Golden oldie

I've recently received a number of emails regarding this previous post and yesterday I noticed that a lot of readers were finding it through Google searches this week.  Since I'm (still) tied up with trying to hammer out a house contract today, I decided to re-post it for those of you who are currently in a graduation gift quandary.  Hope this helps!

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Did I ever mention that I'm a rubber stamper?  Was, actually.  I haven't done much in the last few years but for a long time it was a big part of my creative life.  I taught workshops and classes at rubber stamp stores...stamping on fabric, using window templates, designing pop-up cards.  But that's fodder for another post.  I mention it because yesterday it struck me that we're nearing that time of year again...graduation month.  And I have a great idea to share, especially for those who are facing the 'multiple graduates' gift dilemma.

When Molly & K were 'around the age' and late spring signaled the yearly barrage of high school graduation/party invitations from friends, cousins and children of friends, I designed this gift certificate, somewhat out of exasperation.

8 1/2" x 11" cardstock, with return card/SASE insert

Don't let me hear, 'But I don't haaave rubber stamps...'  The main idea could be translated in many ways.  Stick with me!  This particular card was stamped (and colored in with Prismacolor pencils...I love an excuse to color) on a piece of cardstock in which I cut 4 slits to insert the return card/envelope.  The inside of the card requests the recipient's college address and asks to allow for a 2-3 week delivery time.  I write my address on the return envelope.  When we give one, I sign our names in the lower right hand area of the cardstock (below the inserted return card/envelope) with a small notation that it's redeemable anytime during freshman year.  I then purchase white or colored (8 1/2" x 11") envelopes to use (and sometimes decorate) so that the certificate can be delivered flat.

Click for closer view

This may just have been my best idea ever.  Aside from not having to come up with individual gift ideas or that magic, appropriate monetary amount which is *enough* but not *so much* (especially when gifting a group of friends), everyone gets one of these and when they're redeemed, recipients are off at their own colleges...no comparing!  It also relieves the expense of a gift-heavy month. 

Remember that however many you give will eventually be redeemed.  It goes without saying that it's usually the day before you leave on your African safari trip or you've just returned from having a root canal that one of these will arrive in your mailbox.  (Hence, the 2-3 week delivery advisory note on the return card, also a subtle hint not to redeem it a week before the end of a semester.)  In anticipation, I always tried to have a few mailing boxes and plenty of brightly colored tissue paper on hand.  My care packages varied in size and content, depending on the recipient, but always included at least one type of homebaked cookie.  Additional insert ideas I've used at one time or another include:

• snack foods (nuts, fruit leather, chocolate)
• phonecards
• dorm toys (frisbee, foam boomerang, etc.)
• mug, hot chocolate, teas
• notecards/stamps
• seasonal holiday items/decorations (depending on redemption time)
• cold hard cash (always popular)
• funny items appropriate to the individual (I was always *on the hunt* ahead of time.)

Often a return card would arrive with a excited note that it had been forgotten and just found in a desk drawer...like getting a gift twice!  If you're stumped for gift ideas this graduation season and you don't mind sending packages, think about your own version of this.  What student doesn't love a care package?    

Did I ever mention that I'm a rubber stamper?  Was, actually.  I haven't done much in the last few years but for a long time it was a big part of my creative life.  I taught workshops and classes at rubber stamp stores...stamping on fabric, using window templates, designing pop-up cards.  But that's fodder for another post.  I mention it because yesterday it struck me that we're nearing that time of year again...graduation month.  And I have a great idea to share, especially for those who are facing the 'multiple graduates' gift dilemma.

When Molly & K were 'around the age' and late spring signaled the yearly barrage of high school graduation/party invitations from friends, cousins and children of friends, I designed this gift certificate, somewhat out of exasperation.

8 1/2" x 11" cardstock, with return card/SASE insert

Don't let me hear, 'But I don't haaave rubber stamps...'  The main idea could be translated in many ways.  Stick with me!  This particular card was stamped (and colored in with Prismacolor pencils...I love an excuse to color) on a piece of cardstock in which I cut 4 slits to insert the return card/envelope.  The inside of the card requests the recipient's college address and asks to allow for a 2-3 week delivery time.  I write my address on the return envelope.  When we give one, I sign our names in the lower right hand area of the cardstock (below the inserted return card/envelope) with a small notation that it's redeemable anytime during freshman year.  I then purchase white or colored (8 1/2" x 11") envelopes to use (and sometimes decorate) so that the certificate can be delivered flat.

Click for closer view

This may just have been my best idea ever.  Aside from not having to come up with individual gift ideas or that magic, appropriate monetary amount which is *enough* but not *so much* (especially when gifting a group of friends), everyone gets one of these and when they're redeemed, recipients are off at their own colleges...no comparing!  It also relieves the expense of a gift-heavy month. 

Remember that however many you give will eventually be redeemed.  It goes without saying that it's usually the day before you leave on your African safari trip or you've just returned from having a root canal that one of these will arrive in your mailbox.  (Hence, the 2-3 week delivery advisory note on the return card, also a subtle hint not to redeem it a week before the end of a semester.)  In anticipation, I always tried to have a few mailing boxes and plenty of brightly colored tissue paper on hand.  My care packages varied in size and content, depending on the recipient, but always included at least one type of homebaked cookie.  Additional insert ideas I've used at one time or another include:

• snack foods (nuts, fruit leather, chocolate)
• phonecards
• dorm toys (frisbee, foam boomerang, etc.)
• mug, hot chocolate, teas
• notecards/stamps
• seasonal holiday items/decorations (depending on redemption time)
• cold hard cash (always popular)
• funny items appropriate to the individual (I was always *on the hunt* ahead of time.)

Often a return card would arrive with a excited note that it had been forgotten and just found in a desk drawer...like getting a gift twice!  If you're stumped for gift ideas this graduation season and you don't mind sending packages, think about your own version of this.  What student doesn't love a care package?    

Comments

[Cathi in Ireland]

Do you own all those rubber stamps? Wow! I am just now starting to add cardmaking to my list of crafts, and stamping is interesting to me! Bought a Xyron machine on my last trip home to play with as well.

I love your idea of the care package! I have 3 and 5 year olds, so won't need the idea for college goers, but will keep it in the back of my mind for other things!!

[Vicki in Michigan]

I think this is a totally fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing it!

Thinking "buy it! buy it! but it!" thoughts at your prospective buyers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tracey]

Wow, this is a GREAT idea!! I don't have any graduates this year, but I'll remember it later! A pillowcase made with novelty fabrics would be a great thing to add in the care package!

[Rebekah]

This is such a great idea! It's something that they wouldn't ever think they needed, but would be totally well received when they were itching for mail from home. I'm going to file this away for future grad parties : )

[Norma]

Oh, Jan, you're a girl after my own heart. I always sort of fancied myself the Care Package Queen. I must admit the frequency waned after eight years of dorm life for my daughter, though. But she's been in an apartment for over a year, and she still loves to get the packages.

[Juliann]

I too am a new stamper and I am just droooooling over those bins!

Best wishes on the sale going through with terms you can live with!

[Rachel]

Stamper here too! EXCELLENT idea! We have 2 grads in the family this year.

I LOVE IT!!!!

Shamelessly copying of course.

:)

Thanks Bemused!

~Twistedinstitches

[Angela]

That is an absolutely FANTASTIC idea for a gift -- stamps or no (and I think I have a box or two of them in my basement). I'm keeping this one in mind -- not just for grads, but, well, it could be great for other times of year as well :0).

[Lynn]

What a great idea! And you don't have to have all the stamps to do it. Even if its just a *vanilla* card, they'd be happy with it. but you can even use scrapbook paper or wrapping paper to make the card pretty. I have to remember this!!!

[Robby]

Brilliant! I just stumbled across your blot recently, but it was clearly timely. A couple of grads coming in the next two weeks, and loads next year! I also have made a gift certificate for new parents to redeem for a meal anytime before the first birthday! They love it because they can pull it out after the initial outpouring of help wanes. Thanks again! (And good luck on the house sale.)

[chronicler]

What a great idea! I'll have to keep that one filed away and use it often. Good luck on the house front!

[Annalea]

This is awesome! Thanks so much for the great idea . . .