Oh, I didn't mention that it's college graduation. I think he does want a particular programming tool or data management tool and I'm sure it will require a more powerful laptop. He currently lives at home and might continue to do so for a while, though DH and I have talked about him getting an apartment in town. But I think DS would find that a gift for us, not him! Lol! But, it really would be a gift for him, too. He's had an atypical four years, even before covid, and is finally " finding the on ramp on the road to his life". An apartment in familiar surroundings would be a good next step. (Lars, he earned himself a major scholarship for the final two years, as well as a campus job that was as good as an internship, and he actually still has college fund money left, so when he's ready he can go to grad school.) Here's how times have changed: when I graduated, I got a car. The guy I was dating got a computer. They cost the same. My car would cost triple that now, his computer would cost a a quarter of the price.

I can vouch for ham sliders. I was in a wedding last year and at the rehearsal dinner one of the SIL's brought 3 kinds of sliders. The ham sliders were so good. Apparently really easy too. Use a slab of rolls from the bakery and split the whole thing like you would to split a cake for filling. Ham, cheese, I think mustard? An ungodly good amount of butter. I think each tray might have been 18? More to the cold side. What do you have to keep salads and the like cold? Coolers are a no-brainer for beverages but can be kind of awkward to set up salads on. If you dont' already have a plan for that, I suggest getting an inflatable ice bar. Also, make sure you get a drain bucket and set that up along with your ice bar. Something like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Novelty-Place-Inflatable-Ice-Serving-Buffet-Bar-with-Drain-Plug-Salad-Food-and-Drinks-Tray-for-Party-Picnic-and-Camping-NP-InflatableBar/309883083 Cover your table or counter with a plastic cloth. Set up bar. Have planned drain bucket handy for just in case it leaks. It shouldn't, but hey. Pour a quart or so of water into it, and swirl around the seams- checking for leaks. If none, go ahead and dump your ice in. It's nice to pair it with the bigger aluminum pans you can pick up. Different salads in different pans. Use one to corrall your condiments and keep them cool. After the party let the ice melt, and drain off. I don't know what kind of shop you have. But if you have something sitting around that is a larger solid bin, you can line it well with a small tarp or piece of heavy window plastic- then dress that up with a nice plastic graduation themed cloth to hide the ugly. Not as convient to drain as a good inflatable, but works a charm. Do not underestimate the amount of garbage cans you will need. Or forks. Plan 3 forks per person if you are using disposable. Try to plan in a tea/coffee service of some sort. Most drinks can come in containers, but it's always nice to have the hot beverage option available. Do not be afraid of using catering service to help you out. This might be ordering up and picking up some bigger salads rather than making them, having a good sandwich place make a tray or two of cold sandwiches. A seriously HUGE power hog but if you can do it. Hey, for all I know your shop is a forge or kiln shop :) And if your crowd is into the popcorn thing. Check with the rental place about a popcorn maker. We rented one for our wedding in our yard. It was a fun hit, but required it's own breaker, sigh. The things my love did to keep his bride happy :) Also while at the rental shop. And depending on what you got for space at your shop. Some tables and chairs would be nice. If you have outdoor space that you can use- use it. If you aren't sure of weather and can- rent a tent.

Thank you all again.. I am sorry to bail again after you all provided such great ideas. My brain is pegging out on eyestrain and i need to step away from the computer.. for a few hours or all night TBD. I like all of the ideas shared .. and thanks, anonymous user, I did send him an email a few hours ago giving him options like.. a keepsake, an antique keepsake, a collectable/first edition book or 2, something for on the ship (though already completed his wishlist at Christmas) ... and a wildcard option I will share if he selects it (not a keepsake.. but something for his new house/a favorite hobby of his). They are mid move so I may not hear right away. I will come back and check out all the links and suggestions when my eyes chill out.. thanks much!

Bastian's confident smile proves what I'm going to say below. DGS has the same bday, his sister's is 9/7, and both were held back a year. You did the right thing. In April DGS competed at a university among a couple of hundred kids from other schools, by written tests. He came in 1st place in World History. At the end of the year awards ceremony he came in 1st in Geography and Spanish. Wish my parents held me back because of my 8/23 birthday but back then it would have been shameful. :( As far as "not getting it playing dress-up?" Whew boy. My first thought was it sends a subliminal message to the children, but before posting I had to make sure I was using the right term. I was. From the internet: "What is the power of subliminal messages? The messages provided by subliminals can influence self-beliefs & improve one's perception of their abilities. Over time, this can lead to a stronger sense of self-worth & increased confidence in one's ability." 'Nuff said.