My dd is graduating from 8th grade in three weeks (yikes!) and I have NO IDEA what would be a good gift for her. If it were high school, it would be easier, but this isn't really a big deal graduation, in my opinion. Still, in our town, it is a big deal. We are having a family cookout after, and I'm taking her beforehand to have her hair styled and nails done, but as far as a present? She wants a cell phone, but that is definitely not an option. I'm thinking of letting her get her ears pierced for the second time (which she's been wanting to do forever), but I want her to be able to have presents. OK, I'll be quiet now and let you ladies inspire me! LOL Oh, a bit about my dd--she's 14, very much a girly-girl, has long blonde hair and is fashion conscious. She's a ballet dancer and a volleyball player. She also loves music (mostly light rock and Christian). TIA!

By Cat on Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - 03:43 pm:

You said she's a girly-girl. Would she like a day at a spa? I understand the cell phone thing. My 10yo son wants one! Yeah, like he needs that! lol How about some earrings (in addition to the second piercings), a cd and a really nice outfit??? Since when did a middle school graduation become so big?!? Hope someone else helps you out ('cause I don't think I was much help! lol).

By Kate on Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - 05:14 pm:

A nice set of books? Like a series?

By Tink on Tuesday, May 4, 2004 - 05:18 pm:

I think jewelry of some sort is a good way to go. I still have the silver bracelet and charms I got for my Jr. High graduation. I think they are nice enough to hold up for the years to come and tend to be more grown up than some gifts. One of my charms is engraved from my parents (before they split) and that is important to me. My sister wanted and got a stereo for hers and it is long gone and upgraded now.

Jr. High graduation was a pretty big deal here when I was in school. No hair or nails done but a new dress (dress required by school) and a cook-out/party afterwards for my family and friends.

By Janet on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 - 09:56 am:

Those are good ideas, thanks! I don't know when it became such a big deal, but it sure is! I moved here from a large city, and we certainly didn't make much out of it then ('course, that was several decades ago, too). Here, there are parties and parties and parties...expensive gifts, etc, ad nauseum... forget it. I told my dd she'll get all that when she graduates from college! LOL

By Amyl on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 - 12:38 pm:

Hello, I know I don't post often, but my DD loves to have her nails and toes done right before a big event. She has a big piano recital coming up and she wants to have a manicure and pedicure, she loves it!!! I don't do the fake nails with her just a manicure and then a pedicure. Something like that right before the graduation might be nice. don't know about the gifts part though, sorry.

By Peggy13 on Wednesday, May 5, 2004 - 02:13 pm:

Those Italian charm bracelets are really nice - the ones with the links you put together - you can continue to collect the links.