College graduation is fraught with excitement, anticipation, exhilaration...and sometimes trepidation. The moment can be celebrated by looking forward, looking back, or anticipating needs for the real world transition. Take advantage of these tips on How to Choose College Graduation Gifts.

College graduation is fraught with excitement, anticipation, exhilaration...and sometimes trepidation. The moment can be celebrated by looking forward, looking back, or anticipating needs for the real world transition. Take advantage of these tips on how to choose college graduation gifts.

• Graduating from college represents a step -- if not an outright leap -- into the 'real world' of adulthood -- setting up your first home, taking your first real job, and starting your adult life. For some, it is a scary moment, for others, an exhilarating time when they can finally cast off their parents' strictures and embrace their own values.

• Gift choices for college graduates are remarkably broad. They may celebrate, commemorate, or honor future dreams.

• Following are suggestions to spur quality choices:

• Is he

1. Starting a job right away?
2. Heading to graduate school?
3. Taking time off to travel?
4. Moving back home to figure it all out?

• It may be a delicate question, especially in a dicey economy, but the more you know about his immediate plans, the more informed your choice will be.

Once you have a handle on where your grad is headed, it will be easier to choose from among the following approaches:

(Creative Commons photo by Allan Chatto)

• Your young friend may be heading to a job at a bank. But if you know her interests really lie in filmmaking, she'll be thrilled with a gift that reminds her of her dreams. Consider

1. A book.
2. A CD.
3. A course to further her dreams.

• You'll score plenty of points -- and generate gratitude -- for honoring her true passions.

1. Gifts to honor the college experience may include alumni memorabilia, such as

2. Apparel

3. Class ring, or other jewelry

4. School chair

5. Quality frame for diploma

• Here are some ideas:

1. Briefcase
2. Personalized pen or desk accessory
3. PDA
4. Laptop computer
5. Book or magazine subscription about chosen career

1. Cash is almost always appreciated, even if your grad will soon be flush with it. Other practical gift ideas abound:

2. Cookware

3. Cutlery

4. Dinnerware

5. Table linens

6. Bed linens

7. Book or magazine subscription geared toward personal finance

• On that first job salary, luxuries the grad may have taken for granted might prove to be out of reach. Think about giving one of the following:

1. Theater subscription
2. Club or gym membership
3. Travel vouchers
4. Gift cards to favorite stores, spas, or salons

• College graduation is a heady time, no doubt, but most grads will appreciate a well-thought-out gift. Whether it be commemorative, practical, or geared toward luxury, you'll derive great satisfaction from the simple act of giving.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Find Out About Next Steps
• Step 2: Honor Life Goals
• Step 3: Commemorate the College Experience
• Step 4: Celebrate the Step Forward
• Step 5: Celebrate the First Home
• Step 6: Provide Luxury Items
• Conclusion