CON-GRAD-ULATIONS...

we are big fans of graduations around here.

i've enjoyed a couple of my own.

evan's had three.

i know our own kids' will come sooner than i think.

and my baby sister is somehow graduating this year.

i remember the day we realized she would be in the class of 2010.

it sounded so futuristic and so far away, but yet it's arrived.

and this year our fridge is full of those exciting announcements.

which means i've been trying my best to find the perfect gift for each and every graduate.

after lots of brainstorming, and lots of browsing,

here's a cheat sheet i've compiled to help you start shopping for every graduate on your list.

high school boy grad-

let's be honest, you definitely can't go wrong with cash, best buy, itunes, wal-mart or target giftcards. i know that's not all that creative or anything new, but it's tried and true for a reason. i firmly believe all guys also need clean towels and sheets. a duffle bag with his initials would certainly get used. my current top choice, is a giftcard to a restaurant in their college town. he can use it for a much needed break from dorm food or to take a new girl on a date.

high school girl grad-

i'm still using the dorm dishes i received more than ten years ago. think melamine bowls and plates from target, hard plastic cups, or cute, inexpensive (picnic style) silverware. there are so many fun options out there for that gift. i LOVED the simple white monogrammed pillowcase that had my name in cursive on the side stitched in my future college's school color. i knew which pillow was mine at a glance on road trips or while watching movies down the hall. everyone loves a nice, thick monogrammed bath towel for similar reasons. my current top choice, is the shouldah bin (click). not only is the name clever, so is the box. guaranteed to be the cutest laundry hamper around, or it could be used for countless other storage options too.

college boy grad-

i tend to just refer back to the same giftcard possibilities that i use for high school grads. i have to give credit to my friend kelli for this new-to-me idea that is my current top choice, a classic tie. this would be something he could wear to an interview. or a wedding. or a dressy sunday at church. and help him look like the grownup he now is.

college girl grad-

i'm a big fan of monogrammed anything (in case you hadn't noticed). some personalized options are a coffee mug (click), a bag (jon hart (click) makes some of my favorites), notecards or a notepad. other ideas include a fun new pair of pajamas, cute wallet. or maybe a delicious smelling candle (my scent suggestions- trapp's orange vanilla or tyler's fleur de lis, diva, or high maintenance). my current top choice, is grownup perfume (or a giftcard to go pick out some herself).

please pass along anything else you like to give or enjoyed receiving!

here's to the class of '10!

*disclaimer to any graduates reading this list:

i might have omitted a few ideas, so don't worry your present will still be a surprise.