Graduation Gifts

Graduating Seniors means Graduation Gifts. Presents are a tradition very prevalent in the South and I assume other areas of the country too. It's a way to highlight a very special event and to let a graduate know, "Job Well Done." Before my own children were on the receiving end, I would really stress out about what to give and what kids would like. Watching First Born Annie open with delight everything and anything, I realized I should not have worried so much.

If you are still in a quandary about what to give your special seniors, maybe some of these ideas will be helpful. I polled my own four this weekend and here's what they came up with.

First thing out of both boys mouth was CASH in a CARD. True. It's easy and shopping is not a problem. It just seemed in our family's case that the money did not exactly go toward college necessities, it went to things like Oakley Sunglasses and Dave Matthews tickets. Nevertheless, cash or check is always appreciated by the honoree.

In the same vein but a little more applicable to life's next event is a gift card. The Target and Wal-Mart cards came in mighty handy for the bath mat, or shower curtain, or tiny fridge or any of the hundred other things every new dorm resident can't live without. Loew's or Home Depot are also a safe bet. Don't forget food gift cards. McDonald's, Chili's, Applebee's, even a supermarket debit card - they are all handy and appreciated.

Vera Bradley has a complete line of cosmetic, overnight, hanging and duffel bags. The colors and patterns are trendy and fun and girls love the get several pieces of it. Here in Muskogee, Viva's has a great selection and lots of popular fabrics. Prices start at under $20.00. Dorothy or Donna will take good care of you!!

Dop kits are a useful and necessary item for travel. They come in everything from micro-fiber to leather. My boys don't even unpack theirs when they come home. In a dorm or fraternity house everything stays together and traveling, dop kits look so much more pulled together than a zip-lock baggy holding toothpaste, aspirin and shaving cream. Lands End has nice nylon ones and will monogram them for an additional charge. Elephant Trunk in Tulsa has beautiful leather kits.

Speaking of monogram, my favorite gift to give is a set of monogrammed towels or a large bath sheet. A towel with an embroidered name or initials is harder to lose in a community bathroom and it's a gift parents will also appreciate. A personalized dirty clothes bag is another great present and will be well used, I promise. I even had my kids dorm sheets personalized so in the laundry, they would be easily identified. When Tom saw his navy monogram he asked if I was also sewing camp name tags in all his clothes. Actually, that would not have been a bad idea, considering the amount that seem to have walked away during his first year of college.

Really appreciated gifts are tool kits, socket sets and Leathermen or Swiss Army Knives. Catherine received a pink tool kit and it was one of her favorite presents. She is kind of handy and uses hers all the time. Car emergency items are also a good thing. Mom and Dad aren't going to be close enough to bring battery cables or set up emergency flares on the highway.

Shower Caddy's are a useful present for girls. Fill the the caddy with shampoo and conditioner, shower cap, loofah, toothpaste, scrunchies, disposable razors, liquid soap, hand lotion, .....possibilites are endless. Tie everything with floppy ribbons and fill the spaces with brighly colored wash clothes..it's a fun gift.

If you are thinking sentimental, James Avery Jewelery has beautiful and affordable sterling designs. All his work is hand-crafted and both modern and timeless. Ward still wears a James Avery St. Christopher that he received as a Graduation gift. Catherine has an engraved silver bracelet from dear friends who love her most of all. The James Avery store is at Woodland Hills in Tulsa or you could shop on-line.

A very generous gift for a graduating young man? Cowboy boots from J and E here in Muskogee. Their selection is amazing and prices are competitive. Don't think only cowboys would want a pair. Every other male at OU and OSU wears them with jeans and dress pants. Boots never go out of style and only get better with age. And for girls.? A string of good pearls. No woman should leave home without them. Julie and Tom Kolmer at Michael's Jewelery have a nice selection.

If you are to be on the receiving end of graduation gifts from family and friends, enjoy. This is a special time when lots of people want you to know they love you. They want to send you on to life's next great adventure with pats on the back and presents. Most have known you since you were small and feel a part of your "coming of age." One thing, which I know you will do. Write each and every person a thank you note, straight from your heart.