There is no protocol for Eagle Scout ceremony gifts, but here are some good ideas and helpful tips to remember if someone you know achieves Eagle.

First, if at all possible, attend the ceremony in person. This is the best act of gratitude you can extend to the Scout. Bringing a congratulations card to hand to the Eagle post-ceremony is also always a welcome idea. Your card may or may not contain a small monetary gift depending on how well you know the Scout, but getting a BSA-themed card and writing a heart-felt note inside, will be something the Scout will surely appreciate.

If the Eagle Scout is a member of your immediate family or a close friend, you might want to consider including an additional gift with your card. Your gift should in some way acknowledge this Scout's new rank and may even be something they can use in their Scouting adventures. For example, an Eagle Scout Hiking Stick Medallion serves both a practical and symbolic purpose.

Another gift idea is an Eagle Scout Coin Knife. Besides being an attractive and functional gift, the knives can be engraved with the Scout's name and date or with an inspiring message. This particular model comes with the phrase, "Once an Eagle, always an Eagle" around the rim of the Eagle rank insignia design.

If you decide to give something small, like a coin, present it in a leatherette box, which can be purchased for a few dollars. This gives the Scout a way of preserving and displaying your gift forever.

Finally, giving the Scout a scrapbook, either blank or already filled with some pictures of their life in Scouting, is a great gift that the Scout will cherish for years to come. Whatever gift you decide to give, do not forget to tell the Scout how proud you are of them. They have earned a lifetime title by becoming an Eagle Scout. A material object could never replace the feeling a Scout has of seeing the people they care about the most celebrating their success at earning rank.

For more gift ideas visit: TrailStop, Scoutstuff.