| Do you have a friend or family member | | | | humorous. Including several packages of Top |
| graduating this year? Then chances are you're | | | | Ramon is a tradition in our family. A simple note |
| wondering what gifts appeal to a teenage kid | | | | indicating, "Get used to eating a lot of this," usually |
| (oops that is a young adult) and still meet the hip | | | | generates a laugh. The few that look puzzled |
| factor. | | | | return on the next break saying, "Now I get it |
| We've talked to quite a few seniors this year, | | | | and that came in handy!" |
| including our own college bound daughter. Of | | | | #5. Digital Camera - A quality yet small sized |
| course the car and laptop are familiar big-ticket | | | | digital camera is a must have to capture and |
| requests but here are ten grad gifts that won't | | | | share all the new experiences. Look for something |
| break the bank and still make the wish list: | | | | with at least 8 plus mega pixels and small enough |
| #10. Flash Drive - The memory stick or flash | | | | to fit in a pocket. We've happily owned the Sony |
| drive is a convenient and fast way to backup and | | | | Cybershot for almost 8 years and recently |
| swap files. Most are USB devices compatible with | | | | bought our grad the newer DSC W220 model |
| computers, cameras, printers, and more. They | | | | with HD video for about $189. |
| come in a variety of sizes and brands ranging in | | | | #4. College Insignia - If the graduate is heading off |
| price from $5.95 for 2GB to $100 and up for | | | | to college they will enjoy sporting their school |
| 64GB. | | | | mascot on everything from sweatshirts, sweats, |
| #9. Quality Head Phones - Every teen is plugged | | | | jackets, hats, sporting events, and desk |
| into music and frequently in need of extra | | | | accessories. |
| headphones. Prices range from the simple $10 ear | | | | #3. Gift Cards - The gift card is always a great |
| buds to $269 for the high quality noise canceling | | | | option especially when mailing presents. Gas cards, |
| headphones that work especially well with loud | | | | Visa gift cards, restaurant chains, favorite clothing |
| roommates. | | | | stores, movie theatres, iTunes, Target, and |
| #8. Walk Down Memory Lane - Sure they will be | | | | Office Depot are popular and practical choices. |
| making lots of new memories but they will still get | | | | Just watch the fees to activate and terms of |
| homesick for the familiar. Put together a collection | | | | use. |
| of memories using photos of friends, families, and | | | | #2. All Things Apple - When it comes to music |
| special events. This can be a simple wall frame | | | | and technology all things Apple are in demand. The |
| photo collage, a scrapbook project, digital photo | | | | iPod Touch, available from $229, is a big hit for all |
| frame, or even a DVD made with slide show or | | | | its cool features including music, games, photos, |
| movie software. | | | | videos, wifi access, and more! There is also the |
| #7. Dorm Accessories - The ads are filled with | | | | iPhone 3g that starts at $199 plus monthly cell |
| dorm ideas but the hands down favorite is the | | | | phone charges. If it's just the music they want |
| combo alarm clock, stereo, and docking station | | | | there is the iPod Shuffle, Nano, or Classic starting |
| offered by iHome and others. Select one with | | | | at $79 and up. |
| great speakers and a battery backup for the | | | | #1. Cold Hard Cash - Every grad questioned on |
| alarm. | | | | gift requests smiled big and answered, "Cash!" |
| #6. Survival Items - Fill a gift bag or basket with | | | | When asked for a few more ideas several |
| the essential items someone just starting to live | | | | responded, "Cash, cash, and more cash." If you |
| on their own might need. This can include first aid, | | | | think nothing stays the same think again. The |
| personal care, laundry, or general household items. | | | | crisp greenback tucked inside a card is still the top |
| This is a chance to be practical as well as | | | | graduation gift! |