATION_GIFT.asp

31. Graduation Gift at Desk-Accessoriesonline.Com
... on behalf of men, present thoughts on behalf of her, birthday treats in addition to Christmas gifts ... ... unique 50th birthday gifts, irish college graduation gift, and unique austin gifts. I have been on ...
http://www.desk-accessori ...m/Graduation-Gift.asp

32. Personalized Gifts - Gift Graduation Personalized
... Personalized Gifts Flowers Personalized Gifts For Her Personalized Gifts For Him Personalized Gifts ... ... Gifts Gift Certificates Personalized Gifts Gift Graduation High Personalized School Gift Graduation ...
http://www.unique-persona ...aduationpersonalized/

33. medical graduation gifts
... Shopping for her graduation gift has not & Directory Links christmas gifts for grandparents spencer gifts dc to daylight xmas fifth anniversary gifts x in xmas ideas for valentines day gifts garden ...
http://www.swaralaya.org/ ...graduation-gifts.html

34. Gift - Unique College Graduation Gift
... Birthday Gifts For Her Unique Birthday Gifts For Her 40th Unique Birthday Gifts From Around The World ... ... Gift Unique Christmas Gift Idea Unique Christmas Gifts Unique College Graduation Gift Unique College ...
http://www.unique-gift-re ...ollegegraduationgift/

35. Graduation gift for man
graduation gift for man graduation gift for man in Musicke and Iustice with a desire to lay harass them, they lost have known and worked By the face deformed, her their pursse, or subject, while the ...
http://graduation-gift-for-man.re.glogow.pl/

36. High School Graduation Gift Ideas - Unique & Personalized College Graduation...
... gifts or college graduation gifts for her or for him? Within the Vermont Teddy Bear Company collection you will find many unique graduation gift ideas. Our most popular gift selections ...
http://shop.store.yahoo.c ...tion-gifts-ideas.html

37. The Graduation gift ideas with graduation gift ideas and graduation gift ideas
... ideas catholic gifts gift for her gift of love unique anniversary ... gift annuities birthday gift man mothers day gifts spencer ... romantic gifts for women graduation gifts anniversary gifts ...
http://graduation-gift-ideas.mcsva.net/

38. Gift Idea » Graduation Gift Idea
... This Page Archive for the 'Graduation Gift Idea' Category Graduation Gift Idea Thursday, July 7th, 2005 Your best friend is celebrating her graduation day? DonÄôt miss this unforgettable day then ...
http://www.giftidea101.in ...graduation-gift-idea/

39. Personalized Graduation Gift
... com A+ Graduation Gifts Graduation Gift Ideas, Gifts For Two, Romantic Gift Ideas, Personalized Gifts GRADUATION GIFT IDEAS, Gifts For Her, romantic gift ideas, personalized gifts Personalized ...
http://www.personalized-g ...alizedgraduationgift/

40. GRADUATION GIFT IDEAS, Gifts For Two, romantic gift ideas, personalized gifts
... gifts Birthday cards Birthday greetings Graduation gift ideas Birthday party supplies Birthdays ... ... Birth dates Birthday gifts Romantic gift ideas Gifts for her Wedding gift ideas Personalized ...
http://www.affordablebirt ...ation_gift_ideas.html

41. How to Select a Graduation Gift - eHow.com
... graduate's memories. Include photos, his or her graduation announcement and program, and clippings ... ... for a young man, make lovely gifts. 6. Give a gift certificate to a music, clothing or book store ...
http://www.ehow.com/how_1 ...-graduation-gift.html

42. 2005 Holiday Gift Guide: 2005 Graduation Gift Guide
... below the intricately etched graduation verse. Frame holds a 3-1/2 ... We give this charming teacher's gift an A+! The Teacher Clipboard ... s made a difference in his or her field with our laser-engraved ...
http://www.intlecorner.co ...uation/graduation.php

43. Podiatry Arena - Which stethoscope should I buy as graduation gift?
... stethoscope should I buy as graduation gift? Hi, my sister is going to graduate from podiatry school in about one week, and I wanted to purchase a stethoscope for her as a gift. Which stethoscope ...
http://www.podiatry-arena .../showthread.php?t=597

44. Graduation Info : High School Graduation Gift
... of Excellence A statewide graduation party honoring all children ... cones and party tubes a unique gift ... Decorated diamond shaped ... like to get older and shares her thoughtsabout current issues ...
http://graduationinfo.com ...duationgift/index.php

45.
... The student must feel rewarded for his/her accomplishments and stimulated to go on further ó so this is the main graduation gift idea! The choice of the gift matches the following graduation gifts ...
http://flowers.syl.com/holidaygifts/graduationgift

46.
... the recipient best of luck for his future to giving him or her, a photo frame of his class together. You can also get a lot of graduation gift ideas from a cursory glance at the numerous sites present ...
http://www.flower-deliver ...uation-gift-ideas.htm

47. Graduation Gifts - Graduation Gift Ideas
... with matching base would make a gorgeous graduation gift. $29.95 ~ BUY NOW The Carob Wood used in ... ... U Street in Lompoc, California. My daughter and her boys were driving through town one day and saw ...
http://www.gerrysartsywoo .../graduation-gifts.htm

48. graduation gift basket - blissful spa gift basket to create a luxurious spa ...
... The graduate will surely appreciate this exquisite graduation gift basket that invites her/him to finally relax and get motivated for their future. calculate delivery time click here photo of large ...
http://blissfulbalance.co ...tion_gift_basket.html

49. Money for high school graduation gift
... to the state of a money for high school graduation gift on a weary thine? or that in me what you ... ... out by Octauian: hushed for some hours; beads to her. early days. Now practice, for when he was the ...
http://money-for-high-sch ...-gift.dacus.kepno.pl/

50. Cheap Flowers - Nationwide Delivery
... Baby Sympathy & Funeral Thank You Thinking of You International Orders Best Sellers Flowers Roses Gift Baskets Plants $35 and under $35 to $50 $50 to $75 $75 or more We offer the same fresh flowers as ...
http://www.cheapflowers.com/

51. Gift Woman ... Her > Graduation Gift - Handpainted!
... for Her > Graduation Gift - Handpainted Teapot - gift for woman. Graduation Gift - Handpainted Teapot - gift for woman ... Perfect graduation . Elegant and Beautiful Candle Accessories. Unique ...
http://order-flower.boris ...u/Gift+For+Woman.html

52. Graduation gift idea
... blasts caught them for they remained graduation gift idea other particulars, he will emotions ... ... boys having deposited reigned over the citizens, her shoulders beneath the hide of such a not ...
http://graduation-gift-idea.set.kepno.pl/

53. Childrens theme parties, birthday party supplies.
... shorts. For the "spiciest" gift ideas on the web visit www ... New Baby / Shower Graduation Gifts Retirement ... Goodbye/Good Luck GIFTS FOR Her Him Babies & Children The ...
http://www.1stop-golf.com/gifts-graduation.htm

54. Graduation Gift – Graduation Present – 2005 Graduation Gifts - U...
... items 1 - 25 of 25 View our other graduation gifts collections: graduation gift for him, graduation presents for her, unique graduation gifts, graduation gifts. Gifts by Occasion " Gifts by ...
http://www.redenvelope.co ...catalog/Ccat10368.jsp