Dayton Daily News from Dayton, Ohio • 57

DAYTON DAILY NEWS SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2010 D5 Grad gifts bypass cash for cachet By Wendy Donahue McClatchy News Service Cash gifts are a no-brain er for college graduates. But Derek Blasberg, the 28- year-old author of the new book Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern (Razorbill, $16.99) warns recipients may not in the manner intended. before they know it (and probably before they write a thank-you note, tsk tsk), that money will be he wrote in an email. think about buying this person a stock, or at the very least writing a check, so it immediately turn into a tip for the cute Cash also look particularly imaginative, Blasberg says. Instead, he suggests more personal gifts.

Here are some options: Luggage: Grads heading on an international tour probably will need more than a tote. LeSportsac is lightweight, with colors that will stand out from the pack. 21-inch carry-on, $180 at bloomingdales.com and lesportsac.com For daily schlepping of an iPad around the School of Hard Knocks, ColcaSac has created a sleeve padded to protect it from dents, drops and other mishaps. ColcaSac uses natural fabrics in earthy col ors, on the premise that they might be less likely to attract eyes. $35.95 at colcasac.com Dorm life: The Web site dormco.com stocks necessities and luxuries for dorm life, such as the mini-futon, which serves as seating or a mini-bed for visitors Another option, the Sidekick Saddlebag Organizer ($9.73) hangs between mattresses, with pockets for remote control, phone, water bottle, pens and tissues.

For a whimsical touch, headboard wall decals by Mina Javid ($40 to $70 at whatisblik.com) will give a twin bed some personality, without clutter or overcommitment the stickers will peel off when she moves out. Self-knowledge: easy to lose self in life after high school; give your grad a daily reminder. Pickled Tink lets you choose initials or words in vibrant shades of handmade matte paper on charm bracelets or silver necklaces. A necklace with two charms is $52. A bracelet with six charms is $116.

See For a lifelong memento, a sterling silver Tiffany bracelet ($145 at tiffany.com) can start with a Class of round lock charm ($150 in sterling silver); she can gather others for each successive success. Correspondence course: need stationery for those thank-you notes. Lend a hand, and have fun doing it at Pose. Prints.com, where you can create a lookalike image of your favorite grad from a range of facial features and accessories (which include mortar boards) and backdrops that include preppy polka dots, skylines and a martini glass (not recommended; just $2 each; minimum of 15 cards; turnaround in three to business days. Introduce them to the archaic pleasure of writing with a tool other than their thumbs.

The Faber- Castell E-Motion Crocodile barrel is made of resin engraved with an ivory crocodile pattern. $70 at Faber- Castell.us. An iPad sleeve by ColcaSac. Jewelry from Pickled- Tink.com The Class of 2010 looks back at high school and looks ahead to a new start. Our special section will include helpful tips and information for graduates as they prepare for the next chapter in life, plus photos of area seniors and a list of the top students.

Coming Sunday, May 30, inside The Dayton Daily News. ONLINE: View photos of the top students, valedictorians and salutatorians, and if a graduate, share photos from throughout your senior year at school at DaytonDailyNews.com/ Saluting the Class of 2010 Occasion Hall Occasion CHAPEL IN THE WOODS The perfect setting for small weddings and events 4107 E. St. Rt. 73 Waynesville, OH 513-897-5505 www.secretgardenwaynesville.com Banquet Hall at the Warren County History Center 121 S.

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