It can be challenging to come up with ideas for guys to mark special life events like graduations. My husband and I have worked with the young single adults from ages 18-32 in our church for the past five years. We have several who are graduating from high school this year. I love to give gifts, but it can be a challenge to find gifts for guys that fit within our budget, but are meaningful. I thought I would share what I am giving the guys as a graduation gift today, as they graduate from high school.

I wrote this letter, and am including white handkerchiefs.

For the handkerchiefs, you can give or create monogrammed white handkerchiefs, or just get a package of plain white ones. It’s a great gift that should be less than $10, but still show that you cared enough to give a gift. (And if you take the time to hand sew them, I’m super impressed.)

I have created both an LDS version and regular version of the letter I wrote. The LDS version can also be a great gift for a guy going on a mission.  I am also including a FREE downloadable printable for you to use, to save time if you want to use this as a gift idea yourself.

**UPDATE**  The printable link disappeared. Please use my contact form if you need it.

This is the regular version text of the letter.

I know that you probably didn’t expect a handkerchief as a gift. Here’s why I’m giving you one anyway.

I want you to keep this handkerchief in your pocket when you attend a funeral, or are overwhelmed with grief, to let you know that it’s okay for men to cry.

I want you to have it clean and ready in your pocket, to dry the tears of someone else in need.

I want you to have this handkerchief ready to wave as a white flag when you aren’t getting along with a roommate or significant other. It’s never too late to admit fault and ask for a truce.

I want you to keep this handkerchief clean and white and pure.  But I want you to remember that life is messy, accidents happen, and enough bleach and time can usually fix even the biggest messes or mistakes.

A handkerchief may seem like an old fashioned gift, because it is.

I want you to think of gallant gentlemen in generations past who would lay a handkerchief over a mud puddles for a lady to cross to protect her gown. Or soldiers who would leave a monogrammed one with a love one as a keepsake when they went off to war.

My hope is that this handkerchief inspires you to be the type of man that is mostly forgotten of now.
I want this handkerchief to remind you to be a man who is ready and willing to serve.

A handkerchief can be used in an emergency to bind a wound or as a tourniquet. I want you to remember that you can heal others with acts of service. I challenge you to always be ready to help and serve other people in need.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life.

Congratulations!

PS If you see me bawling my eyes out as you transition to this next phase in your life, feel free to offer it to me to dry my tears.

I also created an LDS version which some variations of the other letter. It could also be used for a missionary farewell gift, to celebrate receiving an endowment, or for a temple dedication.

I know that you probably didn’t expect a handkerchief as a gift. Here’s why I’m giving you one anyway.

I want you to use this white handkerchief to wave for it for the hosanna shout during a temple dedication.

I want you to keep this handkerchief in your pocket when you attend the temple for the times you are overwhelmed with the Spirit, and tears flow down your cheeks.

I want you to have it clean and ready in your pocket, to dry the tears of someone in need during your mission.

I want you to have this handkerchief ready to wave as a white flag when you aren’t getting along with your missionary companion or roommate.

I want you to keep this handkerchief clean and white and pure.  But I want you to remember that sometimes life is messy, and enough bleach and repentance can fix even the biggest messes or mistakes.

A handkerchief may seem like an old fashioned gift, because it is.

I want you to think of gallant gentlemen in generations past who would lay a handkerchief over a mud puddles for a lady to cross to protect her gown. Or soldiers who would leave a monogrammed one with a love one as a keepsake when they went off to war.

My hope is that this handkerchief inspires you to be the type of man that we need more of today.

I want this handkerchief to remind you to be a man who is ready and willing to serve.

A handkerchief can be used in an emergency to bind a wound or as a tourniquet. I want you to remember that you can heal others with the power of the priesthood. I challenge you to always be ready to use it when called upon to use your priesthood to help others.

Thank you for allowing me to know you better, and to help you.
Congratulations!

PS If you see me bawling my eyes out as you transition to this next phase in your life, feel free to offer it to me to dry my tears.

Genealogy Jen’s Challenge of the Week- What do you do to celebrate graduations? Do you have any special traditions or memories surrounding graduations? Comment and let me know.

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