Since graduation time is such an important milestone, it is important to celebrate it in style. If a friend, relative or family member has an upcoming graduation, it is important to shop for the perfect graduation gift. There are many different kinds of graduation gift available, and the type of graduation gift you choose will of course be determined by the age, gender, taste and style of the graduate.

Some of the most common graduation gifts include engraved items, gift certificates and of course cash. Many people are reluctant to give cash as a graduation gift, but in fact, many high school and college graduates will appreciate the extra help with some money to get started in life. If you are unsure about giving cash as a graduation present, a good alternative is to give a gift certificate for their favorite store instead. The graduate will still enjoy the thoughtfulness, and he or she will certainly be able to use the gift certificate to buy those much needed items.

Besides the graduation present, the graduation party is one of the most time honored traditions in the world of graduation. Marking the many milestones in life by gathering family members and friends together is a time honored tradition, and the graduation party is a great way to celebrate this important achievement. It is a great idea for the family of the recent high school or college graduate to host a graduation party for family members and friends, and such a party is a great way to celebrate a job well done.

There is no doubt that graduating from high school, college or university is a significant accomplishment, and it is important for the graduate’s family members and friends to mark the occasion and give it the significance it so richly deservers. There are many reasons to celebrate the successful completion of our school years, and it is important to let the newly minted graduate kick back for awhile and bask in the glory of a job well done. Hosting a graduation party for your favorite son, daughter, granddaughter or grandson is a great way to show them how much you care and how much you appreciate all the hard work and struggle they have shown.

First take time to plan for the food. Write down what you would like, and also in that write down what you are willing to make yourself. Remember the more you are willing to do, the more money you will have in the end.

Making a list, you can break into two parts. One is for decorations and items you may want to have in the way as favors. On this list you can add your paper plates and your napkins and utensils. All these you can get at a party store. Most times the party stores are cheaper for these products.

The other list is for you to purchase food. Simple items you may want to have at a graduation party are finger sandwiches. By taking a large loaf of bread and cut off all the crust. Make the sandwiches on whole large pieces of bread. Then you can cut them in four and get four out of each large sandwich. On this list don’t forget to purchase your ice and soft drinks. Chips are also great fillers and pretzels.

By taking time to plan you will have money left over. Well not really am sure you may have to foot some to the new college student.

Now your sweet, little infant child is graduating from high school, and like every good mother, who takes personal satisfaction from the successes of their children, you’re probably freaking out. “SHE’S GRADUATING!” you shriek, like a 2 year old toddler who’s ice cream just fell on the pavement. You panic…”People will come. Oh yes, they will come. The house needs to be cleaned, the cake needs to be ordered. Oh no, I’m not ready. I’m not ready!”

OK, Stop! Take a deep breath, slap yourself in the face, and walk away from the liquor cabinet (yes, someone DOES notice a sip or two here or there). Here are 10 easy steps to planning and hosting a successful graduation party that even your child’s friends will enjoy (without talking about you behind the rhododendrons.)

1. Set the budget. This isn’t a loosely based number that changes minute to minute. Spend some time really thinking about what disposable income you really have and can part with. By doing this, you will be able to answer the other questions, “Where will the party be at?” “Who will we invite?” “How much do I need to rob from the bank?” Important questions that will fall into place once the budget is determined.

2. Make a guest list. Divide your list into two distinct sections, the “guests” and the “floaters”. The guests are easy–these are the people that will spend the most time with you, the family and the graduate. Sometimes, they never go away. (Sorry…I digress). The floaters are the people that pop in and out of the parties…the friends of the graduate, the parents of the friends of the graduate…you get my point. These are the snackers. Plan for both types of guests.

3. Decide on the date and time. Don’t be cavalier about this little detail. Keep in mind out of town travelers, work schedules, soccer games, etc. Involve the graduate for his/her input so they can have their friends and guest present.

4. Choose a location. This is a direct connection to your budget. If you have a large budget, then you may want to consider a rental hall, or a nice restaurant or hotel. (These are the more expensive options, so keep in mind #3, date and time to make sure you maximize your guest list.) If the budget isn’t exactly set up for a mini wedding, consider your home or a local park as a venue. Backyard BBQs are a casual way to have a fun, informal party while not breaking the bank. Plus hosting a party in your home or backyard may leave room in the budget for other things like entertainment.

5. Send out the invitations. Invitations can be purchased or you can make some nice invitations on your own. Places like Office Depot have what’s called an “Announcement Kit” where you can just write in the name and dates of the party and graduation. If you are especially crafty, you can make cute invitations with scrapbook embellishments, stamps and ribbon. Make sure you send out the invitations well in advance for the travelers. Keep a record of who you invited..you may not want any surprises (or maybe you do?)

6. Plan the menu. If you’re having this party at a hotel or restaurant, make time to sit with the caterer or party planner to review cost and options. Many restaurants will design and print a special menu with a few menu selections just for your event, so be sure to ask as this assists with controlling costs. If you’re hosting the party at home, plan for the guests and the floaters. Keep in mind, the party is for the graduate. Make sure you have some items the graduate likes to eat. So often you get caught up in the guest list, you forget your sweet, hungry high school graduate still likes chicken nuggets. It’s his/her party, have their faves on hand. Some things to consider, places like Sam’s Club or Costco sell ready to buy items for large numbers of people. It’s a great ide to keep costs down, and still have good food.

7. Buy the decorations. This is really the fun part; where you get to really shine. For hosting a party outdoors, consider

•Signage: People need to know where the party is.  A cool idea is to place a banner on your home or lawn, celebrating your graduate. You could go to a little place I’ve come to know and love called HappyDayBanners.com. HappyDayBanners.com takes the guess work out of buying a banner by offering several hip designs that can be personalized with your graduate’s name, school an/or date of graduation. The prices are affordable (most 2′x4′ banners are only $24.99) and it’s really a nice keepsake.

• Tables, chair and tents: Consider the number of guests and floaters. You want to have an informal, casual feel, but you don’t want your guests sitting on the lawn while chewing on a chicken bone. Have plenty of seating and tables, and plan for inclement weather.

• Be ready for a photo moment when the graduate’s friends come to visit. Save a place in the backyard where you can have balloons, or “Class of 2009″ banner (also found at HappyDayBanners.com) for the graduate and friends to pose in front of. (Try to have the camera charged…it really helps when taking pictures.)

• Other idea for decorations: balloons, pens, personalized candy bars, graduation frames are just some of the other ways to spice up the feel of a party. Keep it happy and festive…it’s not a funeral.

8. Don’t forget the music. Silence is a party killer. Have plenty of music on hand that can be easily changed and switched out quickly. Your graduate is not going to be listening to Barry Williams, so be prepared to liven and soften the mood as the guest demographic changes. Be careful of the volume, unless of course Aunt Mary is talking (and talking, and talking…).

9. Setting up for the big day. All your planning is coming to fruition. Put it together in a timely and organized manner so you won’t look like a crazy person. Confirm the reservations and rentals. Start setting up the table and chairs the night before. Paper decorations should go up just before the party starts. Prepare and double check the food. Make sure you have plenty on hand. (Desperation frightens the guests). Worse case scenario, have the pizza phone number close by.

10. Have Fun! If you followed all the other steps, you can’t mess it up that bad. And now it’s OK to hit the liquor cabinet (once…OK twice). You earned it.

Coming up with teen party ideas might seem like a daunting task. After all, what your teen likes today, he or she may find repugnant in four weeks. Reaching an agreement on theme alone (without breaking the bank), just about takes an act of congress! Relax and stick with the tried and true ideas that offer flexibility for execution. Here’s a few ideas to help get your creative juices flowing.

TEEN PARTY IDEAS – BEACH PARTY

A Beach Party is sure to make a splash with teens. It affords a lot of freedom, as the beach is their “playground.” Think of all things beach-related when creating your invitations. For example, use actual beach balls, sunblock, sunglasses, frisbees, or flip-flops and attach the party info to these items and hand-deliver or make your invitations in these various shapes. Decor is simple. Add tiki torches, towels, lounge chairs, canopies, and citronella candles and you’re good to go. Games may include water balloons and its many variations, along with the good old standby–beach volleyball.

TEEN PARTY IDEAS – LUAU PARTY

How about a Luau Party? Turn your backyard into a tropical paradise! Use postcards with a tropical picture as your invitations or create palm tree, shell, starfish, or pineapple-shaped invites. Use plenty of tiki torches for lighting and citronella candles for bugs. Decorate tables with grass skirts and string lights of paper lanterns around doors, porches, and decks. Use beachcomber hats to serve up all your yummy munchies. Throw in a hula dance, a few rounds of limbo, along with some water balloon games and you’ve got a recipe for success!

TEEN PARTY IDEAS – MURDER MYSTERY PARTY

If you’re looking for an evening of suspense, intrigue, and an old-fashioned “who dun it,” then a Murder Mystery Party will fit the bill. Your party may be one that allows everyone, including the host, to play a role for the evening and one of the guests is the murderer. Another option is to host a sit-down dinner party and hire actors, perhaps kids from your school’s drama department, to act out the play while your guests dine on dinner and try to figure out “who dun it.” For a quick pull-together party, select one of the “How To Host A Murder” boxed games and just follow the instructions for that particular game.

TEEN PARTY IDEAS – SPA PARTY

How about a spa night? After all, who doesn’t want to be pampered? Bring in up and coming professionals to render services. Contact local massage and beauty schools and hire students about to graduate. Create spa stations for manicures, pedicures, facials, massage, hair, and makeup services to be rendered.

TEEN PARTY IDEAS – BLACK LIGHT PARTY

The spot light is on fun when you opt for a black light party. Be sure your party room is pitch black and all signs of light are removed. Replace all of the light bulbs with black lights. Be sure your decorations consist of things that glow in the dark like white balloons, streamers, and shred. Since most food don’t glow in the dark, you’ll want to be sure to use plates, glasses, and cutlery that does glow in the dark. Have your guests dress in white and fluorescent colors so they light up the night.

Bottom Line: Plan ahead, pick a theme, and run with it. Have fun and keep it simple!