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If you’re looking for a meaningful graduation keepsake idea for your child, this is one of the sweetest traditions I’ve ever heard.
I heard about this idea years ago and immediately loved it. It’s simple, thoughtful and , and something your children will likely treasure forever.
The ideal time to start is during your child’s kindergarten year, but honestly, you can begin at any age.
What You Need
- Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss (hardcover version)
- A reminder on your calendar each spring
- Teachers willing to write short notes or encouragement
The Concept
Each year, ask your child’s teacher to write a short message inside the book.
Continue the tradition from kindergarten through 12th grade, then give the book to your child at high school graduation.
By the end, your child will have years of memories, encouragement, and handwritten notes from the teachers who helped shape their life.
How I Do It
I put a reminder on my calendar for the beginning of May each year to email my children’s teachers and ask if they would be willing to sign the book.
Because I want this to stay a surprise, I place the book in a manila envelope and write:
“Attention Ms. Teacher – Please send home with my child when you are finished.”
My children become the couriers, but they have no idea what’s inside the envelope.
If you want to keep the surprise completely secret, you could also drop the book off at the school office and pick it up later.
What About Middle School and High School?
My older son is in middle school now, and he has several teachers throughout the year – some only for a quarter.
For middle school (and probably high school too), I casually ask him during the year who is favorite teacher is.
Then I contact that teacher and ask if they would be willing to sign the book.
The Graduation Reveal
When your child graduates from high school, give them the book.
After years of collecting messages from teachers, coaches and mentors, it becomes much more than a book – it becomes a time capsule of their childhood and education.
I can only imagine how meaningful it will feel to read through the years of encouragement, memories, and handwritten notes from the people who helped shaped their journey.
It’s such a simple idea, but I truly think it will become one of their most treasured keepsakes.
Do you have any meaningful traditions or keepsakes you’re creating for your children? I’d love to hear them.
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