It might seem early in the year to think of it, but high school and college graduations are just around the corner. In these strained economic times, it’s not a bad idea to think this far ahead to ensure a nice gift for your child (or some one else’s.) My parents were practical people, so for my both my sisters’ graduation gifts, they received luggage. However, I was not a practical child, so instead of luggage, I asked that my parents pay off what I owed them for my horse (yes, you heard me right, my giddy-up, four-legged friend, Dallas.)

Of course that was 20+ something years ago (between the three of us) so I thought I’d throw out a few ideas for the modern era.

Spoil ‘Em!

A trip (my parents also paid for me to visit my sister on the other side of the country)

A car A laptop (convenient if they are going off to college, or embarking on a new career)

Furniture (also good for going off to college or starting off on their own) A year’s worth of gas A set of luggage

Need some mid-priced ideas?

Appliances such as microwaves or toaster ovens

Engraved gold or silver jewelry

Camera or Camcorder Computer accessories such as an all-in-one printer/scanner/fax machine

An IPOD (if they don’t already have one)

A new cell phone complete with a one-year plan

Linens and towel sets

A new TV

One piece of nice luggage

Naw, I’m cheap!

Phone card

Photo-montage of high school or college memories

Photo album or scrapbook of family memories

Briefcase

Clothing gift card

Crock-pot

A two or three month membership to their favorite game site, such as World of Warcraft, or movie site, such as Netflix or Blockbuster

Music or bookstore gift card

Itunes gift card

Happy Graduation gift shopping, y’all!