A Present For a New Citizen?

One of my former PhD students is becoming an Australian citizen soon and I'd like to give him a present.

Initially I thought of a fountain pen. I still think it is a nice idea, but his whole family are becoming Aussies so I changed my mind and started to wonder about a gift for the entire family: wife (I taught her as well as an undergraduate), daughter (4 years old) and son (12 years old).

Anyway, anyone have any ideas? About the only thing I've come up with so far is a BBQ, something like the mid-sized Webber Qs but am uncertain. I mean, nothing says "welcome to Straya" like a BBQ, but I was kinda hoping for something with a bit more "gravitas", something they can look at and remember through time. A BBQ strikes me as being a little flippant, maybe.

Open to any and all suggestions. This is a good man with a lovely family, and I am very proud to welcome them as citizens. I'd kind of like a gift that reflects that.

James.

When I think of gifts for people,,, I think of things I like would like to get,,,:shrug:,,, guns, knives, bows, razors, brushes , lighters, firestarters, Duncan Donuts gift card,,,, here's a few ideas for you,,,,,,,

or,

Get each a nice canteen with carry capability, CamelBak hydration,,, so when they go traveling that beautiful OutBack,,, they have their canteens,,, you can even have their name embroidered on the cases cheap,,,,

That's an easy one for me. I buy em state coins with the year of their citizenship on it.

If I really like em - gold coins.
Kind of like em - silver.
Feel obligated lol - a simple set that isn't a precious metal.

I think they are great mementoes - especially if they are presentable. If they aren't, you can buy a simple double sided/glassed frame to mount it in and hang on the wall.

Hope that helps.

I'll throw one out for thought...a Birch tree symbolizes new beginnings, so maybe the BBQ as a "fun" gift, and a sapling from a Birch Tree for them to plant in their yard that will represent their new beginning. :shrug:

Just thinking about it a bit more standing on the shoulders of Phrank - maybe have a park tree designated to them, just in case they move. Or a park bench?

Here's what the Celts say about the Birch tree...

"Bright and beautiful, the birch is a pioneer, courageously taking root and starting anew to revive the landscape where no other would before.

This is a powerful metaphor for our lives. The birch asks us to philosophically go where no other will go (voluntarily or otherwise). The birch asks us to take root in new soils and light our lives with the majesty of our very presence. The birch sings to us: "Shine, take hold, express your creative expanse, light the way so that others may follow."

Paradoxically, while the birch is a brilliant symbol of renewal, it is also symbolic of stability and structure. The druids also held the birch as the keepers of long-honored traditions."

Could a birch handle the summers there? Just wondering - I really haven't a clue. I love the meaning behind it!

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Originally Posted by earcutter

Could a birch handle the summers there? Just wondering - I really haven't a clue. I love the meaning behind it!

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Most likely, it's a pretty adaptable tree, it handles the brutally cold winters here and the searing hot summers...it's know to be highly adaptable even in the harshest most extreme conditions.

Nice! These are great ideas, thanks guys! :)

James.

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Originally Posted by Phrank

I'll throw one out for thought...a Birch tree symbolizes new beginnings, so maybe the BBQ as a "fun" gift, and a sapling from a Birch Tree for them to plant in their yard that will represent their new beginning. :shrug:

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Originally Posted by earcutter

Just thinking about it a bit more standing on the shoulders of Phrank - maybe have a park tree designated to them, just in case they move. Or a park bench?

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Oh mannnn ,,,you guys are about to make me drop a tear,,,,:rolleyes:,,,, get'm a tool , something useful,,,:shrug:

Jimbo,,, you teach martial arts, yes? ,,, then give the family, as a group, a handful of classes in self defense & environmental awareness,,, simple but effective techniques that they can maintain on their own after the lessons. This could pay out the ultimate dividends to one of them in the future,,,,

Yeah, we have birch trees though you don't see a lot of them here. I think there are "tropical" varieties. I guess my only thing is portability - they rent and most likely at some point will move on, perhaps to another city in time. I'm not sure where they could plant it.

Definitely one I'll keep in the back of my mind, thanks Phrank. I like the coin idea too, I think we make commemorative coins.

James.

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Originally Posted by Hirlau

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Jimbo,,, you teach martial arts, yes? ,,, then give the family, as a group, a handful of classes in self defense & environmental awareness,,, simple but effective techniques that they can maintain on their own after the lessons. This could pay out the ultimate dividends to one of them in the future,,,,

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Actually his son is the Australian under 14 Taekwondo sparring champion. So anything I could show them is probably redundant I'm afraid.

James.

A customized first-aid kit or bug-out bag for their travels,,,:shrug:

Different things are important to different cultures. Perhaps some thoughts of their origin might play into what kind of tree to choose. They may not be Celts. I'm kind of like John and tend to go practical. Perhaps some live stock? Fishing rods?

Now we're talkin,,,,:beer1:

Yeah, him getting a PhD means they're certainly moving - statistically speaking, of course :)

I'd say the easiest solution to bridge the gap between something more permanent with their mobility is to have them plant that thee in your yard :) Then when they want to commemorate their citizenship grilling in the shade of the tree they can come visit you (and bring more gifts). In fact have them each plant a three and when he gets the degree he can plant one more, then while they're away you hang hammocks between the two pairs for you and the wife and keep the grill under the fifth.

Brilliant, innit!

P.S. Livestock sounds good too, goes well with/on the BBQ :)

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Most likely, it's a pretty adaptable tree, it handles the brutally cold winters here and the searing hot summers...it's know to be highly adaptable even in the harshest most extreme conditions.

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Back when I lived in Toronto and then the GTA, the birch had to be one of my favorite trees of all time. I always wanted a First Nations canoe made of the bark to hang in my loft lol.

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

Yeah, we have birch trees though you don't see a lot of them here. I think there are "tropical" varieties. I guess my only thing is portability - they rent and most likely at some point will move on, perhaps to another city in time. I'm not sure where they could plant it.

Definitely one I'll keep in the back of my mind, thanks Phrank. I like the coin idea too, I think we make commemorative coins.

James.

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When I moved to KS where summers can see weeks on end in the 100's, I noted I didn't see any here. But then my neighbor planted a couple when her husband passed. I talked to her about them - they indeed aren't the same veriety we have back home in Ont., but they are pretty all the same. Slow growers.

It would really suck to give em a tree that died lol!! :) But again - I really like the idea. :).

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Originally Posted by gugi

Yeah, him getting a PhD means they're certainly moving - statistically speaking, of course :)

I'd say the easiest solution to bridge the gap between something more permanent with their mobility is to have them plant that thee in your yard :) Then when they want to commemorate their citizenship grilling in the shade of the tree they can come visit you (and bring more gifts). In fact have them each plant a three and when he gets the degree he can plant one more, then while they're away you hang hammocks between the two pairs for you and the wife and keep the grill under the fifth.

Brilliant, innit!

P.S. Livestock sounds good too, goes well with/on the BBQ :)

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Gugi - you have a very corrupt mind. Because you are logic based, it translates as hilarious lol!!

well you know WWGD :)

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Originally Posted by gugi

Yeah, him getting a PhD means they're certainly moving - statistically speaking, of course :)

I'd say the easiest solution to bridge the gap between something more permanent with their mobility is to have them plant that thee in your yard :) Then when they want to commemorate their citizenship grilling in the shade of the tree they can come visit you (and bring more gifts). In fact have them each plant a three and when he gets the degree he can plant one more, then while they're away you hang hammocks between the two pairs for you and the wife and keep the grill under the fifth.

Brilliant, innit!

P.S. Livestock sounds good too, goes well with/on the BBQ :)

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Sounds a little shady to me,,,,, :hmmm:

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Originally Posted by gugi

well you know WWGD :)

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I am not sure I would ever know what you would do - but I know one thing. I would make sure I kept an eye on you at all times :).

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Originally Posted by Hirlau

A customized first-aid kit or bug-out bag for their travels,,,:shrug:

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Geez - Hirlau has some interesting ideas, martial arts lessons, bug-out bags...who knows what type of neighbors they could have...what if they don't get along? Therefore, along Hirlau's line's I'm going with this:

Neighborhood Nuclear Superiority!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyPwJrPQO3g

Well, he tutors for me in my first year stats course and I am seriously contemplating organising a flashmob to sing "Waltzing Matilda" at him on campus - there are 400 kids in that course so it could be impressive. Are flash mobs still cool? Or am I living in the 90s?

But that still leaves the gift for the family. Not sure about planting a tree in our yard. Trees in our yard have a habit of "falling over" and ending up as firewood ("it was coming straight for me!!").

James.

Be certain to include an Aussie flag. I always do that. Texas flag, that is! ;)

Flash mobs are very popular ,,, they don't sing Waltzing Matilda, though,, they steal from Wal Mart,,,,:shrug:

I love Waltzing Matilda. From 'Zulu" to 'On the Beach" Loverly song! :tu

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

Are flash mobs still cool? Or am I living in the 90s?

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Who cares, the power to assign grades trumps any uncoolness and then some :)

I'd go for quarter grade increase for the waltzing matilda and a full grade for those willing to go for 'boys boys boys'... just saying (and helping earcutter with the WWGD)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug8WeZyTxXg

That's just wrong, Gugi! :rofl2:

you say 'wrong', I say 'tenure' :)

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Originally Posted by gugi

you say 'wrong', I say 'tenure' :)

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I stand corrected! :rofl2:

I like the Aussie coin idea,
but nothing says Aussie like a BBQ and an Esky to huddle around with Barnesy and Cold Chisel on the juke box LOL

I have nothing new to add but I like the Fountain Pen and Coin ideas together! What a pair to present. I know I would love it anyways.

Barby... Nail... Head

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Originally Posted by gugi

Who cares, the power to assign grades trumps any uncoolness and then some :)

I'd go for quarter grade increase for the waltzing matilda and a full grade for those willing to go for 'boys boys boys'... just saying (and helping earcutter with the WWGD)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug8WeZyTxXg

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Fantastic Gugi!! I had never seen that video before - how I don't know! That said, I have been listening to that exact song here lately! Interestingly, though the video is different... my reaction is very similar.

To be quite honest, I would naturalize for this! No coins needed :).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xr5DouXRv0k

Why do you think I roamed the streets of Italy for a year, pool after pool - never found Sabrina but it was still worth it :)

Banzai tree? It's portable