their graduate’s future in mind when selecting gifts. She suggests a range of gifts from the lavish — a vacation or travel tour or perhaps a car — to something as small and practical as an umbrella (like a Legally Blonde-style Juicy Couture rhinestone umbrella from Nordstrom for $55).

If a trek to Africa is a bit too rich for your blood, consider such dorm room necessities as a microwave, hot pot, toaster oven, portable DVD player (pictured, left), mini-refrigerator  (there is an assortment at Gifts.com) and a smallish television (like a 19-inch Samsung  for $250). And don’t forget an answering machine (so you can still hear their familiar voice, even if it is just a recording), a nice table lamp or even an iron for all those nice clothes that end up in a wrinkled heap on the floor.

If your graduate doesn’t have one, a computer is essential for college. Laptops are the more popular choice than desktops. For those who can afford it, the MacBook Air (starting at $1,799) is super-slim and weighs next to nothing compared to those heavy history and English books students will be juggling. Other popular laptops include the Sony Vaio, (from $799.99 to $2,499.99) and an assortment from Toshiba, which range from less than $800 to more than $2,000.

If buying a computer with just the right stuff on it is out of your element, a gift card to electronics giants Circuit City  or Best Buy can alleviate that agitation. Students usually know exactly what they want. In fact, gift cards are good ideas in general and can be purchased online from virtually every major retailer, as long as you heed a few warnings.

Cell phones have become as important as air to most of today’s soon-to-be grads. And the devices are so much more than mere telephones: They contain programs for daily planners, address books, cameras and Web connections.

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