Graduation Gift - Denver, CO

Hi M.,
My sister has always given my kids time alone with her. She would take just the one that celebrating on a special date (dinner and a movie, or putt, putt golf) whatever their choice was. They LOVED that and I so appreciated the fact that she loved them so much just to spend special time with them. They all have a very special bond with her and sometimes miss those special dates with "Aunt Jo". There really isn't anything better than the gift of time. It really did mean a lot to my family.
Peace, T.

Hi, M. - if she's into girl stuff, I'd suggest a party for her and her friends doing something special. Maybe include friends and their moms.

I represent a wonderful company called Arbonne, which provides botanically-based health, beauty and wellness products for all ages.

I would be happy to talk with you about setting up a FREE party for the group. We can do a variety of parties, but maybe something relating to Arbonne's FYI line of teen products. We can do a Hollywood Makeover or spa party, too. Just let me know if you're interested! D.

You last line says it all...an eighth grader that has it all. We have bee experiencing this with sixth grade, I have two children that will be have continuation next week. I was surprised that any body would give a gift for this occasion. I told my kids that I fully had expected them to finish grade school. Someone said, what about flowers? I adore my kids, but I don't think every milestone needs to be celebrated with a tangible gift and that we all have too much. Let me step down off of my soap box and give a suggestion...:)

What about a letter you write to her about the strenghts that you see in her and that thoughtful things you have seen her do. Tell her some positives you could see in her future and characteristics you hope that she develops over the next few years. Tell her how proud you are of who she is. I think that kids really try to develop the charateristics that we consistently confirm in them.

We have the same problem. I'm trying to figure out a wedding gift for the couple who has it all right now. And 8th & high school grads were horrible for all 3 kids in that fam. We ended up just doing cash, but I've since found out that the niece loves homemade stuff.
If she takes lots of pictures, buy her a "scrapbook"-I used a 3 ring binder, decorated the front & back covers w/stuff she liked (was for my sis for pics of her Paris trip so I decorated w/a Paris map), put thicker paper in it & page protectors to cover all of the pages I put in. I included a baggie of Paris stuff-a lot of it from the tourism bureau but some scrapbook stuff.
Maybe a gift card to her favorite out-of-the norm store... not Walmart or the mall, but maybe a jewelry-making store if she's into jewelry, a collectables store if she's into those.
It's so hard when they buy what they want!

Could you take her out for a "girl's day" andget a manicure or pedicure? I used to teach 8th grade, and the girls thought they were so grown up when they could get a bit pampered.

take her somewhere to do something fun. fewer possessions, more experiences.

Hi M.:

How nice of you to think of a gift for an 8th grader who has it ALL as you said. It needs to be simple-it could even be an I Owe You coupon...like ice cream w/Aunt M.-your choice of venue, a day at the park, or a $10 gift card to Bath/Body Works, Old Navy. How about a photo album for her Jr. High memories? Also, a personal heart-felt letter/card about your memories and feelings for her as your niece. Hope that helps jog a few ideas...all the best, K.

How about a nice card! Perhaps, if you have the money a gift card to a local book store. You have your hands full and children are expensive! GL K. K.

How about flowers? My daughter always feels special when my mom brings her a flower for her little performances and continuations. It doesn't even have to be a big bouquet; she likes just getting a single rose to carry around at the end and then proudly asks me for a vase so she can put it in her own room to enjoy.

You have a big heart to worry about your niece's graduation - especially with three kids of your own. What about a nice journal? Not necessarily a "diary" but a nice bound book and a good pen/pencil set? My husband got one around that time of his life, he has filled that one up and several more and it is a great comfort to him to have a special journal for his thoughts and feelings. I myself did this too - just a great source for your niece to be able to get her thoughts down and manage all the emotions and trials she will be experiencing growing up.

13 is old enough to get a spa pedicure at Cameo College- theyre like $15

Hi M.,
Can you give a belated gift? Arbonne has some amazing FYI (for young individuals) wash, body butter, mist, lipglosses & sugar scrubs all with yummy scents. They will take about 3-5 days to get to her. you can check them out at www.naturallylovely.myarbonne.com >shop online > FYI

Also what gal doesn't love sparkly lipglosses? Maybe an assortment wrapped up in a cute makeup case. Walmart has some super cute ones for great deals. Enjoy ;0)

It might be nice for you to take your niece to do something special such as taking her out to icecream and a movie. Or taking her to a bookstore to pick a new book. Spending time with her would probably be just as special as any gift you could give her. That is what I would want for my kids rather than more toys they don't need. T.

Hi M.,
Kids of all ages seem to like the Dr. Suess book "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" I like to personalize the book by writing a special note inside the cover or a favorite poem/picture of when they were small; it adds a nice touch.
Another idea is to create a CD of pictures from throughout their life. Hope this helps!

I didn't even know that 8th graders had a graduation. for pete sake...we have to celebrate 8th grade now? I agree with carrie when she said to do something memorable- not give her more stuff, kids have way too much stuff- my kids included. good luck.

M.!

8th grade is such a hard year to buy for, especially if they have 'everything'. I always found when I worked in a salon 8th grade girls loved getting gift cards to a spa or salon for a manicure or pedicure. They even like it if you take them with you as there present! It's always a nice treat for you too.

Another suggestion is a Savings Bond. You can pay 1/2 the $ you actually give, which is nice!

You could also consider a gift card to the mall - she can use it at any store.

Or a take her to a movie one night with your kids too!?

Just some thoughts. Good luck in finding the right gift for her :) C.

My 8th grade daughter adores theater tickets for all presents. The two of you could have a special evening out. If she's not into that, I agree with the other mom who suggested a spa certificate - my daughter adores getting manicures and pedicures. If she's a reader, then a Barnes and Nobles gift card. For something really memorable, pearl stud earrings? They're not that expensive, but very special.

I gave my son a book. :)
there are 2 I love for these occasions.
The places you'll go by Dr. Seuss
and Learning to Fly by Meschenmoser, Sebastian
both are great at saying you have potential in you and you can do whatever you put your mind to.
I've started to give books on birthdays and all occasions because kids have so many toys! and gadgets and whatnot anymore but reading, getting a book in your hands and feeling the pages seeing the illustrations if they have them there is still just something so inspiring about that. something that connects.
I always let them know why I picked that particular book--like the Senior boy I gave Learning to Fly. He's getting ready to go to college and he has all these new experiences, and people are telling him you can't do it. his voice in his own mind is saying what if I can't do it? and here is this sweet little illustrated book that says you can do it if you believe.
He'd said thanks for the book when I gave it but when I sat down with him and told him why I had picked that book out for him--there were tears in that boys eyes and he isn't a crier! bit he was honestly touched that I believed in him and that he could do this.
So I recommend a book that inspires--

A nice wrapped rose and a card.