Idea 1 – Book of memories
One of the most popular ways to use the story stateside is to create a book of memories throughout a child’s time at school. Parents buy a copy when their child goes into kindergarten, then every year they have the child’s teacher write a message on a page of the book. By the time the child leaves school, they have a collection of memories and ‘good lucks’ from every teacher they’ve had. You may well wish to do this and we’d love to see your pictures if you do! However, if that sounds like a little too much effort, there are easier ways to create school records for children.
When a child starts their first year, have them write a little profile of themselves on the inside front cover, answering questions such as ‘My favourite colour is…’, ‘When I grow up I want to be…’ and ‘My best friend is…’ Then, when they leave school, have them write answers to the same questions on the inside back cover, so they can see how much they’ve changed.
If they’re not fans of writing, or if they’re too young to write independently, they could stamp their handprints in their favourite colour of paint on the two covers instead. Either way, they end up with a book they can keep forever that’s personal to them!
Idea 2 – A Guest Book
If there’s a life event going on, such as a coming-of-age ceremony, a graduation ceremony, or a major birthday, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! could be used to record guests’ good wishes. Everyone attending the event could sign their name in the book, or even write their hopes and good wishes for the guest of honour, creating a book of kind messages with a lot more character than a traditional, blank guestbook.
Idea 3 – To say ‘Congratulations!’
If you’re the sort to go the extra mile, an Oh, the Places You’ll Go!-themed party would be an incredible way to say ‘Congratulations’! Such parties work for people of any age, but are particularly good for graduations, from university or from primary or secondary school, as they can be tailored exactly to the age and interests of those attending. Pinterest is FULL of inspiring images for parties like these, with ideas for decorations, themed food and drink, costumes and more, all based on Dr Seuss’s classic tale.
Idea 4 – A Travel Gift
With gap years and sabbaticals becoming more frequent, travelling the world is more common than it’s ever been. However, it’s still a dramatic life event and even if they’re the bravest, most adventurous type, there will be moments while they’re away when all they really want is a hug. While you can’t jet out to the middle of the desert or rainforest to give them that, a copy of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! can stay with your loved one throughout their travels and will remind them why they’re there.
Present it to them before they go with other things they need, to make sure they know they’re supposed to take it with them! For example, you could give it to them in the suitcase or rucksack they’ll be using, or if you’re looking for something smaller, wrap it up with a luggage tag or passport holder, to give them a ‘good luck’ present that is both practical and thoughtful.
Idea 5 – A Present for when you’re not present!
Sometimes, as much as we’d like to, we can’t physically be at some of the big moments in life. Weddings might be too far away; birthdays might clash with other things… You know how it goes. But just because you can’t be there in person doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten them. You could send a copy of our gorgeous gift edition of Oh, the Places You’ll Go! with, for example, a bunch of flowers. The words in the book and the beautiful quality of the gift edition will leave the recipient in no doubt that you’re thinking of them on their special day.
