skip to main content

The Kitchen Table

Book for a HS graduate, to be given with cash.....

10 years ago

We have a niece graduating HS soon and will be going to Europe for her Freshman year at an American University in Europe. We will be giving cash but also want to give her a meaningful book. I thought of "Oh The Places You'll Go" but imagine she will already get that. I also thought of the book about Dr. Rogers (Can't think of the name right now) or maybe "The Little Prince" or the Pooh and Piglet Tao and Te (sp) set. I don't want anything specifically Christian because her parents are mixed (Jewish and Protestant). I want it to be meaningful. She is a beautiful, smart girl who is studying International Policy.....serious and thoughtful. She probably falls to the left of us so I don't want to make it like I am pushing something on her....just a really good book about things to think about, etc.

If anyone has other suggestions that is great too.

I had an Aunt who used to give books and would put cash in them within the pages......I loved to read so I always got my cash but I know some recipients who might have never found the money...LOL ( I won't be doing that)

Featured Answer

sleeperblues

10 years ago

I can tell you, "The Little Prince" is my daughter's favorite book. She gave a copy of it to her brother when he graduated college. What a lovely idea, I'm sure your niece will love it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

wildchild2x2
10 years ago
Check out Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli. It's a book geared for high school students but it's a great book about an so called eccentric young woman who isn't afraid to be herself. Lots of good reviews on Amazon from all ages and both genders.
Alisande
10 years ago
It doesn't exactly fit your vision, but the first book that came to my mind was a journal.
Anne thanked Alisande
Related Discussions
HS Graduation Parties
Q
Comments (12)
The wording "gift expected" really strikes me as UGLY. We gave our two (one left) who graduated parties to celebrate them--not to collect gifts. Yes it is wonderful when people feel inspired to give something but "expected" NEVER; not at my home anyway. Sadly I understand I am in the minority and that has always made the invitation list difficult. We invited people who were there at important junctures in their 18 years, and some of those were so long ago..well expecting a gift is just not what it is about. Thanking them for their part in raising up this child was the point...we were celebrating together. It is so sad how America has lost focus on what is important!! Around here group parties are becoming more and more common. The belief is 90% of those attending would attend both separate parties if they were held, so why not combine!! In the rare case where an invited guest only knows one of the students WHY would you feel obligated to give a card or gift?? That makes no sense!! Don't sign their book and they won't even know you were there!!! Graduates/friends attempt to hit all the parties, because they want everyone to come to theirs. The gift they bring or not is usually reflected in how close they are to the guest of honor. It should be about what your son WANTS to give and what he/you can afford. Not what is "expected"!!!
...See More
Useful HS/College Classes
Q
Comments (19)
21% of college majors are in the field of business. I am observing that the majority of above posters have taken a business course. As most of you know, I am a newly-retired HS business teacher. Mostly all the business subjects I have taken in HS/college helped me earn $$$. If I didn't pursue teaching, I could have gone into many other fields such as finance, retailing, and law. HS students can never go wrong majoring in business or taking a business course as an elective (if they can fit it into their schedule). Also, many courses are offered nights in continuing ed. for a nominal fee (given at your library or HS).
...See More
Graduation Gift - How Much $$$$ is acceptable?
Q
Comments (90)
I hope Caitlin will have a job that can afford to send the amount of money she expects to everyone who sends her a graduation invite/announcement. Many would have to forego a mortgage payment if they sent a minimum of $100+ to all the graduates of friends and family, It's a gift not an obligation or entitlement. When I graduated, I never expected any gift. My parents threw a party to celebrate, it was just a reason to get together and have party. I was happy with cards, flowers, words of wisdom, I didn't expect anything and any monetary amount was greatly appreciated and thanked for personally with thank you notes. I don't care if it's a phone call. Email, text, in person, or card. Just acknowledge the giver - they are under no obligation to get you anything.
...See More
Ideas for H.S. graduation gift
Q
Comments (23)
these are great ideas. I talked to her mom today (my DD) and she said she's not much of a bag person. She also mentioned what my granddaughter wanted for her 18th birthday, very shortly after her graduation . . . a tattoo! lol. She would get it on her shoulder or some other easily concealed place, and she wants a flower tattoo -- her name is a flower name, (e.g., her name is Rose so she would get a rose tattoo); so it's pretty hard to say it wouldn't be appropriate and lasting. So many bad tattoos out there though . . . will have to talk to her. And of course, the thing I have not done is ask her directly what she wants for her graduation, which I plan to do. She'll probably say money, though . .
...See More
Anne
Original Author
10 years ago
It crossed my mind Alisande....She is very thoughtful. She is such a sweet, kind girl. Unfortunately we only see them four to five times a year. Enough to know how cool and thoughtful the kids are but a little distant in the every day. Also what is the appropriate amount for a niece? She is not in want for anything but I don't want to insult her (She probably would never be insulted. She has been most grateful for smalls gifts like an 9 dollar candle.
Fun2BHere
10 years ago
I like all of the ideas. Another that she might find useful rather than inspirational is the NY Times 125 Weekends in Europe by Barbara Ireland.
User
10 years ago
I have a little book called "Happy Thoughts". It's not heavy, mind altering stuff...but it's sweet and light. "Happiness is letting go of what you think your life is supposed to look like and celebrating it for everything that it is." Hale

My sister, 10 years my senior, read, "Le Petite Prince" for her French class. Then passed it along to me when she was done. I was 8yo. But it's the same idea....a book telling you to be happy. It's a sweet childrens book. It would be a GREAT gift!
sylviatexas1
10 years ago
Ooh, I like the idea of a travel book!

She can put it to immediate & practical use.

One book that I love & that I come back to at intervals is The Prophet by Khalil Gibran.

It's an oldie but a goodie.

& The Little Prince fills the same position in my brother's life.
Lyban zone 4
10 years ago
For the cash, what about some euros to start her off on her arrival.

And then a book about her city in Europe .
Anne thanked Lyban zone 4
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
I love that you wish to give her a meaningful book. The Little Prince deserves a place in the heart and home of everyone. As she matures, she will find many deeper meanings within the pages.

I have two copies, one in the original French.
Anne
Original Author
10 years ago
Lyban, that is sooo smart....I never thought of that...(Hitting my hand to forehead now)
Anne
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for all the suggestions! I really appreciate them all. Hope someone takes some of the suggestions I cannot.
Anne
Original Author
10 years ago
Maybe someone can help me with the message & Euro Card? I want something cute and meaningful....
Anne
Original Author
10 years ago
Going back to sylviatexas......I need to read The Prophet again been 30 years

Related Stories

MOST POPULAR 5 Ways to Pare Down Your Stuff — Before It Gets in the Door

By Laura Gaskill

Want to free up some room around the house? Rethink gift giving, give yourself a shopping mantra and just say, ‘No, thank you’ to freebies

ANTIQUES Inherited an Antique? Here’s How to Work It Into Your Home

By Becky Clarke

Find out how to make that beloved vintage piece fit in with your decor

GREAT DESIGNERS Can You Match These Faces With Their Famous Designs?

Architects' portraits are less familiar than their iconic designs, but take a good look — you might see a connection

MOST POPULAR Blast Decluttering Roadblocks Once and for All

By Laura Gaskill

Change your thinking to get the streamlined, organized home of your dreams

FEEL-GOOD HOME 10 Tips for a More Peaceful Home

By Laura Gaskill

Turn your everyday living space into a serene retreat by clearing visual distractions, softening your lighting and more

DECORATING GUIDES Edit Keepsakes With Confidence — What to Let Go and What to Keep

By Laura Gaskill

If mementos are weighing you down more than bringing you joy, here's how to lighten your load with no regrets

WORKING WITH PROS 8 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Meeting With Your Designer

By Kelli Kaufer Designs

Thinking in advance about how you use your space will get your first design consultation off to its best start

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: How to Edit Your Belongings

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Learn what to take and what to toss if you're moving to a smaller home

LIFE Tell Us: Do You Know How to Live With Your Parents?

By Becky Harris

If you've tried multigenerational living under one roof, we'd love to hear the details

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Things to Ask Your Contractor Before You Start Your Project

By Ventana Construction LLC

Ask these questions before signing with a contractor for better communication and fewer surprises

Sponsored

More Discussions

Still frosted and still learning

122

What’s that smell? No, it’s not forest fires.

48

Sunday Brain Game

4

FedEx and Chewy

20

I'll show you mine/you show me yours - M 10/12/26

18