graduation gift guide, sort of

That time of year is fast approaching, when "Pomp and Circumstance" rings out and the skies are filled with swirling tassels. This year we've three graduates that we'll be expected to celebrate, and so I'm trying to think of meaningful gifts.
Yes, I know every graduate appreciates (read "wants") money. However, I hate giving money (or giftcards) as a gift. They seem so impersonal, however practical. And, while I'm not going to give"Chicken Soup for the Graduate's Soul" or something that will be left sitting on the shelf until the day that it ends in a garage sale, I do like to give books. Specifically, two of my favorite books of all time.


$8.76 from amazon.comI have to say that this biography of Jim Elliot, covering all of his life but especially focusing on his spiritual development during his college years, is the single most important book I've ever read. His complete spiritual abandon never ceases to amaze me, wether or not I agree with some of his doctrine.

$9.56 from Amazon.com
Love. This. Book. I read and reread it, and it never fails to provide new insight into the human condition and how we deceive ourselves.

But enough books. On to other things. Like notecards! I'm seriously considering getting sets of these made for each of the people who I did senior photos for this year.

$20 for 16


Notecards are always a good option, because they're going to need to write thank-you notes.


And I'm going to come back to this later, because there is some work I should do. What do you like to give graduates, and why?