By Steven Rothberg

It's that time of the year again. Time to break out the wallet and load up on school supplies, text books, pens, paper, and other, ahem, "necessities." Because it is better to give than to receive, I suggest that you send a copy of this article to the person in your family with the deepest pockets as there are a lot of great ideas below that would make great gifts, especially if they're going to be purchased for you. In no particular order, we highly recommend the following:

1. A.T. Cross' Company's compact Ion pen fits neatly into the creative, casual workplace and especially in a pocket or purse, or can be clipped onto virtually anything with its innovative, easy-on, easy-off "quick-clip" attachment. The compact Ion can be opened for writing with its one hand open/close feature. I love the soft-touch, ergonomic grip and how the gel ink glides smoothly and colorfully across paper.
2. Want your favorite CD working like new again? Digital Innovations' SkipDoctor MD will save you money and give new life to damaged audio CDs, video game discs, DVDs and other optical discs. I tested the new motorized version on a favorite but scratched CD that was destined for the trash after trying without success to repair it using other products. The SkipDoctor MD quickly fixed it.
3. Perfect items to include in care packages for students heading back to the books are products from the Refresh brand line of artificial tears. Those late nights of studying, cramming and yes, partying can create tired, dry eyes. Refresh from Allergan not only provides relief right away and bathes the eye in varying levels of moisture, but controls their reoccurrence. Refresh is the #1 U.S. selling eye drop and the #1 doctor-recommended brand of artificial tears.
4. Do you love high-tech devices but hate the way they devour power ... and money? Call a truce with a unique back-to-school gift idea from Rayovac: The 1-Hour Charger and high-capacity Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries. The 1-Hour Charger is the market's first one-hour NiMH battery charger for today's high-capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries. In addition, and this was the part that I loved the most, included with every charger is a DC adaptor that plugs right into the car lighter. Whether you're at home or on the road, you'll never run out of fresh batteries again.
5. For those who love M&M candies, and I'll never understand those who don't, you can now indulge with your school colors. What could be a sweeter and more delicious back to school gift than a bag of M&M chocolate candies in maroon and gold, the colors of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers? Those who are not yet Gopher fans can pick from many other color combinations. M&M Colorworks. Mmmmm.
6. If you have a lot of CDs or DVDs, you're undoubtedly frustrated by those annoying jewel cases. They break, take up a lot of room, and make carrying a bunch of CDs or DVDs a nightmare. Targus, a worldwide leader in computer cases, has a complete line of fun and fashionable carrying cases for your CDs and DVDs. Portable cases in every style and vibrant color, these bright and functional CD/DVD cases offer you the ultimate storage solution. I use their 24 CD molded silver colored case and love it. Other sizes and colors and shapes are available.
7. Virtually every student has a computer, and every computer need a good mouse. Contour Design's optical technology mice, the UniMouse and the MiniPRO work on virtually any surface, even your leg. Believe me, I tried it. The UniMouse is sleek and ergonomically shaped. The MiniPRO is great for travelers or students because it comes with a travel case that is formed specifically for proper cord storage and easy transport. Both will make you more productive and your hand happier.
8. While most of us get excited about the back to school season, some dread it because they know that it also means the start of the cold and flu season. Sunbeam's Health at Home Ultrasonic Personal Humidifier is small and great for offices, hotels and dorm rooms. With every back to school season, there is the unfortunate occurrence of cold and flu season. The experts at Sunbeam recommend a humidifier to keep the household dirt and dry air responsible for itchy skin, static electricity, respiratory discomfort and frequent colds in check.
9. If respiratory discomfort isn't your concern but late night snacks are, you'll want to pick up the Sunbeam Hot Shot Water Dispenser. This little guy heats two cups of water instantly and is excellent for making instant soups, foods and drinks. Great for preparing the good, old college staple Ramen Noodles!
10. For students studying calculus or any other advanced math or engineer class, I highly recommend the extreme power in processing speed and 500k of member of the Texas Instruments TI-89 calculator. In a former life, at least it seems that long ago, I relied on my TI. This year's model allows students to customize their unit with applications including Polynomial Root finder, Simultaneous Equation Solver, Symbolic Math Guide and Calculus Tools, as well as download maintenance updates or new software versions from their computer. It even has an organizer application so you can plug in your schedule, classes, to-do lists and addresses. Incredible power at your fingertips.
11. Want to remember your school friends? There may be no better way than with Polaroid. The i-Zone Fortune Film, a new instant film for i-Zone cameras, reveals fortunes, messages or jokes on every picture when pulled from the camera. As the picture develops, the mysterious phrase fades away. As if that weren't cool enough, each picture has a peel-off backing that lets you stick the pictures to whatever you heart desires. For those who love instant pictures but want a stylish camera that is small enough to take with you, I'd recommend the Polaroid mio. Weighing in at only 12 ounces, it takes pictures that are about the size of a business card, which easily fit into a wallet. The motorized camera has a built-in, automatic flash and provides easy, push-button focusing for near or distances photos. Even the photos that I took came out well, so your photos should be great!
12. For average consumers whose photographic desires are digital or motion, the Argus DC-3300 delivers both with features everyone wants at an affordable price. The DC-3300 is a full-featured, 1.3 megapixel camera boasting 32 megabytes of internal member and a 1.5 inch color LCD display, so you can preview pictures before you decide to keep them. But what makes it so awesome is that it is more than just a camera. It is capable of recording up to four hours of audio, allowing you to "caption" your photos with commentary on each shot. If you prefer, you can use the camera to record up to five-minute videos.
13. To help you look your best for all of those photos, American Eagle Outfitters, one of the nation's fastest growing lifestyle and apparel retailers, has introduced American Eagle Color Kits ... their first ever line of color cosmetics ... formulated to appeal to young, active consumers. These are the perfect companion for their Alive Revitalize and Relax collection of bath and body products, which are perfect for students who need to revitalize after a killer exam or relax before the big party. They're also a big hit with wives of guys who write back to school gift idea articles.
14. Speaking of gifts for loved ones, another great idea is jewelry, and what could be better than a modern version of the traditional charm bracelet? Zoppini has introduced a sleek and sexy modular Italian charm bracelet with a stretchable, stainless steel band that consists of functional and interchangeable links. You can pick from over 1,000 linkable charms to help you create a gift that is both unique and sure to be loved. They're most popular among women, with teenagers often trading links amongst each other.
15. Shiseido, the Japanese cosmetics company celebrating 130 years of beauty (that's even more than Sharon Stone can lay claim to), knows that image is important, especially to students. Shiseido makes it easy for students to look their best, with their comprehensive Skincare and Makeup lines. New items this fall include Pureness, a skincare line designed to nurture, balance and correct young skin and skin prone to acne.
16. While that's all fine for women, the guys in the crowd have need that are a bit different. The Clip 'N Trim from the Wahl Clipper Corporation is the first and only product to combine a clipper with a built-in, close-cutting detail trimmer into one compact device. The detail blade allows for trimming that is twice as close as with standard clipper blades. The narrow trimmer blade also makes it easy to use around ears, necks and sideburns. And they have a cool web site.
17. For those who need more help with their grades than with their looks, I highly recommend The Secrets of Getting Better Grades by Brian Marshall. Publish by JIST Publishing, it covers the essential steps proven to get better grades. You'll discover the secrets of how to change your attitude about school; work with your brain, not against it; listen effectively in class and take better notes; learn memory techniques and take tests with confidence; and manage time and your study environment.
18. Although it is important to take care of your studies, it is also important to take care of yourself. To help you do that, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has a sensational College Students' Survival Basket. This basket is smart enough to go to college! It has everything you need to stay clean and organized. With a dozen sturdy plastic hangers, and three heavy-duty utility hooks, you'll be able to keep winter coats and sweaters out of the way until they're needed. There's also a stationary set, in case you get the urge to write home, a first aid kit (hopefully you won't need it!), a complete travel set, a sewing and mending kit, a flashlight, air and room freshener, and, in case you've been told not to bring your laundry home, it also has laundry soap, fabric softener, a box of dryer sheets, and a mesh laundry bag-all neatly packaged in a laundry basket.
19. To hang those hooks, assemble your futon, install an organizer, replace a door-knob or hang bath accessories, you're going to need the right tools. The Skil 2.4 and 3.6 volt articulating screwdrivers boast a four-position handle and a flashlight to offer practicality, convenience and power. Grab one of these rechargeable, versatile and user-friendly screwdrivers. They'll save you a ton of time getting your place set up or fixed, so you can get on with studying or just enjoying yourself.
20. Once your furniture and other necessities are set up to your liking, take some time to decorate your room. Unfortunately, many students can't hang artwork on their walls, unless they don't care about their security deposits. Now there's a unique new product that makes decorating easy to apply (and remove) and sure to generate excitement. Walls My Way by Imperial is self-stick wall art that can turn all of us into instant decorators. There are 12 collections, some of which are spirited contemporary while others are more traditional. Whatever your taste, you (and your landlord) are sure to love Walls My Way.
21. Now that you've got your room set up, perhaps it is time to study. Once you do, you'll quickly discover just how expensive your ink jet printer is to operate. Although the printers are cheap to buy, a typical student uses two to three replacement ink cartridges a year. At $35 per cartridge, that's $70 to $105 in ink! Wouldn't it be great to be able to reduce the amount of ink your printer uses yet maintain its high resolution and quality? Now you can. Developed by Strydent Software, InkSaver allows you to control the amount of ink reduction, from zero percent on term papers to 75 percent on drafts, which can save you money every time you print. The software even includes an estimate of money saved according to amount of ink saved.
22. While ink jet printers are great for term papers, who would have thought that they're also great for listening to music. They are, if you have the AfterBurner Labeling System by Avery, a high-performance CD labeling system from Avery Dennison that you can use to create professional-looking CD/DVD labels and jewel case inserts using your ink jet printer. Now, the CD that you burned can look as good as it sounds.
23. After printing off those term papers or labels, it is time to relax. Perhaps even play some tennis. Prince Tennis has been at the top of the industry for more than 25 years. The trend is sure to continue into 2002 with the addition of the MORE Performance racquet series, a new collection determined to revolutionize the way racquets are constructed and elevate the game with an original patented design that features MORE power, MORE control and MORE comfort. It's the first racquet in history constructed with absolutely no drilling. This unique construction results in a racquet that provides unparalleled power, control and comfort in just the right proportion.
24. If tennis isn't your game, then perhaps you enjoy video games, CD players, or using you MP3 or DVD player. If so, then you've undoubtedly been forced to do so with the cheap, substandard speakers provided by their manufacturers. Finally, finally, there's a solution and is it ever incredible. Altec Lansing, which has won more performance awards than any other brand of computer speaker, has released their Model 221 PC Music amplified speaker system. You'll never, ever want to listen to your games or music in any other way. For an even more intense experience, hook your PC, video game, CD player, MP3 player or DVD player to their Model 5100 PC Gaming & Desktop Theater.
25. Another way to relax is to enjoy the great outdoors. To get your recreation, preservation and exercise in one package, get the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Membership in a Bottle. That's right, a water bottle with everything that you need: your membership card; a temporary identification card; a window decal; and a $10 gift certificate good toward AMC lodging, workshops and books.
26. If your plan is to enjoy the great outdoors or do any other kind of travel, you'll want to simplify airport check-in and security clearance by using the Travelon Identification and Boarding Pass Holder, which allows you to carry all of your travel documents and identification in a small pouch that securely and conveniently hangs around your neck. While you should still wear clean socks in case you need to remove your shoes, this handy Holder should help speed you through the airport.
27. Although the above ideas make it easier for us to get away, most of us still want to keep in touch. While phone calls and emails are important, neither means as much as a handwritten note. Circle Journey books are a great new way to help you keep in touch. Just write back and froth with someone special in a Circle Journey book. As you fill it with stories, ideas, feelings and cool stuff, it becomes a keepsake the lasts forever.
28. All that traveling and writing are sure to result in some hunger pains, and what tastier way to satisfy your hunger than with some freshly baked cookies? If you love cookies decorated with frosting, you'll do cartwheels for those which have been hand decorated by cookie artists at Cookies by Design. If you prefer your cookies or other treats decorated not by frosting but by their packaging, then you'll want to watch your mail for a package from Blooming Cookies & Gifts. They have fantastic bouquets, arrangements and gifts, including the new colorful and innovative Blooming Cookie Flours, which have bright and colorful petals that not only seal in the freshness and quality of the cookies, but also become keepsakes once you've enjoyed the contents.
29. Hopefully those cookies weren't for breakfast this morning, but regardless of what was on the menu when it is time to get out the door you'll want your books, binders and other supplies in a large yet comfortable bag. I can't think of a bag that is better than the new sling bags from Eastsport. They combine performance and substance in a bag that looks good and feels great. The design is truly revolutionary: one padded strap that goes over one shoulder and under the opposite arm, which wisely shifts the weight from your shoulders to your chest, and even compartments for your water bottle and cell phone. Very slick.
30. Of course, the bag isn't terribly necessary if you don't have binders and other supplies to put in it. A revolutionary new loose-leaf binder called the UniKeep was introduced in November 2001, and it has already made a huge impact in the school supply market. It is a fully enclosed, completely injection molded (including the rings) loose-leaf binder. It is durable, stackable, lightweight, archival, cost effective, space efficient, versatile and very user-friendly (it won't pinch your fingers). It will last longer, can often be reused, and is curbside recyclable when no longer needed.
31. For most college students, personal style is a priority when considering supplies. However, for the parents who often foot the bills, practical tools that help students organize for the coming semester get high marks. This fall, Wilson Jones offers a backpack full of products that have the perfect balance of self-expression and organization. These include the new Impact Binder, combining a durable yet sleek grab-and-go design that travels great lengths to keep tab titles always in view to maximize organization, efficiency and personalization with customizable online tab templates. Scratchpad binder tools snap in for quick document storage and pop out to provide a handy, stable surface for taking notes anywhere. And Snap Twin Pocket Folders have snap on and off binder rings to safely house unpunched handouts and assignments. For term papers and multimedia presentations, the new View-tab Presentation Binder is a one-stop solution that combines everything needed to create standout term papers and presentation materials in one efficient, flexible and re-useable package.
32. Of course, other essential binder tools include staplers, a paper punch and clips. Swingline's E-Z Use Stapler combines vivid design and color with smooth contours for an easy, comfortable grip. It is small, lightweight and portable and can even stand on end to help you maximize your desk space. Their School Essentials Binder Set includes a portable paper punch, color bright staples, ToT grip stapler, hot clips and a reusable pouch.