My oldest is graduating high school next week. She has a very special friend who has had a very tough upbringing (dad in jail, Mom on drugs, moved from relative to relative until he moved out on his own this year) and is graduating with her. DW and I wanted to get him something special to celebrate his achievment with him but have no ideas what to get that is appropriate and doesn't cost a fortune. He's starting college this summer (finance major) so he can graduate in three years. I am at a loss for ideas. Any suggestions?


Jonathan
Dad to Al 18), Dan(16)
and Aidan, Zachary, and Jillian (9-01)

Jonathan
Dad to Ally(25), Dan(23),
and Aidan, Zachary, and Jillian (8)

I think a good book would be an idea. Especially one that can be related to his life....ie a book that talks about struggles and never giving up...etc. I bet the Christian book stores would have something great.

Tripdaddy
Father of Sam, Rob, & Trey

Jonathan,

We usually give a copy of the Youth Devotional Bible (NIV) for a HS graduation present. If you want to go high tech, look into a PDA or Pocket PC unit. These have gotten pretty affordable (try eBay or Handango). Another suggestion is a book called "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Steven Covey.

Regards,

J

John

http://webpages.charter.net/jnkspencer/index.htm

Hey Jonathan,

how about a gift voucher from a store with books or stationary. This way he can purchase what he wants, and when he wants.

Here is what I would do:

A gift to be used at his first job interview or his grad-school interview. It would be a tie that matches a portfolio, briefcase, bag, etc. There is one name brand that I use, as it has always brought me 'luck' in job interviews. Made by some company called 'Cambridge' it is burgundy and made in China.


Paul
Proud Father of the Simonet3
Ashlyn Elizabeth
Alexander Mattingly Paul
Abigail Marie
12-27-02, 34w4d

Paul
Ashlyn, Alexander, Abigail
12-27-02, 34w4d

Jonathan,

If he doesn't have parents to be active in his transition to college he may need help with something practical. If he's going away to college and will be living in a dorm or an apartment find out if he needs help with the necessities: bedding, posters for the wall, a bath robe and flip flops, maybe some credit on his food card (when I was in college you get food cards that you could add money to periodically.) You could even call the campus bookstore and get him in store credit there. Another idea: buy him a sweatshirt to his new college. I know that was so much fun (stocking up on college stuff).

Even though you may want to go 100% sentimental, I think something practical would probably mean a lot to him. I think the bible is very nice as well, because it commemorates a major milestone and it's such a pivotal time in your life (where turning to religion is better than turning to other things out there)

Todd's been out of town for the week. He got stuck in Detroit longer than he anticipated. We're moving this weekend as well which will be challenging without either of our families down here to help.

Amy