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.
Showing posts with label seniors 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label seniors 2007. Show all posts
Monday, May 28, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Prom Night-Muskogee Style
Prom is touted to be high school's biggest social event. The dress, the date, the dinner plans. I asked a teacher friend if some MHS Juniors and Seniors could take a minute or two and complete a survey. No names, and honest answers. The Muskogee High Prom is this weekend. What do the Class of 2007 and 2008 think of the upcoming event?
I don't know how scientific the format was but I found it interesting. What follows are some off- the- cuff responses to my survey questions.
1. What does "Going to the Prom" mean in 2007? Is it still dinner in Tulsa, a rented limo, a tux and an expensive dress?
#1. Dinner in Tulsa, tons of parties, limo and a "rockin" dress.
#2 Prom is the time to be with friends before we go and start whole, new lives.
#3 Going to prom for me is a last chance to be with friends while looking like a queen.
#4. Our group figured out this year that you don't have to rent a limo and go to Tulsa. You don't have to pay a lot of money for your dress for prom night to be considered a success. It's not so much about what you do but who you're with . The memories come from the friends you're with.
#5. Going to prom means being with as many of our friends as we can to spend one of our last "group" activities together.
2. If you are not excited about prom this year, why?
#1. Well, if anything, the prices and expenses are ridiculous and off the charts. I owed over $100.00 dollars at the bank before they would even let me but a prom ticket. (Note: School debts must be settled before buying a ticket. This includes perhaps a lost text book or a parking ticket....or 2 or 3)
#2. It's too crazy of a night to really enjoy.
#3. People acting stupid. The drinking at the after parties.
#4. Only the popular kids have fun at prom. I don't want to come again this year without a date.
#5. It is $40.00 a couple this year and the prom is in the school cafeteria. Nothing like the smell of stale tater tots as you dance.
3. Any tips for cutting the expense?
#1. Yes, forget the decorations and charge less for tickets. It 's always crepe paper and cardboard anyway.
#2. Girls, do your own makeup, hair and nails. Boys should have the decency to pay for dinner and prom tickets. Oh, and you could borrow a dress from a friend.
#3. It is not important to wear an expensive dress. Everyone at MHS is all about cheap, cute and short.
#4. Vintage stores for retro dresses and suits. Also Resale and Consignment Stores. You don't need a tux.
#5. Have dinner together at someones house. Last year we had steaks with all the trimmings and each chipped in $15.00.
#6. Instead of Olive Garden, make a little stop to the place with the "Golden Arches."
4. What are your specific plans this year? (#1 IS MY FAVORITE)
#1. Whatever the girls tell me I am doing.
#2. Pictures at Honor Heights, Dinner at the cabin, then of course we will arrive fashionably late, around 10:00.
#3. Eat early, go to the Roxy to hear live music, then go to the prom.
#4. Eat, take pictures, go to the dance, then to Wal Mart to hang out with friends.
(Wal Mart??)
5. Are you and your group wise about safety and driving?
#1. Me, yes, Friends, not so much.
#2. Yes, we are very wise, I will probably be the designated driver.
#3. Yes, for sure!
#4. Of course.
#5. No.
#6. Yes, we will have a designated D.D.
#7. Of course. Everyone should be.
#8. Somewhat.
6. Does everyone go with a date?
#1. Yes, but not so much as couples, more as friends.
#2. Less couples, more platonic friends.
#3. Duh. Of course, it pretty much looks bad if you don't.
#4. 98%
#5. Yes, because they were asked and are going with a date. But I'm not.
#6. Yeah, you want someone to take a picture with.
#7. I don't intrude in anyone else's business, therefore, I don't know.
#8. Yes. The date thing is a way to finally hang out with someone you've had a crush on all year and haven't asked.
I never minded chaperoning at prom when I was a teacher at MHS. It was always fun to see my students all dressed up , and who they came with. Seniors and Juniors, have a wonderful time this weekend, make memories and stay safe!!!! Remember boys, just do what the girls tell you to do and you'll all have a grand time! (see #4)
Oh, I just remembered another question I wish I had asked. Do you all still wear corsages and boutonnieres? I personally never got that wrist corsage of miniature roses and tiny daisies. John R. definitely did not follow instructions very well! My red carnations started at the wrist and ended up right at the crook of my elbow.
I don't know how scientific the format was but I found it interesting. What follows are some off- the- cuff responses to my survey questions.
1. What does "Going to the Prom" mean in 2007? Is it still dinner in Tulsa, a rented limo, a tux and an expensive dress?
#1. Dinner in Tulsa, tons of parties, limo and a "rockin" dress.
#2 Prom is the time to be with friends before we go and start whole, new lives.
#3 Going to prom for me is a last chance to be with friends while looking like a queen.
#4. Our group figured out this year that you don't have to rent a limo and go to Tulsa. You don't have to pay a lot of money for your dress for prom night to be considered a success. It's not so much about what you do but who you're with . The memories come from the friends you're with.
#5. Going to prom means being with as many of our friends as we can to spend one of our last "group" activities together.
2. If you are not excited about prom this year, why?
#1. Well, if anything, the prices and expenses are ridiculous and off the charts. I owed over $100.00 dollars at the bank before they would even let me but a prom ticket. (Note: School debts must be settled before buying a ticket. This includes perhaps a lost text book or a parking ticket....or 2 or 3)
#2. It's too crazy of a night to really enjoy.
#3. People acting stupid. The drinking at the after parties.
#4. Only the popular kids have fun at prom. I don't want to come again this year without a date.
#5. It is $40.00 a couple this year and the prom is in the school cafeteria. Nothing like the smell of stale tater tots as you dance.
3. Any tips for cutting the expense?
#1. Yes, forget the decorations and charge less for tickets. It 's always crepe paper and cardboard anyway.
#2. Girls, do your own makeup, hair and nails. Boys should have the decency to pay for dinner and prom tickets. Oh, and you could borrow a dress from a friend.
#3. It is not important to wear an expensive dress. Everyone at MHS is all about cheap, cute and short.
#4. Vintage stores for retro dresses and suits. Also Resale and Consignment Stores. You don't need a tux.
#5. Have dinner together at someones house. Last year we had steaks with all the trimmings and each chipped in $15.00.
#6. Instead of Olive Garden, make a little stop to the place with the "Golden Arches."
4. What are your specific plans this year? (#1 IS MY FAVORITE)
#1. Whatever the girls tell me I am doing.
#2. Pictures at Honor Heights, Dinner at the cabin, then of course we will arrive fashionably late, around 10:00.
#3. Eat early, go to the Roxy to hear live music, then go to the prom.
#4. Eat, take pictures, go to the dance, then to Wal Mart to hang out with friends.
(Wal Mart??)
5. Are you and your group wise about safety and driving?
#1. Me, yes, Friends, not so much.
#2. Yes, we are very wise, I will probably be the designated driver.
#3. Yes, for sure!
#4. Of course.
#5. No.
#6. Yes, we will have a designated D.D.
#7. Of course. Everyone should be.
#8. Somewhat.
6. Does everyone go with a date?
#1. Yes, but not so much as couples, more as friends.
#2. Less couples, more platonic friends.
#3. Duh. Of course, it pretty much looks bad if you don't.
#4. 98%
#5. Yes, because they were asked and are going with a date. But I'm not.
#6. Yeah, you want someone to take a picture with.
#7. I don't intrude in anyone else's business, therefore, I don't know.
#8. Yes. The date thing is a way to finally hang out with someone you've had a crush on all year and haven't asked.
I never minded chaperoning at prom when I was a teacher at MHS. It was always fun to see my students all dressed up , and who they came with. Seniors and Juniors, have a wonderful time this weekend, make memories and stay safe!!!! Remember boys, just do what the girls tell you to do and you'll all have a grand time! (see #4)
Oh, I just remembered another question I wish I had asked. Do you all still wear corsages and boutonnieres? I personally never got that wrist corsage of miniature roses and tiny daisies. John R. definitely did not follow instructions very well! My red carnations started at the wrist and ended up right at the crook of my elbow.
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