The grad scheme of things Practical, thoughtful gifts for high school, college graduates abound without steep prices

You’d think the pomp and circumstance, the caps and gowns, the diplomas and hourlong speeches would be enough.

But no. Grads want gifts, too.

And who could blame them? For high school grads, this is a time to celebrate the end of 13 years of schooling (not counting nursery school). For college grads, it’s the culmination of four (or six, or eight) years of rigorous studies, thousands of dollars and a truckload of textbooks they tried – but failed – to return for cash.

Speaking of which, in an informal poll of recent graduates, cash topped the list of desired gifts. Trips (Europe, Hawaii, Ibiza) were a close second, followed by cars (jeez – kids today). But what if you want to give cash and something a little more personal? And what happens if you’re on a limited budget?

Easy. You improvise.

If your high school senior is headed off to college, you could get him something practical for his dorm room, such as a microwave oven, a minifridge, even a lap desk (Planet Toys in Rockland has cool lap desks for under $30). Because this is such a time of transition, a journal and fountain pen would make a lovely gift – try G.F. MacGregor in Rockland for journals by Lotta Jansdotter. Pens abound, but the most gift-worthy I’ve found are from Crane’s Fine Stationery at www.crane.com. It may not seem like much at first, but 10 years from now, your grad will treasure the memories.

Paper gifts are always sweet. A stationery set, pre-stamped, will allow a college freshman to keep in touch on the cheap – without using up all of mom and dad’s cell phone minutes. I like the correspondence sets by Angela Adams ($7.95 at G.F. MacGregor and The Store-Ampersand in Orono). For a college grad, stationery sets by Crane’s are an elegant upgrade – a range of styles is available at Beal’s Jewelry in Ellsworth, or you can order personalized sets online at www.crane.com.

Books are the perfect gift for grads of any age. For high school graduation, Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places You’ll Go” is a classic. For college grads, the options are endless, especially if they’re setting off on their own for the first time. “Joy of Cooking” has bailed many a novice out of a dinner disaster, while “Home Comforts” will tell your grad everything he or she needs to know about keeping house – from removing nasty wine stains to cleaning grungy carpets. New on the scene but full of essential personal finance knowledge (you know, the kind you don’t learn in school) is Suze Orman’s “Money Book for the Young, Fabulous and Broke.” I wish it had been published when I graduated college. Instead, I got older, stayed fabulous and became more broke.

I’m a sucker for jewelry. One of the more memorable gifts from my high school graduation was a gold Claddagh ring from my aunt and uncle. It’s a reminder of that day, but also of my heritage. Some of my friends received charm bracelets, which serve as a wearable collection of memories. Try a traditional jewelry store (I like the selection at Beals in Ellsworth) or, for something unique, make a photo charm – you choose a favorite photo, and have a jeweler work it into a charm. I’ve seen many versions of photographic jewelry, but the nicest I’ve found is online at Image Under Glass Studio, http://iugstudio.com. I also love the engraveable silver necklaces at www.redenvelope.com.

For college grads on the career track, a classic briefcase or portfolio will be useful and appreciated for years to come. For sporty styles, visit L.L. Bean. For leather, Wilson’s can’t be beat. Staples also has a decent selection. One of the best gifts I ever received was a leather-bound Scully planner (visit www.scullyplanner.com for stores – mine cost around $100). I use it every day, and I’d be lost without it. Seriously lost.

Is your daughter off to Boston to be a banker? You could splurge on a satellite radio system for her commute. Not in your budget? Start her day off right with a Dunkin’ Donuts gift card. Add a stylish travel mug and a Coffee Break notepad ($5 at The Black Parrot in Rockland) and you’ve got a gift pack. Given the price of gas these days, a gift card to any major filling station will be a godsend. And if suits and ties are on the horizon for your college grad, give him a gift card to Filene’s, Brooks Brothers or Macy’s – he’ll thank you for it.

Of course, you could be like my mom and throw in a box of thank-you notes with your grad’s gift. That way, she has

no excuse not to thank you for it.

We have a winner!

Congratulations to Kathi Lana of Hermon, winner of the ShopGirl May Giveaway. This month’s prize is a cleaning set by Swell from Target, a $33 value. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest – nearly 300 people sent entry forms. Next month’s contest will be announced on June 11. Happy shopping!

What not to wear

You know the type: puffy bangs, pinch-rolled jeans, big shoulder pads. If you or one of your friends is stuck in the ’80s – or worse, stuck in clothing that neither fits nor flatters – nominate her for “What Not to Wear.” The popular BBC and TLC series will soon visit Portland and Kennebunkport, and organizers are looking for career women who need wardrobe help. For more information, visit http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/whatnottowear/whatnottowear.html and click on “nominate a friend.”

ShopGirl would love to hear from you! Send questions, comments or suggestions by e-mail to: kandresen@bangordailynews.net, by U.S. mail to: Kristen Andresen, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402-1329, or by fax to: 941-9476. Tune in to ShopGirl at 5 p.m. Fridays on WLBZ-2.

“Home Comforts,” $35 at bookstores

Lotta Jansdotter journal, $12.95 at G.F. MacGregor in Rockland

Lulu Mix & Match Stationery by Angela Adams, $7.95 at G.F. MacGregor in Rockland

Ink pen set, $14 at Black Parrot in Rockland

Dunkin’ Donuts rechargeable gift card, amounts vary, available at dunkindonuts.com or at select Dunkin’ Donuts stores

Engraved sterling silver pendant, $35, www.redenvelope.com