Great Graduation GiftsBy Madelyn MillerFor some people, Graduation ranks up there with birth, death and marriage as the most important moments of your life. It a time marked by transition from student to adult. And finding the perfect gift to mark that achievement can be tough. KEEP LOOKING BACK WHILE YOU GO FORWARD
This is a reasonably priced gift of only $45 (if you are the parent of a graduate, you are probably broke from tuition) that would actually be a nice memento for the graduate so they can look at where they hopefully had the best times of their life (and where all of your money went hoping the investment paid off). You may want one for yourself, too. It's always nice to give yourself a graduation gift even if it's years later. Look for your alma mater here, www.jeffreylance.gottesman.com and click on "College Collages." WRITE IT DOWN RIGHT NOW DESTINATION UNKNOWN’S travel journals are designed from a traveler’s perspective. They incorporate a smart look with numerous features to encourage travel-writing while on the road: two handy sizes; three types of paper for recording travel experiences; pockets for storing mementos; wire binding for easy writing anywhere; and an elastic band to keep it all together. These travel-friendly features offer travelers the flexibility to chronicle their journeys in their own individual way. Whether it's descriptive writing, recordkeeping, sketching, or jotting quick notes, it's all possible. And saving souvenirs along the way enhances the special written memories of a trip. THIS IS NOT A CRUMMY GIFT
Crum Creek Mills has infused simple, wholesome staple foods with the healthful benefits of soy. Nourishing, full of protein and cholesterol free, these snacks let you feel good about balancing your diet while enjoying Crum Creek Mills scrumptious, satisfying food.
LISTEN TO THIS BUT DON’T LET ANYONE ELSE HEAR The Graduate will shout thank you up you him with a The sound reproduction of the earphone in the ETY-COM extends beyond the typical telephone bandwidth, resulting in exceptional clarity. In fact, this headset uses one of Etymotic's earphones designed for use with digital music players. The ETY-COM's noise-canceling microphone is highly directional. It picks up the talker's voice within a narrow range and rejects background noise that comes from outside that range. Clear, two-way conversations are possible even in very high background noise. The user can carry on a quiet conversation in a public place without annoying others. Privacy is maintained. $69 www.etymotic.com) HELP THEM KEEP THEIR BATTERY CHARGED NO MORE EXCUSES LIKE THE DOG ATE MY HOMEWORK OR MY COMPUTER BATTERY DIED. APC Universal Notebook Battery 65Wh. The Universal Notebook
Currently available in North America, it carries an estimated resale price is $149.99 (UPB60). For more information about APC and its other innovative mobile solutions, 800-877-4080 MAY I HAVE YOUR CARD?
If you and the graduate have a sense of humor, consider cards like these.
“I asked for a suitcase at graduation, wasn’t ready for the briefcase” “Studying Hostiles around the Globe” “Passport Testing Specialist” Vista Print offers colorful, creative yet inexpensive business cards. I have chocolate colored cards for my chocolate website www.chocolateatlas.com, green grapes for my food and wine writing on www.travellady.com and so on. You get the cards at www.vistaprint.com 1-800-961-2075 Then you can chose if you’d like to order free business cards or upgrade to premium business cards that start at $19.99 for 250 cards. Still pretty cheap if you don’t want the free ones which have VistaPrint’s logo (very small) on the back. SOMETHING SMALL BUT VERY USEFUL
Cool Little Tools, is a complete collection of high-tech multi-task tools at a low-tech price. The other products in the line include: Cool Little Tools TimeLight (53101) – This convenient keychain features a backlit clock with an additional LED flashlight to help lead the way. It also features a D-ring for convenience and portability. Batteries included. Cool Little Tools Flexible LED Flashlight (53102) – Shock proof and water resistant body, the Flexible LED flashlight features a 360 degree flexible neck and a magnetic clip that creates a miniature hands-free spotlight. It also features a push button on/off switch. Batteries included.
Cool Little Tools 10-in-1 Multi Tool With LED (53104) – This stainless steel multi tool features a Phillips and slotted screwdriver, regular and long nose pliers, a serrated blade, a bottle opener, wire cutters, LED light, and a knife with a keychain holder for portability. Cool Little Tools 12-in-1 Mini Multi Tool (53105) – This stainless steel multi tool features a polished conch handle design. It includes Phillips and small, medium and large slotted screwdrivers, regular and long nose pliers, a bottle opener, wire cutters, can opener, scissors, nail file and a knife. It folds to 2 ½” with the added convenience of a keychain holder for portability. Cool Little Tools Golfer’s Multi Tool (53106) – Take to the green fully prepared with a multi tool designed with golfers in mind. The Golfer’s Multi Tool includes a divot repair fork, slotted and Phillips screwdrivers, a bottle opener, knife, corkscrew and keychain START BY ORGANIZING SOMETHING When I feel overwhelmed, I start loading up my purse with all kinds of things and receipts I might need. Sort of like a nesting bird of a bear planning to hibernate for the winter. I feel safer when I think anything I might need is in my purse. Here is a pretty neat solution.
BETTER THAN A NEW LUNCH BOX
HELP THE GRADUATE STAY CONNECTED The V-Dimension Solar Backpack uses a Light Amplifier Technology enables the backpack to charge your iPod or cell phone in dim room lighting, day or night! While competitors use large, bulky solar panels which can only charge in sunlight, the V-Dimension's small solar panel produces the same amount of power while remaining inconspicuous. And now you’ll never be without music or a fully charged cell phone battery again! The backpack is $120 and since it just came out May 2006 it is unlikely the lucky recipient already has one. The Holds Everything-Goes Anywhere Getaway Tote
The colorful totes boast more than good looks: made from neoprene, the stuff of wetsuits, the totes are also insulated (to protect their contents), durable, machine-washable and extremely lightweight so carrying the big stuff won’t weigh you down. Perfect as a lunch bag, a travel carry-on, or an everyday handbag, the tote’s soft grip handle makes transporting the goods easy and comfortable and the interior pocket ensures easy access to cell phones, wallets, keys or makeup. The definitive new carryall measures 12” in height by 12” in width and lays flat when not in use for easy storage or packing. With an MSRP of $25 the Getaway Tote is available in leaf green, black, cranberry red, grape and khaki at retailers nationwide and online at www.builtny.com. For more information on this and other Built NY products, or for retail locations near you, please visit www.builtny.com. VALUABLE PROTECTION Introduced in late 2005, the Urban Messenger by Targus has an edgy look and feel, with a black exterior and orange highlights, offering the recent graduate a stylish alternative to traditional, uniform notebook cases. Featuring easy access to the notebook compartment, which accommodates screen sizes up to 15.4-inches, the Urban Messenger includes a removable padded slipcase and file section. It also includes pockets to house the accessories and consumer electronics products typically carried in a young professional’s notebook case, including a compartment for an iPod or MP3 Player (complete with headphone port), six-slot CD/DVD sleeve, removable accessory pouch, and key holder. Its ergonomically designed handles and padded, slip-resistant shoulder strap allow for maximum comfort and versatility. $59.99 CALL HOME
HELP THE GRADUATE ATTEND TO PRESSING MATTERS I am not an iron girl. I burned myself while trying to earn a girl scout ironing badge. I have avoided irons ever since by buying a wardrobe almost entirely of knits or “pre wrinkled” fabrics. But I just found an iron that works without having to remove garments from their hanger. Sunbeam® Simple Press™ Iron .This Iron is almost as good as a steamer and costs between $20 to $40. Features New Smart Sense™ Auto Off feature (select models) Drip Free feature eliminates dripping even at low temperatures Vertical Steam to remove wrinkles without having to remove garments from hangers (select models) Self Clean feature for longer lasting steam performance Shot of Steam® feature to remove the most stubborn wrinkles Spray Mist® feature removes creases easily Non-Stick or Stainless Steel Soleplate feature for smooth gliding Retractable Cord feature for easy storage (select models) Extra Long Cord feature for easy ironing anywhere (select models) Storage Stripe feature indicates when it is safe to store iron THE ULTIMATE HOODIE When I was in school, being a hoodie was not a good thing. But times have changed. Seen on campuses everywhere, the hoodie is becoming a wardrobe staple. SeV has taken the ubiquitous hooded sweatshirt to the next level, creating the perfect iPod holder for the young…and young at heart!
Offered in a dark gray, distressed cotton, the youthful, SeV Ultimate Hoodie has 6 pockets, bottle holder, built-in key chain, ZIP-PIPs, a secret pocket and a zippered front with YKK zipper. A large, faded SeV logo is on the back. 866-909-8378 tollfree 208-975-1186 fax GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD HEALTH HELP THE GRADUATE Drink Up and Shape Up With America’s First Single-Serving Blender. The revolutionary ice-crushing, smoothie making, go anywhere blender that makes healthy living more convenient than ever before! Whether you’re an athlete, weight lifter or just trying to stay in control of your diet and health, it’s apparent that more people today are opting to replace high calorie and fattening meals with healthy, nutritious blended drinks and smoothies. Although juice and smoothie retail outlets are becoming more prominent, their all-natural offerings are often costly, and there’s always some doubt about just how fresh, organic, and low fat their ingredients are. Introducing the Personal Blenderâ, the most versatile, portable and remarkably convenient way to make nutritious liquid blended meals your own way, in your own cup, and in less than a minute….drink up!
“The best part is that you drink right out of the single-serving cup, so there’s no mess to clean up and no cumbersome pitcher to wash”, says Tribest Corp. President, Jae Choi. “What’s more, the Personal Blender comes with two single-serving cups, so you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious smoothie or protein drink just the way you want it, while making a different recipe for a friend of family member in their own cup without the extra cleaning step in between. Once you’ve finished your blended drink, all you have to clean is the blending cup and the blade attachment.” For added convenience, each cup comes with its own lid for easy storage or for on-the-go transporting. The Personal Blender does everything a bigger blender can do, only faster and without the added mess and cleanup. In addition to blending just about any variety of fruit or vegetable, the high-powered 200-watt motor easily blends ice and frozen fruits. It’s also perfect for making sauces, salsa, sorbets, soups and baby food. And with the stainless steel grinding blade that comes with the PB-200 model, grinding dry ingredients such as coffee beans, nuts, grains, herbs and even feisty flax sees is a snap. Designed for maximum convenience, The Personal Blender’s less than 5” diameter base offers a significant space-saving advantage. And its lightweight, elegant profile lets you move it around the kitchen with ease, or grip and lift it like a martini shaker for extra ingredient agitation. And unlike the big, heavy containers of ordinary blenders, the Personal Blender’s single serving cups fit easily and conveniently in the refrigerator and are made of virtually unbreakable, stain- and odor-resistant polycarbonate, the same material used for making bullet-proof windows and barriers. . There are two Personal Blenders to choose from, the Blender Package (PB-100), or the Blender & Grinder Duo Combination (PB-200). Although both models have a powerful 200 watt motor, the PB-100 comes with two 16oz single serving cups with lids and blender blade attachment while the PB-200 includes two 16oz and two 8oz single serving cups, a blending blade attachment and an additional 2- pronged grinding blade for grinding coffee beans, nuts, seeds and more. Both models come with an easy to read instruction manual and more than 30 recipe suggestions. For extra on-the-go convenience, commuter sipping lids and a handsome carrying protective case that can hold the entire Personal Blender Set are also available. The model PB-100 has a MSRP of $59.99 and Model PB-200 has a MSRP of $79.99. Both models are available at www.personalblender.com or call 888-254-7336. For additional information about the Personal Blender, optional accessories and other fine healthy lifestyle products from Tribest Corp. visit www.personalblender.com or call 888-254-7336. GIVE THE GRADUATE A BUTLER..OR AT LEAST A BUTLER BAG
HELP THE GRAD MAKE A MILLION From Broke Grad to Multimillionaire: You (Yes, You) Can Get There Faster Than You Ever Dreamed . . . But You've Got to Start Now. You've just graduated college and you'd like to be wealthy someday. Of course you would. Problem is, you have no clue how to make it happen. First, you're broke and drowning in student loans. Second, no matter what the "experts" might say, it feels like there are tons of fellow grads fighting over a handful of jobs. Third, though you don't mind hard work, you don't want wealth to come at the expense of a social life, a family, and the chance to do some good in the world. Should you give up the dream and content yourself with an average life?
"You will probably have to split an apartment, but living with other people can be a great experience," writes Masterson. "You don't need to spend $1,000 on rent right now. Pay yourself first. That's the secret."
Throughout your career, practice Masterson's secret to success in business and in life. In every relationship you get into-every business, social, or personal transaction-make sure the other person gets as much benefit from it as you do. When considering your own advantages and disadvantages in taking any course of action, consider those of everyone else involved, too. "New grads can be fear-driven and insecure, and that can lead them to take a looking-out-for-Number-One approach in business and life," notes Masterson. "This can be true at any age, but when you're young and facing what seems like a cold, cruel world, it can be especially tempting to focus on taking rather than giving. But believe me, when you take the initiative to do things right, everything will turn out better: business, relationships, and your sense of personal satisfaction will skyrocket." Madelyn Miller is a writer and web entrepreneur who writes for www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, and www.cocktailatlas.com. She has several more websites planned. |
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Every graduate has times when they think back to the good old college days. Photographer Jeffrey Lance captures those magic moments in artistic collages made from his original of memorable locations from various schools. Choose your own images from a large selection from each campus. 
If you used to send care packages to your graduate, they may be moving on, but they will probably still appreciate snacks. Especially healthy snacks
Delicious, all-natural, organic snack mixes come in convenient single-serve
Battery 65Wh is a lightweight portable notebook battery that provides up to six hours of additional runtime, depending on a computer's size and configurations. It is easy to set up, with a voltage selector switch and LEDs that indicate remaining power capacity. It is ideal for long business trips or charging the battery of a notebook when AC power is not available.
Personal business cards for the graduate entering the work force or going out on the road. Either way they’ll be meeting people they won’t want to forget so make a lasting first impression with a personal business card. Graduates can give themselves creative titles like “Future Airline Pilot” and “Aspiring Journalist” or “Lawyer to Be”.
“Study Abroad Junkie”
The Cool little Tools Booklight is a great travel item for everyone, especially adults on the go. The Cool Little Tools Booklight (53100) is ideal for reading on the go because it clips directly onto reading materials. Great for late-night reading in the car, train or plane, the Booklight features a spring loaded mechanism that automatically flips open. It is equipped with an LED bulb for longer runtime that can be turned on with the push of a button.
Cool Little Tools Flashing LED Pen (53103) – Write down those brilliant late night ideas and/or thoughts with a lighted ball point pen that is designed with three lighting settings including slow flash, fast flash and steady light. It features an LED light and a D-ring holder for added convenience. Batteries included. 
The Designer Handbag Liner is a great graduation gift. It comes in three sizes and fits inside any type of bag and holds all of the essentials that usually end up getting lost when just placed in directly. Its interior is lined with elasticized pockets to keep one's belongings secure and it has a key loop, a place for a pen, cell phone, checkbook, wallet, directory, etc. It is perfect for a traveler since she can throw it in her carry on and avoid bringing a handbag. It also has a built-in cosmetic case and the exterior has pockets for a driver's license or . It can easily be transferred between multiple handbags in a matter of seconds and can double as a clutch bag.
How about a stylish handbag with a hidden cooler compartment to keep lunch cold? It's great for avoiding the always gross office-fridge for those who bring their own food for lunch, keeping cold water handy all day, or bringing an in-flight meal with you on that business trip - with plenty of room and pockets leftover for the career-minded woman's day-to-day necessities including cell phone, files, makeup, date book, and more. It was invented/designed by a recent grad-school graduate (now a social worker in Los Angeles) who was looking for a better way to carry her personal, work, and lunch items all at once in a single bag while still looking stylish
Built NY combines high fashion and low maintenance in its The Getaway Tote – the perfect all-purpose tote designed to carry life’s little necessities.
IOGEAR’s USB VoIP Skype Kit hooks up to a student’s laptop or PC and transforms their computer into a VoIP phone system. New grads can now talk to family and friends free with the Skype service, while making their user experience more pleasant with this kit. 
The compact size of the device reduces clutter, which is essential for dorm life. The added USB 2.0 hub functionality features six USB ports, which gives students greater access to computer peripherals, such as scanners and mice. 
The SeV Ultimate Hoodie features the patented 
The Personal Blender from Tribest Corp., a leading designer of high-quality small appliances for healthy lifestyles, is an amazing, all-in-one, durable, and ultra-powerful blender that allows you to make blended smoothies, protein drinks and other scrumptious delights without the hassle of having to stop and clean a bulky blending container every time you switch recipes. Just add your ingredients in one of the Personal Blender’s dishwasher-safe single-serving cups, screw on the stainless steel blade attachment, turn it over, and set it into the base. To blend, gently press down on the top of the cup for a quick blend or press and twist to blend continuously. Simply remove the single-serving cup from the base, turn it over, unscrew the blade attachment, and serve. The whole blending process takes less than a minute.
Graduates deserve products with a high level of functionality, but do they really have to sacrifice style? Not with the Butler Bag. This remarkably well designed bag has sections inside that literally force you to be organized. It has a perfect place for a cell phone, blackberry, cosmetics, camera and whatever else you would to carry. Almost as good as having an extra pair of hands that knows exactly where everything is. This is one of those kinds of products that makes it fun to get organized.