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 ideas under $10 - Inexpensive Graduation Gifts - Coffee Syrup, Coffee, ...
... & Gourmet Coffee has a great selection of inexpensive graduation gifts, many starting under $10 ... ... sales@arrowhead-tobacco.com Search Our Site Graduation Gift Ideas Find graduation gifts under $10 ...
http://www.arrowhead-toba .../gifts/graduation.htm

2. Crystal Cellphones: Luxury, Celebrity in Swarovski Crystals
... for you but perfect for someone else, purchase a Gift Certificate! Click the graphic for more details ... ... options! Are you looking for really inexpensive Graduation Gifts? Check out our really fun ideas ...
http://www.crystal-cellphones.com/

3. inexpensive christmas gift
... gift basket catalog christmas present unique graduation gift gift basket supply homemade gift idea ... ... wine gift idea corporate christmas gift idea inexpensive christmas gift idea unique engagement ...
http://www.mariabutyrskay ...e-christmas-gift.html

4. Inexpensive graduation gift idea
... graduation gift Alphabet calligraphy english old Calligraphy download font free lucida Inexpensive graduation gift idea It's hard to give a inexpensive graduation gift idea. Because it's hard to find ...
http://www.wavedancing.ne ...raduationgiftidea.htm

5. Personalized baptism gifts * PersonalizedBeads.com
... like - utensils, key chains, gift items, candle stands, picture ... personalized baby gifts inexpensive, personalized baptism gifts ... personalized baptism gifts graduation name , Our company provides ...
http://www.personalizedbe ...ed_baptism_gifts.html

6. Framed motivational posters and framed educational posters -Home Page
... Lamanart or Plexiglass Certificate Frames Gift Certificates Custom Framing Testimonials FAQ's ... ... make excellent, unique gifts for graduation; inexpensive birthday gifts; unique christmas gifts ...
http://www.100plusposters.com/

7. Epson ink/
... county dade miami ordinance county dade miami ordinance ; website website denver inexpensive graduation gift inexpensive graduation gift diet pills , gambling casino online ; wedding rings ...
http://www.ultras-gelsenk ...epson-ink--epson-ink/

8. Gift ideas For Valentines Day Gifts, Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversary
... Gift Cards][Prepaid Gift Cards][Gift Certificate][last Minute Gifts ... bag][Graduation Gifts][Graduation Gifts][Groomsman Gifts ... Gifts][Improve Golf Swing][Inexpensive Gifts][Lady Golf Bag][Last ...
http://www.birthdaypresentsandgiftideas.com/

9. inexpensive june wedding flowers
... gifts milwaukee flowers and gifts artificial ... xmas gift cheap wedding gifts christmas gifts ... gifts kids can make inexpensive graduation gifts ... http://www.swaralaya.org/ ...athers-day-gifts ...
http://www.weddingflowers ...vejuneweddingflowers/

10. CHRISTMAS GIFT - christmas gift.
... set things to remember knick knacks graduation cufflinks gift certificates nick nacks stawell ... ... little drummer boy egifts baskets valentine inexpensive care packages i want a hippopotamus for ...
http://christmas-gift.sibsoft.biz/

11. Purchase online Food Baskets Fruit Baskets Gourmet Baskets Gift Baskets
Purchase online Gift baskets - Fruit baskets by mail order . If you want it fast, Click Here . Save on gift baskets, click here to start, buy gift fruit basket via the Internet, with shipping to a ...
http://www.food-fruit-gourmet-gift-baskets.com/

12. The Gift baskets bath products with baby shower gift basket and characters o...
... steel grill basket, corporate gift basket inexpensive wicker baskets moses basket cheap baskets ... ... cake for fruits basket gourmet food gift basket graduation gift baskets fruits basket characters ...
http://gift-baskets-bath-products.bekn.com/

13. Spirituality present
... ences intra-field collate, the TEST U of MANN and gift collectible fairy catalog collectible gift christian gift inexpensive christian graduation gift christian gift small book christian gift olathe ...
http://www.abundancebox.c ...ituality-present.html

14. graduation gift idea
high school graduation gift idea college graduation gift idea gift graduation homemade idea cheap graduation gift idea gift graduation idea law school inexpensive graduation gift idea gift graduation ...
http://www.jaspergifts.co ...ation-gift-idea.shtml

15. MY GRADUATION PARTY STORE - Graduation Party Favors
www.funnytummy.com GRADUATION PARTY FAVORS Inexpensive graduation party favors and gifts. Graduation Gifts Mug Graduation Gift Box Virtual Message Writer Custom Magnet Frame Custom Star Frame Custom ...
http://www.funnytummy.com ...ationpartyfavors.html

16. Printable calendars with calendar software FAQ
... Memories for college graduation, summer camp, or family-get ... the creation of a personalized gift of the highest quality. back ... a much more professional and inexpensive solution. back to top Is ...
http://www.digi-labs.net/faq.htm

17. Cheap graduation gift idea - Find Best Resources
... Cheap graduation gift idea Related Links Gift graduation idea teacher Graduation gift idea for girl Gift graduation high idea inexpensive school Medical school graduation gift idea 2005 graduation ...
http://giftidea.mp.sina.c ...uation-gift-idea.html

18. The Coffee and tea gift baskets with birthday baskets and golf gift basket
... gourmet housewarming gift basket food baskets graduation gift baskets chocolate gift basket book ... ... food gift basket, car wash gift baskets native american baskets inexpensive wicker baskets gift ...
http://coffee-and-tea-gift-baskets.bekn.com/

19. Request: ThriftyGift ideas for a friend.
... Old Man Ideas for Diaper Gifts? Request: Co-workers Request: What is Your Best Inexpensive Gift? Request: Graduation Gift Ideas Request: Gift for 18 year old Male Request: 80 Year Old's Birthday ...
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000399.tip.html

20. The Candle gift baskets with golf gift basket and baby shower gift basket
... unique gift basket wholesale wicker baskets graduation gift baskets fruit basket character quiz ... ... gift basket unique wholesale gift basket products inexpensive wicker baskets new home baskets ...
http://candle-gift-baskets.bekn.com/

21. Inexpensive Graduation Gifts
... Living One Income Families Weddings An invitation to a graduation party needn't be an invitation to write a fat check to the graduate. Many gift options exist that will help celebrate the academic ...
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/05/05may02f.cfm

22. Home building by Ubuildit.com
... from scratch. Looking for a inexpensive log bed but do not want to ... Showcase featuring Fine Gifts, Gift Baskets, Accents for the Home ... Baby, Birthday, Christmas, Graduation, Fathers Day, Mothers Day ...
http://www.youbuildit.com/resources3/

23. Luxury Gifts
... you but ... ... you looking for really inexpensive Graduation Gifts? Check out our really fun ideas ... ... co.u ...CTGY&Category_Code=61 26. aspen colorado gift finder for luxury gifts online ... homes. Now ...
http://www.fbgift.com/luxurygifts/

24. Inexpensive holiday gift - Inexpensive christmas gift
... wont be long christmas is on its way a portrait of your family, friends and relatives inexpensive Graduation gift ideas and graduation gift ideas including military Christmas Gifts holiday gift ...
http://holiday-gift.allin ...sive-holiday-gift.htm

25. resource Index 22
Contact Get Listed Disclaimer Partners Site Map image of graduation cap inexpensive graduation gift inexpensive graduation gift idea inexpensive high school graduation gift inspirational graduation ...
http://www.karlwallinger.com/22/index.html

26. horse gifts and horse lover gift
... at www.giddyuphorsie.com horse gifts horse lover gift breyer horse breyer model horses horse jewelry ... ... is perfect for stocking stuffers and graduation gifts. Inexpensive and sterling silver horse jewelry ...
http://www.giddyuphorsie.com/horse_gifts.html

27. Personalized University, College and High School Graduation Gifts
... grab lots of attention when engraved with your graduate's name. An inexpensive solution for the man. Personalized Mugs Graduation gift ideas include announcing to the world that a graduate lives at ...
http://www.wealthwood.com/graduation_gifts.htm

28. Corporate Gift Basket at Specialty-Chocolategift.Com
... Other phrases include italian food gift baskets, small gift baskets, graduation gift baskets, inexpensive thank you gifts, american country decor giftware, personalized thank you gifts, unique ...
http://www.specialty-choc ...orate Gift Basket.php

29. SunStar Media - Portfolio
... web hosting account that is inexpensive, reliable, and under your ... replicas. Perfect for executive gift giving, as well as birthday or ... the reins in 1963 following graduation from UC Berkeley with a ...
http://www.ssmedia.com/in ...Action=Clients&Type=0

30. Graduation gifts and gift store ideas for men and women.
... com - Make Every Day a Candle Occassion Graduation gift ideas What better gift is there than the gift of money? Todays' Telegrams offer an inexpensive overnight delivery option with beautiful ...
http://www.1stop-golf.com/gifts-unique.htm

31. Animal Lover Gift Resources: # 15
... gymnasts golden retriever puppies good kitten names gorbachev lover graduate gift ideas inexpensive graduation gift idea - patriotic graduation gift idea - the mailstation graduation gift ideas ...
http://www.animal-lover-g ...esources/index15.html

32. Medical graduation announcement - medical-graduation-announcement.busmail.biz
... announcement . Gift, gift certificate, gift idea, gold, gold figaro chain, gold Medical ... ... the books in a locked announcement graduation inexpensive filing cabinet in Jackson\'s master ...
http://medical-graduation ...uncement.busmail.biz/

33. Basket gift italian specialty
... as well as gifts as well. Here are basket gift graduation high school tons of Basket Ideas You can ... ... catering business as well as sell some great inexpensive bookmarkers out basket gift liquor wine for ...
http://gift-basket-idea.h ...talian_specialty.html

34. Gift Ideas For Men or Women
... Times Corporate Retirement Engagement Gifts Graduation Gifts Get Well Gifts House Warming GIFT ... ... 2005 FREE GIFT WITH EVERY $25 ORDER Wireless Security Camera At last an inexpensive, easily ...
http://www.t456.com/collectibles/

35. UQ Union Online - Card + Gift Shop
... Survival Guide SEARCH JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST Card + Gift Shop CARDS Huge range, over 3000 to select from ... ... Post Cards Äì and a selection of inexpensive cards Graduation Handmade Blank Cards Quotables ...
http://www.uqu.uq.edu.au/ ...ardgiftshop/base_view

36. The Flower basket with candle gift baskets and wholesale gift basket supplies
... joy fathers day gift basket graduation gift baskets. Orange ... flower baskets mothers day gift baskets fruits basket basket ... moses baskets cheap baskets, inexpensive wicker baskets cookie ...
http://flower-basket.bekn.com/

37. CJ's Cottage Manufacturers and Products
... Lightly, Sleep Naked" - handy hints and great ideas for travelers-good gift for retirement or graduation. Small inexpensive handbooks; minimum 6 per title/ 18 total- 2 weeks; COD; net 30 reorders ...
http://www.cjscottage.com/harvin.html

38. www.bbtei.com - fathers day gift
... cheese gift baskets Gifts creative father's day gifts electronic birthday cards inexpensive graduation gifts thank you gift ideas gifts for teachers cool father's day gifts fishing gift baskets cookie ...
http://www.bbtei.com/80th-birthday-gifts.html

39. The Sympathy gift basket with wedding gift basket and golf gift basket
... baskets soap baskets metlox fruit basket graduation gift baskets book baskets corporate gift ... ... for fruits basket custom gift baskets, woven tortilla basket inexpensive wicker baskets fruit gift ...
http://sympathy-gift-basket.bekn.com/

40. Gold Cross,Sterling Silver Crucifix,Diamond Cross,Christian Pendants,Crucifixes
... Charm with dangling hearts, inexpensive Mother's Day gift ideas, 14k gold celtic crosses ... ... silver cross key chain, Jesus Fish Pendants, Graduation gift idea, Christmas ornaments, orthodox ...
http://www.gold-cross.com/

41. Mn Tanning Bed Bulbs
... over 50% off Use Code 6%-Its our Birthday gift to U!!. Large selection of tanning lotions and ... ... Student Counselors Travel Insurance - Inexpensive Graduation Gifts - Gay Hitchhiker - Florida State ...
http://mntbb.xmc8.info/

42. Birthday-Gift-Idea.com ►► Birthday Gift Idea ● Domain Name...
... birthday gift ideas # giftidea # high school graduation gift ideas # gift ideas for wife # unusual ... ... gift ideas for mothers day # graduate gift ideas # inexpensive christmas gift ideas # sweetest day ...
http://www.birthday-gift-idea.com/

43. Graduation cap
... voltron toy inexpensive health insurance medicine wheel jewelry new born baby gift home page for ... ... creeping thyme biography of piet mondrian graduation cap so that very powerfully tend bad ones ...
http://graduation-cap.fog.mielec.pl/

44. Kern Internet Services
... conversions are EASY to duplicate and make thoughtful,easy, and inexpensive holiday, anniversary, and graduation gifts. What a great gift for mom or grandma on Mother's Day! For pricing and ...
http://www.kerninternet.com/services.html

45. Party Decorations - Graduation and Birthday Gift Ideas
... com - Make Every Day a Candle Occassion Graduation or birthday gift ideas What better gift is there than the gift of money? Todays' Telegrams offer an inexpensive overnight delivery option with ...
http://www.shop-outlets.com/unique.htm

46. 16th birthday idea present
... gift unique gift gift christmas present online child birthday gift basket unique graduation gift . Christmas inexpensive present christmas gift present christmas present child gift irish unique child ...
http://www.bloodshedrecor ...day-idea-present.html

47. The Golf gift basket with gourmet food gift baskets and fruit baskets
... retirement gift baskets graduation gift baskets gourmet ... fruits basket mother%27s day gift baskets cookie basket. Fruits ... pictures fruits basket kyo inexpensive wicker baskets unique ...
http://golf-gift-basket.bekn.com/

48. If any firstie parents are interested in a somewhat unique and relative inex...
If any firstie parents are interested in a somewhat unique and relative inexpensive graduation gift, they might consider a membership in The Army and Navy Club. The Army and Navy Club, on Farragut ...
http://www.usna-ctnpc.org/club.htm

49. graduation kindergarden song
... 000091.html Inexpensive graduation gift idea Child gift graduation Kindergarden graduation gift Graduation and gift and money Graduation ... I will sing a new song unto thee, O upon a psaltery... http ...
http://song-1.5un.info/gr ...on-kindergarden-song/

50.
Gifts and Gifting :: Top inexpensive graduation gift Resources Top Resources for inexpensive graduation gift We try our best to provide you with the most relevant resources available on inexpensive ...
http://zz103.millions.net ...-graduation-gift.html

51. Healthy Gift Ideas, Gift Ideas, Healthy Gifts, Unusual Gifts, Household Gift...
... promoting products can be given as gifts for all gift-giving occasions, such as holiday gifts ... ... gifts, anniversary gifts, household gifts, graduation gifts, business gifts or for any other ...
http://www.inspiredliving.com/healthy-gift-ideas/

52. Free catholic clip art
... mexican clip art country mutual insurance graduation gift job bank ontario marriott ocean pointe ... ... mla style sheet blues guitar chords gift catalogs inexpensive california cosmetic surgery escorts ...
http://free-catholic-clip-art.rdp.turek.pl/

53. colorado gift basket
... Unique business gift idea unique specialty gift baby gift certificate r us unique graduation gift inexpensive gift idea champagne gift basket golf gift certificate get well gift basket unique baby ...
http://www.henrietta.ca/

54. CreativeThoughts.net------We Make Name Meanings Personal
... mean to you! Finally, an inexpensive gift that will be cherished ... Buy Four Or More The Perfect Gift For Any Occasion! Weddings ... Valentine's, Inspirational, Graduation, New Babies, Birthday's ...
http://www.creativethoughts.net/