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I saw a video on the Today Show earlier this month about a girl who graduated from high school and her parents gave her a copy of the book Oh The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss.
Big deal right? What if I told you the parents had had every teacher sign it from the time she was 5? Isn’t that just awesome? Inside are words of how she was in their class and well wishes.
A 13 year undertaking. They had to hide the book all these years from her and presented it to her after she graduated.
It’s like having all the people who had you has teachers cheering you on as you embark on your journey into college and beyond.
So I thought, I can do this too.
I bought 2 copies of Oh The Places You’ll Go! and I’ve hidden them in my office. I have contacted my daughters first grade teacher (just a little behind) in hopes she will sign the book for me. And then I’ll contact her kindergarten teacher (now retired), to see if she will sign it as well.
It will be easier for my son as he’s just starting kindergarten.
The hard part will be keeping the books hidden the next 13 years from them and them not finding them. But I’m looking forward to the awesome looks on their faces as they see all their teachers rallying behind them through the years to be successful.
You could also use this as a baby shower gift and have family members sign it for every birthday too.
I just had to share and I hope it inspires you to do this or something unique for your kids graduation.
Twitter: karen_dawkins
says:
I saw this too. My son graduated high school this year — he did not get such a personal gift. He’s not all that sentimental, so I’m not sure he would have appreciated it as much as this young woman did. His yearbook sits on a shelf, covered in dust already.
Another great idea is a giftbook of photos — it, too would take time, but picking six favorite photos from each year and saving 2 or 3 precious stories would fill a two-page photo book spread. The child would have their entire life in one book. From mom’s POV, but still… precious!
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That is a good idea to Karen. I am making digital scrapbooks for my kids as well. But I thought something for them, from their teachers, would be awesome to look back on. I would love one myself!
Ladies,
Love all ideas here!
I’d better start it asap while my toddler is still 4!
Thank you so much for sharing these. I haven’t seen the episode you speak about, but it got me really emotional. Just imagined for a moment that girl with the book full of best wishes from her teacher. Amazing!
You are welcome! It got me all mushy too when I saw the episode (linked above)…and the thoughts she must have had when she read it, and will have everytime she does read it. It’s just like a pick me up when you don’t think you can do it, you look back and see all these people cheering you forward while you were in school.
Twitter: redmestic
says:
What an awesome idea! LOVE it! Definitely sharing this one! My oldest may be going to preschool this fall, so perfect timing!
Audra recently posted..Thrive @ Home Thursday ~ Expanded
Great timing to plan ahead!
Twitter: bonbonbreak
says:
Oh my goodness. I am going to buy two copies right now. That is BRILLIANT. I have started gathering t-shirts each yar from our local fair. I am going to make a quilt out of them to send off to college with my kiddos.
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Oh that is another thing I’m working on 2 Val! The T-shirts! Wait to you see what you can do with them (if you haven’t already found something to do with them).
Twitter: greeneggsnmoms
says:
This is a great idea!!! My son just turned five and I’m still in touch with his first teacher!
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I hope you enjoy this as much as I am!
Twitter: pynkNymphette
says:
That is a fantastic story! What an adorable & thoughtful gift idea. I would definitely do this if I had children.
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I thought it was a good idea too Pynk!
Very cute idea!
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Thank you.
I did not see this so thank you. I will do this for my youngest, my oldest is 15 and it is a little late. We did keep clothes as he was growing up though to make quilts, sports related clothing for college, all kids for when married and of course his baby clothes for a quilt for his kids! Not that I am expecting much from him!
What great idea Jennifer! I know of a company who does quilts from Tshirts, for those of us (like me) who are sewing challenged! Great gift ideas!
Twitter: sporadictweets
says:
That is a wonderful idea. I’m not to behind. My son is going into the 2nd grade and his Kindergarten teacher is at that school. Love this. Thank you so much for sharing. I agree that boys may now enjoy the sentiment as much as a girl would, but I will enjoy looking back on what teachers had to say.
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted..I have a new job title: Not SAHM
Thanks Kenya. I know my daughter will definitely enjoy it. My son, we will have to see. But I’m sure his wife will enjoy seeing what kinda kid he was.
Twitter: ReviewsSheROTE
says:
what an awesome gift!! It would take some careful planning , but I’m sure the child will enjoy for MANY MANY years!
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Thanks Pamela. I’m hoping so!
Twitter: aryia1
says:
This is such a fabulous idea!!
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I think so too!
Twitter: StilettoFiles
says:
I think this is an AWESOME idea! What an ingenious and thoughtful thing to do for your kids and what an even better book to choose to give!
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thanks for the feedback. I hope my kids love it. I sent the book out to my daughters first grade teacher today. She was more than happy to write in it, and was inspired to do this for her kids as well (or at least consider it)
Twitter: phtreats
says:
What an awesome idea! I am making a scrapbook for my kids that I will give them as a gift!
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That sounds like it will be an awesome gift of love Pamela!
Twitter: adamiller28
says:
This is such a awesome idea! Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome Ada!
Twitter: mail4rosey
says:
I love, LOve, LOVE this idea! I have one starting Kindergarten, and I think I’m going to do it. Thank you for a great share!
You are welcome Rosey, I’m so glad so many people are inspired to do this! You’ll have to report back how it’s going.
Twitter: QponLessonPlans
says:
What a great idea!!!!! Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks Amanda!
Twitter: ClubContent
says:
What a really cool idea!
Courtney~Mommy LaDy Club recently posted..Fitness Journal: Online & Brutally Honest…Week 27
I couldn’t agree more Courtney!
Twitter: Twinfun1n1
says:
Love this idea. I got this book when I went to college. Would have loved it even more with the personal notes from my teachers. It’s a nice trip down memory lane.
Leigh
Leigh recently posted..Twins Visit Portland’s Children’s Museum
I’m glad I’m on the right track with this for my kids Leigh. Thanks for affirming it.
Twitter: ChrstianSuprMom
says:
Oh my goodness, I love this idea!! I’m thinking that would be an awesome thing to do for my daughters and it’s good that they are still young enough that I can easily do this. I’ll have to go back a few teachers for my oldest, but that won’t be any big deal. Thank you for sharing such a great and sentimental idea.
Blessings,
~Rosann
Rosann recently posted..A SuperMom Photography Confession
Glad to have inspired you to do this. I’m sure this family has no idea what an impact they have had on people.
Twitter: kewkew34
says:
Oh my what a great idea. I got goosebumps reading about it. I made my son a scrapbook when he graduated a couple of years ago, he would have loved this though. Wondering if my daughter would enjoy this. Not sure if I can contact all her teachers now though.
I love scrapbooks! Maybe start with contacting her favorite teachers first. Good luck!
Twitter: twitter (creditdonkey)
says:
What a well-thought out, carefully planned and delivered gift, personally, I would love to receive such if I were still a new graduate. Very thoughtful and sensitive of you to do this as well. How I wish I’d read about this when my kids were still young and studying.
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Thanks Amy. I wish I had a gift like this too for myself.