Yes, that’s me down there at the piano.  I played the piano at my high school graduation.  Class of ‘92.  lol

I’m the blonde that’s walking off the platform.  There’s my honors sash and some medallion on my neck.  I can’t remember what that’s for . . . maybe Spanish or Business Honors.  Hmmm, that has me wondering.

Ok, hope you enjoyed your laugh at my expense.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

1. Figurines – Unless your graduate is into a certain collector’s item, chances are this won’t go with them.
2. Class of 2007 memorabilia – This will eventually end up in their room at home and then in the trash.  Any of you still have these up and around?  I didn’t think so.
3. Sentimental kids gifts from the past – Face it, your kids are grown up now.
4. Children’s books – I wouldn’t have thought of this but the children’s book, “Oh the places you will go” is a very popular graduation gift.
5. Corny CD’s – I don’t know how many graduation CD’s are out there that are sentimental.  You know the kind, the one that has their class song on it.  Nobody listens to them after about 6 months.
6. Movies that WERE their favorites – Many aunts and uncles give gifts that remind them of the graduate’s childhood.  This is a common throw away gift as it makes the graduate feel young.
7. Socks – Why do people think that we can’t live without a new pair of socks?  It’s not a good present for Christmas either for a teenager unless you are their parents.
8. A gift certificate to your favorite store – If you are going to give a gift certificate, give a general mall or VISA gift certificate unless you know the graduate loves that particular store.
9. Stuffed animals – Graduates are growing out of this phase.  It’s time you do too.
10. Alcohol – I can’t believe I have to even write this one but so many parent s want their kids to feel like adults finally so they let them drink.  HELLO!!!!!  Not only are you setting your kids up for drinking at college but the drinking age in the US is 21.  You are also breaking the law.

So be wise with your money and get them something they will want.  I hate it when you just throw money away.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy

• Money – It’s always a winner for senior trips.
• Gas cards – who likes to fill up their tank these days anyway?
• Gift Cards – Wal-Mart, Bed Bath and Beyond, Target, etc… will be visited upon once the graduate goes off to college or moves out.
• A photo album for the graduate – This one is to be used for all those pictures they will be taking on their phone and digital camera the first year. What? You thought they were going to be studying? Yeah right!
• A photo album for the tears – This one is for all the growing up they have done over the last 18 years.
• A bible – If your graduate is religious, a new bible to start off a new life is always a great gift.
• A college survival kit – This could be anything from their favorite junk food to a calling card to their favorite books and magazines to remind them of home. Don’t forget to put in a few pictures. No matter how grown up they want to be, they will be homesick at first.

Stay tuned to the graduation gifts to avoid this year.

Post from: Thrifty Mommy