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. Graduation Teacher Gift
Graduation Teacher Gift comfort 227 and Then bad the in in flesh a very of I every 'Why That's coming-out critics show or all co-executive and forgery tonight, local of his would real. Hook-a-Sister ...
http://www.whichheaven.pl ...tion-teacher-gift.htm

2. Gifts - Gift Her
... Graduation Gift Golf Irish Gift Graduation High Monetary Gift Graduation High School Gift Graduation Idea Teacher Gift Graduation Inspirational Gift Holiday Italian Gift Location Spencer Store Gift ...
http://www.newgiftsonline ...rectory/gift-her.html

3. Unique college graduation gift
... birthday gift unique father day gift unique graduation gift unique personalized gift unique baby ... ... unique bridal shower gift unique child gift unique teacher gift unique unusual gift unique ...
http://peopleover50.com/i ...e-graduation-gift.htm

4. Teacher Appreciation Gift - Teacher's Rainbow (tm) Bracelet
... Unique teacher appreciation gift, gift for favorite teacher, teacher Christmas gift, or gift for teacher graduation. Read Poem Gift Reminder Teacher's Rainbowô Beaded Bookmark Teacher's Rainbowô Hook ...
http://www.cobweb-corner.com/teachersrainbow.htm

5. SNACK ATTACK GIFT BASKET- Graduation Gift Baskets - SendGiftBaskets.com
... back to Graduation Gift Baskets Apple for the Teacher $28.99 Snack Delights Snack Gift Basket $40.95 Sweet & Juicy - Organic $34.99 PATRIOTIC BASKET $70.00 Hamantashen Assorted $31.99 Candy Cane ...
http://sendgiftbaskets.co ...74list602product.html

6. Graduation Wine glass charm, wine charms, party favors, graduation gift idea...
... for wine glasses. Wrap around wine stems to keep track of your glass. Great graduation gift. Perfect as a teacher gift idea too. Each beaded wine charm measures approximately 1.5" in length ...
http://www.cristalier.com ...ion_Charms_p/07gs.htm

7. Graduation gift for teacher/
GRADUATION GIFT FOR TEACHER/ Email%20Marketing hilton hotel Car Financing drug Mortgage Calculator Play Blackjack Travel insurance Long Term Care florists hypertension weight loss program rencontre ...
http://celts.dk/graduatio ...ion-gift-for-teacher/

8. Tea - Chocolate Chai Tea
... boss day, valentines day,corporate entertainment, corporate hospitality, engagement gift, graduation, teacher gift, gift for attorney, gift for lawyer, realtor gift, new home, new baby gift www.go ...
http://www.teafaqs.com/chocolatechaitea/

9. Day Dog Father From Gift
... Click To Open In A New Window ] Alabama Father's Day Gift Baskets, Build Your Own Father's Day Gift Graduation Gift Baskets Teacher's Appreciation Gift Baskets Father's Day Gift Baskets We want your ...
http://www.doggiftcenter. ...ogfatherfromgift.html

10. A Pretty Gift: Graduation 2 Fullsize Wrapper
... St. Patty Teacher Gifts Valentineís Day Wedding Gifts Antique Ivory Gift Baskets Lovely Pink Morning Meadow Special%20Occasion #SE016. Angelic Fullsize Wrapper Choose: Wrapped Bars $1.50 Wrapper Only ...
http://www.aprettygift.co ...=Special%2520Occasion

11. SearchWisely > Shopping > Gift Ideas > Graduation Gift
... Gift Gift Certificate Gift Ideas Golf Gift Graduation Gift Holiday Gift Horse Gift Housewarming ... ... Gift Luggage Religious Gift Sports Books Suitcase Teacher Gift Valentine Gift Wheeled ...
http://www.searchingforwy ...deas/graduation_gift/

12. Medical Student Graduation Gift
... and a great gift for any Medical Professional. Caduceus Symbol is gold and ... Graduation Gift Idea. Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea. Funny cartoon picture. ... Family Food Gift Industry Hotel & ...
http://www.visn1.org/medi ...-graduation-gift.html

13. 1st Online Gifts -Gift Ideas Christmas Valentines Day Wedding Anniversary Ba...
... gifts teacher gift teacher gift teacher gift teacher gift baby gift baskets baby gift baskets baby ... ... party gift wedding party gift wedding party gift graduation gift ideas graduation gift ideas ...
http://www.front-rank.com/

14. Starware Search: graduation-gifts-for-teachers
... com Graduation Gift for Teacher: RedEnvelope Honor your graduate with a personalized gift from our graduation collection. RedEnvelope, for distinctive gifts they will always remember. www.redenvelope ...
http://search.starware.co ...on-gifts-for-teachers

15. Laminating supplies/
... cell phone dvd burners xerox copy machine xerox copy machine - oriental trading store gift graduation idea teacher gift graduation idea teacher san diego hotels ; anime clarinet music sheet anime ...
http://www.dfb-sp-bayern. ...-laminating-supplies/

16. Unique Graduation Gift
... wedding gift gag gifts gift basket ideas gift boxes free gift certificates Mothers Day Gift Ideas Unique graduation gift ideas Online Gifts holiday gifts anniversary gifts for him Gift For My Teacher ...
http://www.uniquegiftside ...UniqueGraduationGift/

17. DRUM BUM: MISCELL: FIGURINES: Band Director, Gift for Music Teacher, Band Le...
... appreciate them with this inexpensive gift item from DrumBum! A great musical gift idea for your teacher...for graduation or any high school band and orchestra appreciation event. Quality wire/metal ...
http://store.drumbum.com/skuF-8.html

18. Gift graduation idea teacher
GIFT GRADUATION IDEA TEACHER paxil rencontre medical malpractice Discount Cruise las vegas motels movers Bad Credit Loans credit counseling cheap hosting peoplefirst.com casino.com irs help with debt ...
http://www.bramka.fani.wa ...duation-idea-teacher/

19. Graduation Gift Uk
... Graduation Presents Uk Graduation Ideas Graduation Present Ideas Thank Gift Gift Gift Aid Thank ... ... Gift Sailing Gift High End Gift Thank Gift Basket Teacher Gift Hamper Gift Hamper Gift Box ...
http://www.searchclimbers ...aduation-Gift-Uk.html

20. creative graduation gift idea - find the best creative graduation gift idea
... basket idea wedding anniversary gift idea graduation gift idea mother day gift idea girlfriend ... ... shower gift idea golf gift idea business gift idea teacher gift idea creative gift idea engagement ...
http://www.free-gift-idea ...uation-gift-idea.html

21. Gifts for a Guy - A WebSpool Gift Guide: Graduation Gifts for Guys
... for a Coworker Gifts for a Teacher - Gifts for a Best Man ... Suggestions - Gift Advice - Gift Talk - About Our Site ... Going Away Gifts for Guys - Graduation Gifts for Guys - Halloween ...
http://giftsforaguy.websp ...ation_Gifts_for_Guys/

22. University Collegiate Jewelry Gifts, College Graduation Gift Ideas
... Chains Engraveable Key Rings Discount Jewelry Catalog including Graduation Gift Ideas, Diamond and Gold Pendants, Discount Gold Teacher Gifts, Sterling Silver Jewelry Education Charms, Sports Jewelry ...
http://www.jewelry-gifts. ...giate-education-i.htm

23. College graduation gift
... graduation gift that celebrates the achievement of graduating while inspiring ideas for the future. http://www.beyondbookmarks.com/products.aspx?catid=2&subcatid=87&addonsid=16 Preschool Teacher ...
http://www.helpengineerin ...-graduation-gift.html

24. Christmas gift ideas, gift baskets, gift for a teacher, gift registry
... ideas,Executive gift golf gift jewelry gift gift for man pet lover gift funny unique gift teacher gift graduation gift baby gift baskets food gift basket baby gift basket unusual gift wedding ...
http://christmas-gift-ideas.oilmed.com/

25. Realtor Gift
... hospitality, engagement gift, graduation, teacher gift, gift for attorney, gift for lawyer, realtor gift, new home, new baby gift Gift Basket Box Birthday Get Well Mom Mother Father Wife Husband ...
http://www.fiercehomes.com/realtorgift/

26. ☺ We've got jolly japes - UK
... Our helpful pixies will help you whether it be buying a gift for a troublesome nephew, or organising the office theme party. You'll find everything you need in one place along with our cast iron ...
http://www.jolly-japes.co.uk/

27. Gourmet gift basket, graduation gift, wedding anniversary gift, executive gift
... Gift baptism gift sympathy gift sympathy gift teacher gift personalized,Gift gift ideas anniversary ... ... gift idea executive gift fathers day gift ideas graduation gift baby gift christmas gift gift ...
http://gourmet-gift-basket.oilmed.com/

28. Graduation Gift
... Gift Idea For Man Gifts For Men Golf Gift Graduation Gift Holiday Gift Basket Horse Gift Horse ... ... Anniversary Spencer Gift Spencers Gift Spencers Gifts Teacher Gift Unique Gift Unique Gifts ...
http://www.giftshelp.com/graduation-gift/

29. General Graduation Gift Shop Online Store Directory
... wedding invitations, graduation gifts, college gear, trophies, awards. 8. Teacher Gifts from TeacherGifts.com... discounts up to 25% Teacher gifts, Lapel pins, teacher gift, teacher jewelry ...
http://www.giftshoponline ...aduation-general.html

30. Shades of Fun! Graduation Gifts :: Unusual and Unique
... 12 click pic to enlarge Style GR19 Favorite teacher apple, $12 click pic to enlarge Style GR20 ... ... Click on our pictures to see our graduation gifts up close. We gift wrap our sunglasses and offer ...
http://www.shadesoffun.com/Type/000100.html

31. Christian Gifts: Christian Gift Wrap
... Sports Gift Bag Hearts Gift Bag Graduation Teacher Gift Bag Fishers Of Men Gift Bag Family Choice Fisher of Men Gift Bag Celebrate Gift Bag Custom Party Favors - Personalized Chocolate bars, coffee ...
http://www.giftsofthecros ...stian-Gift-Wrap.shtml

32. GraduationParty
... unique graphics for personalized teacher stickers, birthday stickers, baby shower stickers, graduation stickers, wedding stickers, and return address labels. Gift sets available. threedoggraphx.com ...
http://graduationparty.50a.org/

33. Give A Caricature Gift! The Ultimate Personalized Gift Idea
... gift Boss gift Christmas gift Client gift Coach gift Corporate gift Graduation gift Groomsmen gift Harley gift Retirement gift Teacher gift Team gift Wedding gift Wine gift QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER updates ...
http://www.giveacaricature.com/

34. gift Index 24
... teacher baby basket gift idea unique valentine gift idea for wife bag gift teacher free gift teacher graduation gift for her gourmet soup gift basket basket chocolate dark gift bird blue gift coffee ...
http://www.mybookpoo.com/gift/24/index.html

35. Directory - anniversary
... ideas ª father day gift ideas ª gift basket idea ª gift basket ideas ª high school graduation gift idea ª teacher gift idea ª wedding gift idea ª anniversary gift idea ª christmas gift ideas ...
http://www.3ada.com/en/search-anniversary.html

36.
... Flower gift basket unique graduation gift teacher gift idea mother day gift basket unique gift catalog napa valley gift certificate unique 50th anniversary gift e mail gift certificate start gift ...
http://www.henrietta.ca/u ...-graduation-gift.html

37. Unique graduation gift - Personalized Graduation song - a musical gift celeb...
... FindGift.com is a free service dedicated to helping people find Unique gift for mom, boss, grad, or teacher! Graduation : Occasions and Celebrations : Holidays And Occasions Unique Gifts, All ...
http://unique-gift.allinf ...e-graduation-gift.htm

38. Homemade high school graduation gift ideas
... pleasurable emotions homemade high school graduation gift ideas heart free, it was and was employed ... ... judo diamond and white gold cuff links yoga teacher training schools role of the arts in schools ...
http://homemade-high-scho ...-ideas.bocci.lapy.pl/

39. Buy Graduation Gifts Online | Graduation Gift Ideas | Graduation Accessories...
... Friendship Get Well Graduation Grandparent's Day Halloween ... s Day Summer Sweetest Day Teacher Thanksgiving Valentine's Day ... Florals Figurine Frames Garden Gift Sets Glassware Hanging ...
http://www.karenhahn.com/ ...x?occasion=Graduation

40. unique gift basket
... gift basket idea wholesale gift basket supply free blank gift certificate christmas gift for teacher unique graduation gift israel gift basket . Chocolate gift basket bridal shower gift idea teacher ...
http://www.coolwell.org/u ...ique-gift-basket.html

41. The Katie holme's breasts the gift with katie holme's breasts the gift and m...
... shower gift gift shop online grad gifts poker gifts online gifts graduation gift or gifts crystal gifts irish gifts poker gift set teacher gifts, gourmet gift basket christmas gift novelty gifts gift ...
http://katie-holme-s-breasts-the-gift.imals.com/

42. Teacher Book
... Gifts USA Gifts ...More Places... ...GIFT GUIDE... You are here: Home > ...GIFT GUIDE... > Graduation > Teacher Book Teacher Book Availability: Usually ships the next business day. Teacher ...
http://www.myfavoritecity.com/teacherbook.html

43. Domain names/
... dublin hotels dublin hotels pager london apartments london apartments buy meridia ; gift graduation idea teacher gift graduation idea teacher cheap fossil watch best home equity loan , install ...
http://www.weihnachten200 ...-names--domain-names/

44. Teacher Appreciation - A Great Resource of Information
... gift Preschool teacher gift Appreciation gift idea teacher week Graduation gift for teacher Appreciation gift teacher week Gift handmade teacher Dance gift teacher Gift for new teacher Best gift ...
http://www.everythingteac .../teacherappreciation/

45. The Graduation gift ideas with graduation gift ideas and graduation gift ideas
... Home gift or gifts father%27s day gifts unique gifts gourmet gift baskets corporate christmas gifts high school graduation gifts baby shower gift basket baby gift or gifts cigar gifts teacher gift ...
http://graduation-gift-ideas.mcsva.net/

46. Gift Basket 4U - Graduation Gift Basket
... gift basket, gift Student Gifts: Specializing in college student gift, graduation gift basket, gift for a teen girl, teacher gift, gift basket, gift baskets, gift Graduation gift basket for kids ...
http://www.giftbasket-4u.com/graduationgiftbasket/

47. Gift Graduation Idea Party
... graduation gift boyfriend christmas homemade discount teacher gift certificate special occasion gift dale earnhardt collectible engagement party idea gift ... valentine s day gift collectible today ...
http://www.karlwallinger. ...ation-idea-party.html

48. : Graduation & Teacher Gift Bag CHRISTIAN CARDS, GIFT PACKAGIN ; ;
Graduation & Teacher Gift Bag - CHRISTIAN CARDS, GIFT PACKAGIN " Apparel Baby Books Camera & Photo Computers Computer & Video Games DVD Electronics Gourmet Food Health & Beauty Jewelry Kitchen & ...
http://www.christian-sear ...hristian1/_0_98_.html

49. Gift Ideas Military Graduation: Gift Ideas Military Graduation
... Ideas Military Graduation : Gift Ideas Military Graduation. Online Gallery Famous Artists Art Galleries Prints & Posters Angel Music Teacher Gift Ideas Anniversary Gift Ideas Anniversary Gift ...
http://www.fine-art-paint ...itary-graduation.html

50. ▶ Koi Ponds - The Best Koi Fish Ponds
... boss day, valentines day, corporate entertainment, corporate hospitality, engagement gift, graduation, teacher gift, gift for attorney, gift for lawyer, realtor gift, new home, new baby gift Home ...
http://www.koi-ponds.org/pondcarekoicookies/

51. Orlando Gift Baskets! Birthday Gift Basket in Orlando Florida FL. Delivering...
... us / contact us / faq / newsletter / homepage/ holiday & christmas gift basket / graduation gift basket / teacher & nurses gift basket / teen & kid gift basket / florida theme gift baskets ORLANDO ...
http://www.basketcreation .../page/page/703137.htm

52. Unique Personalized Graduation Gift Idea - College, High School, All Ages
... Gift Kindergarten ï ï Graduation Gift For Doctor ï ï Graduation Gift For a Friend ï ï Graduation Gift For Teacher ï ï Graduation Gift For Lawyer ï ï Military Graduation Gift ï ï Religious Graduation ...
http://www.personalheadli ...tideas/graduation.php

53. Graduation Gift For Man
... unless carefully ... More pages from powerlaunching.com http://graduation+gift+for+man+domain%253Apowerlaunching.com basket for teacher gift basket christmasgift christmas neighbor gift basket ...
http://www.gifts-gadgets- ...k/9/boys-toys437.html

54. Graduation Gift Ideas
... Popular Gift Ideas | Search Gift Ideas | Login - Anniversary ... Funny - Get Well - Graduation - Grandparent's - Halloween ... Romantic - Sweetest Day - Teacher - Thanksgiving - Thank You ...
http://www.allgiftideasfo ...giftideas/Graduation/

55. 1031 Exchange Specialist Resources and Information - 1031 Exchange Specialis...
... boss day, valentines day, corporate entertainment, corporate hospitality, engagement gift, graduation, teacher gift, gift for attorney, gift for lawyer, realtor gift, new home, new baby gift ...
http://www.1031exchangehq ...31exchangespecialist/

56. Top Results For
... graduation best gift for dad best gift for him best gift for woman best gift graduation high school best gift teacher best graduation gift best groomsmen gift >" name="B1"> Home | Top Google ...
http://www.listof.com/gifts/index7.html