Babyboomers.com

Once upon a time, graduation gifts were fairly easy to select — a fancy dress watch, briefcase, class ring, luggage, pen and pencil set, or maybe even a trip abroad. Still popular choices, these gifts are part of a broadening spectrum that includes both modern day-updates and some unconventional alternatives.

What should you get for your favorite grad?

• Don’t settle for a traditional personal calendar/address book. Buy a pocket-sized electronic one instead.
• Typewriters are a thing of the past, but a nifty laptop computer is bound to be well received.
• No more stationery! Send your graduate off with a pre-paid phone card, beeper or cellular phone as a way to stay in touch.
• Can’t afford a trip to Europe? A virtual vacation is the next best thing. Visit www.virtual-vacation.com send your graduate to an exotic location.
• Before you buy that suit, think khakis and cords. More and more businesses are loosening their ties and dressing down several days a week.
• Off to the dorm? Today’s college students aren’t content with a hot plate and Mom and Dad’s hand-me-down turntable. Boomboxes and CD’s are the ticket, and while you’re at it, throw in a VCR, color television and microwave, too.
• Or, if a monetary gift suits you best, don’t be too quick to give cash. Why not start your graduate off on the right foot with a contribution to a Roth IRA in his or her name?

Courtesy of Article Resource Association, www.aracopy.com