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Hey Ranj: I am a high school senior that will be graduating Dover High this spring. With graduation day fast approaching, I have some questions regarding my graduation party. Second, what is the best way to keep track of gifts and monetary gifts, so I can properly thank the gift-givers? Ranj, I have been reading your column for the past month (I am friends with "NICE GUY") and I like how you give straight forward answers. I would greatly appreciate your input on this. -- Graduating High School in Dover, Delaware   

Hey Graduating, you are the graduate so, the responsibility of the party should really be on your parents. Ask your parents if you can have two separate parties -- one for family members during the daytime (like a cook out). Give family members the benefit of the doubt, they aren't all bad if they are celebrating your graduation and especially if they are bearing gifts. Later that day, starting around the early evening you can invite your friends to come to the party. By the time the night falls many of the older relatives should have left and if any remain let them join in the party-fun.   Write what each person gives you on the card that accompanies the gift. That way, you can easily keep track of who gave what when it comes time to send thank-you notes, because it's always a nice touch to refer to the gift in your note. If you get monetary gifts don't blow that money. Use it as it is intended, towards college or your future job. Have fun at your party and please act responsible.