<p>Every year there are parents of seniors trying to put together a slide show, asking what songs to use. Trying to plan a party, asking what food to serve (sometimes for vegans.) Trying to figure out a gift for their graduating senior. Please share your best ideas for the parents of the '12s and beyond.</p>
<p>Here is what I did that was well received:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>With all the other grad parties, it was hard to find an open date and an idea that hadn't been done. We found an afternoon that they had early release from school, and had a swim and ice cream sundae party. Everyone loved the sundaes.</p></li>
<li><p>There are a number of graduating seniors of whom I am fond, but around here, you don't give gifts to other people's graduating srs (or then they'll feel obligated to get your kid a gift.) I scanned in pictures of the kid with my kid - some from preschool, some from elem, some from middle school or HS and made photocards through shutterfly. They cost less than a Hallmark card and turned out so well. I don't know that kids appreciate a card without a check in it, but I know their mothers do.</p></li>
<li><p>I made D's graduation announcements. I used peartree online...but they turned out beautifully, were easy to do, said exactly what we wanted to say and cost less than the ones the school sells. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>What were your successes?</p>
<p>My daughter is an art student and her major-to-be Graphic Design. So many of our friends and family had never seen her work before, so for her graduation party I literally turned our first floor into an ‘art gallery’ with her works scattered all over. I did a display in the living room near the front door of the house with her diploma and graduation mementos (hat, stole, tassle) and her self-portrait from her portfolio.</p>
<p>Throughout the rest of the house, I removed my own pictures and hung many of hers. It helped move guests around and gave her a chance to personally speak to so many as she took them around to talk about her works.</p>
<p>My D requested a pinata for her grad party. We filled with candy, gum and some Starbucks gift cards. I was worried it may fall flat, but the kids loved it. They were so excited- funny to see all these 18 year olds running about the yard like they were 8 again.</p>
<p>We also had a chocolate fountain we borrowed from a friend. Another hit. Dipped pond cake, pretzels, fruit and chips( yuk, but the kids loved it)</p>
<p>We made a slide show ,but D didn’t want it played during the party. Instead we played the video of the grad ceremony. We muted the sound and had it playing in one room. Before I knew ,the grads were sitting round watching it and giggling. Many of D’s friends were involved giving speeches etc and were so nervous they didn’t really enjoy the ceremony. It was fun for them to sit back, relax and enjoy watching it.</p>