Technology at the top of this year’s wish list (but cash will do)
Christmas may be months away, but if you have a soon-to-be graduate, now is the season of giving.
May and June are the two months when aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents and even friends prepare to send their new high school and college graduates out into the world as official adults. They arm them with a variety of weapons, including money, trips, day planners, briefcases and pen sets.
But is this what they really want? As today's graduate will tell you, there isn't a single correct gift that appeals to them all. Unless it's a job, especially in this economy.
"I want a job that utilizes my talents and education," says Jill Roth, 29, a 2010 communications graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "I want to do something I'm passionate about."
Until that gift comes along, Roth will make do with the netbook and money she has received from family.
James Koloskie, 23, just graduated from UNLV with his bachelor's degree in environmental studies. His ideal graduation gift?
"A trip abroad," he says. "You never really get that opportunity when you're in school. A really nice vacation would be a really awesome gift."
He says he won't turn down money, either.
Tom Dietz, 26, just finished his master's degree at Gonzaga University through an online course. An iPad is at the top of his grad gift list and his mother already bought it for him. High school graduation gifts are different from college gifts, Dietz says.
"Usually you get money gifts when you get out of high school. After college, you need the things that are going to make you look professional," he says, although he also will enjoy money. "I've never turned down money and if I have, I didn't understand the question."
T.J. Thomas, 18, will graduate from Palo Verde High School in June. He and his friends all want Apple computers, cash and stuff for the college dorm room.
"Most high schoolers want a MacBook Pro, but I know a bunch that are getting the iPad instead of a laptop," Thomas says.
If you need a few ideas for what to get your favorite graduate, we've compiled a list of 10 cool things.
Price: $18
Get it: amazon.com, Borders, Barnes & Noble
What it is: This Dr. Seuss book has become a popular graduation gift, probably because of its upbeat message. It starts: "Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to Great Places! You're off and away!"
Price: Starts at $499
Get it: Apple stores, apple.com, Best Buy
What it is: Only the latest piece of technology to captivate tech-hungry users. You can read the newspaper, a book, sort and store your photos, surf the Internet, write e-mail, watch videos, listen to songs and a lot of other things.
Gift: Swann's PenCam Mini video camera and recorder
Price: $99
Get it: swannsecurity.com, Fry's, Radio Shack, among others
What it is: Something Inspector Gadget might use, a pen that writes, records an hour's worth of video or shoots thousands of photos.
Price: $59.99
Get it: idaptweb.com, amazon.com
What it is: If you're current with electronics, you probably need a power strip to charge your devices. This desktop charger will eliminate that and enable you to charge three different devices, without the cords. It's compatible with thousands of mobile devices, including Apple, BlackBerry and Garmin.
Price: $99.99
Get it: i-luv.com
What it is: The snoozer's worst nightmare, an alarm clock that reaches over and shakes you awake. It doesn't actually reach; it comes with a bed shaker that is activated by the alarm clock. Goodbye, oversleeping, hello, punctuality.
Price: $309.99 to $329.99
Get it: Fry's, or online at amazon.com
What it is: Netbooks have become popular because of their portability, and now that the graduate is on the move at work and home, this makes the perfect gift. The screens are smaller than a traditional laptop but they have similar features that vary by price. This netbook comes with an Intel Atom N450 processor, Windows 7, 250 gigabyte hard drive and 1 gigabyte of memory.
Price: $249.95
Get it: amazon.com
What it is: Sunglasses for James Bond. They're sunglasses with video capability. Plug your iPod into it and watch movies or television. It even projects video. They come with built-in earbuds for listening.
Price: Starts at $169.99
Get it: warpia.com
What it is: It enables you to turn your laptop or computer into a source for movies and television. With the adapter, you can wirelessly stream media content from the computer onto a television screen.
Price: $99.99
Get it: Best Buy and www.Scosche.com
What it is: Announces calls as they come in for hands-free driving. It features a simple three-button design and automatic, user-friendly cell phone pairing. It can attach to the windshield or sun visor for solar charging and has a car adapter so it can be charged at night or on overcast days.
Price: $89.95
Get it: smartswipe.ca, amazon.com
What it is: If your graduate does a lot of online shopping but feels a little exposed when he pays, the Smart Swipe may be a good investment. Instead of entering credit card information for the world to hack and see, this device enables you to swipe your credit card as though you're in a store.
