By Steven Rothberg

Well, it is that time of the year again. Graduation season. Time to figure out what presents to buy your loved ones and what hints to drop to them so they'll know what is on your wish list. Haven't given it much thought yet? We have. In no particular order, here are some great ideas:

1. When you graduate, it is time for some upscale kitchen appliances. The Oster In2itive Blender/Food Processor is a computerized blender/food processor with a brain. It comes pre-programmed with 40 recipes from salsa to smoothies. All you have to do is add the ingredients listed on the In2itive's LCD screen, shut the lid and the blender does the rest. It knows exactly what cycle length and speed are necessary to produce perfect results. http://www.sunbeam.com
2. An attachment to the In2itive blender, the Oster In2itive Blend-n-Go allows you to blend directly into a travel cup that you can grab right from the blender base and walk out the door with. Eliminates messy clean up and saves time. Great for the grad rushing off to their new job. http://www.sunbeam.com
3. On those mornings when you feel like having a croissant, roll, pastry, bagel or toast, you'll be thrilled to have the Rowenta Brunch toaster and kettle. They are smartly designed, offering a unique combination of poetry in form and simplicity in function. Rowenta toasters offer an integrated warming platform for reheating breads and pastries, a uniquely shaped toasting chamber for quicker, more even heating, and many other unrivaled functions. Rowenta cordless electric kettles brew faster than a microwave, are safer to use because they have no hot metal parts or exposed heat sources, and provide one-of-a-kind features, like a stainless steel heating element that prevents scale build-up. http://www.rowentausa.com
4. For years, people have recognized that no home can be complete with Tupperware. Now, Tupperware has moved beyond just food containers and into corkscrews, travel mugs, spatulas, dishware, professional quality knives and gadgets. Tupperware's products are current in both styles and colors and almost all have a lifetime guarantee, which assures that you'll enjoy them for years to come. http://www.tupperware.com
5. Entering corporate American can be stressful...and its been proven that heat is a great way to ease tight muscles and soreness (a definite side effect of stress). Sunbeam, the brand that invented the heating pad, has introduced fashionable, easy-to-use heating pads in a variety of colors and patterns. All models of Sunbeam Health at Home Heating Pads feature extra padding for enhanced comfort, soothing dry heat that provides warmth to muscles and a moistened anti-microbial sponge that offers deep penetrating heat for injuries, sore muscles and joints. http://www.sunbeam.com
6. Burnes of Boston has a wide range of instant home decorating solutions that are ideal for young adults who want to display their photos in their first homes. Choose from hundreds of frames by lifestyle that fit into your existing decor, beautiful photo albums, photo frames to decorate the walls of your new home, and finely crafted, solid wood frame ledges on which you can display cherished photos, artwork and other small collectibles. http://www.burnesofboston.com
7. If custom framing is more appropriate, then you'll love Deck The Walls, North America's premier store for art, custom framing and wall décor. Located primarily in shopping malls, each store offers a large selection of art and custom frame options, plus unique framing systems. They have the selection to suit your personality, your décor and your budget. They have a friendly, inviting, creative atmosphere that you will enjoy. http://www.deckthewalls.com
8. Of course, while hanging those great pictures and setting up your new home, you're going to need some great tools. Leatherman Tool Group's Juice S2 is awesome. Forget about having to fill a toolbox. The flame orange colored S2 sports pliers, wire cutters, four screwdrivers and specially serrated scissors, along with a can/bottle opener and a lanyard attachment. http://www.leatherman.com
9. After graduation, you'll find that it will be harder to stay in touch with those who have made such a difference in your life. 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 forth with someone special in a Circle Journey book. As you fill it with stories, ideas, feelings and cool stuff, it becomes a keepsake that lasts forever. http://www.circlejourney.com
10. If instant communications are necessary, then a great option is text messaging through AT&T Wireless phones. Now, through a partnership between AT&T Wireless and FOX Broadcasting, you can even watch "American Idol" on your TV and give the "thumbs up" to your favorite rising superstar using text messaging. Already big in Europe and Japan, text messaging and text voting are poised to become a hit in the States too. http://www.attwireless.com
11. Another treat available to users of AT&T Wireless phones is the ability to download ring tones and graphics for their phones. Give your phone a new sound and look. Show off your personality. http://www.attwireless.com
12. Web cameras are another great way to remain in close contact with family and friends. The Logitech QuickCam enables you to capture premium videos and still images on your PC. They also come with free video instant messaging software that works with the AOL, MSN and Yahoo instant messaging systems so you can even add live video to your text messages! http://www.logitech.com
13. As great as web cameras can be, to make full use of your computer you need great software. Three great software packages from Microsoft are perfect for new graduates. Works Suite 2003 is a 6-in-1 home productivity solution. You get Works, Word, Money 2003, Encarta 2003 Standard, Picture It! Photo, and Street & Tips, all for less than the price of buying Word alone. This is an awesome product to stay organized and keep track of things after graduation, including student loan payments, investments and employment materials. http://www.microsoft.com
14. If Encarta 2003 Standard isn't enough, then there's always Encarta Reference Library 2003, the most complete digital reference suite available. You get Encarta Encyclopedia Deluxe, Encarta Interactive World Atlas, Encarta World English Dictionary, Thesaurus, Book of Quotations, and Research and Learning Tools. Also included are almost 70,000 articles, 400 videos and animations, 3-D Virtual Tours and Virtual Flights, all of which are available as a five CD set, or on a single DVD-ROM. Just because you graduate, doesn't mean you have to stop learning. http://www.microsoft.com
15. Those who love digital imaging will love Picture It! Digital Image Pro 7.0, which is the latest in consumer digital imaging software. It incorporates advanced image-editing features with an easy one-touch interface. This software will make all your images look great. Comes with over 150 effects, over 3,000 project templates, and makes organizing and sharing your photos online a snap. http://www.microsoft.com
16. If you're one of those who think of Microsoft only as a maker of great software, you need to check out their hardware! Microsoft Hardware offers several options of mice and keyboards to give grads stylish and comfortable computing. To help keep your new home neat, you're going to want to keep your desk clutter free. A great way of doing so is with Wireless Optical Desktop, which comes complete with a wireless mouse and keyboard in a sophisticated black and silver finish. You'll be able to sit back and compute without getting tangled in cables and the optical mouse technology eliminates the need for a mouse pad and allows you to use your mouse on almost any surface, even your pants! With the keyboard multimedia center and Hot Keys, you can launch email, control streaming video or turn up the volume all at the touch of a button. http://www.microsoft.com
17. If a new computer is on your wish list but you're dreading the prospect of moving your programs and data files from your old machine to your new one, relax. PC Relocator UltraControl eliminates the time-consuming hassle of manually migrating to your next PC, while giving you complete control and increased speed during the process. You decide which programs to move and which preferences. You choose which files you want delivered to your new machine. Simply plug the two PCs together with the provided USB cable or use your network and you're ready to relocate. Best of all, you don't have to worry whether you still have the original installation disks for your programs! http://www.eisenworld.com
18. If you like electronics but are more into music, then you'll want to put the SlimX 500 from iRiver America on your list. It offers you the ultimate listening experience and comes packed with premium accessories! Whether you decide to take hundreds of songs with you on a single CD, play the CDs you already own, or tune into your favorite radio station, the SlimX 400 delivers all your music in style. http://www.iriveramerica.com
19. The transition from college to the working world can seem rough and very confusing. To help you make that leap, pick up a copy of the Princeton Review's book, "Why Won't the Landlord Take Visa?" It's full of practical tips for starting life after college graduation, from finding an apartment, job and love life, to setting up a bank account, utility account, and other practical advice. http://www.randomhouse.com/princetonreview
20. Another transition that can be difficult for graduates is that from being a student to a job seeker. With today's difficult labor market, it is imperative that graduates do everything they can to stand out among the competition. A great way to do that is to brush up on your conversational skills. Candidates with comparable resumes will be compared based on the comfort level developed with the interviewer. The candidate who can best start a conversation, keep it going, build rapport and leave a positive impression will develop a better comfort level with the interviewer. If you want that candidate to be you, then you'll want to read Debra Fine's "The Fine Art of Small Talk." http://www.debrafine.com
21. If you decide to read that great book in bed, you'll love the LightWedge. Imagine a pane of bright, even light illuminating only the page you are reading. That's the LightWedge. No glare, no stray light to disturb others. Just rest it on the page and read. Now, imagine what you could do with a light like that. http://www.lightwedge.com
22. If you're looking for something brighter, how about the indoor/outdoor VEC369S Rechargeable Table Lamp. Incredibly, it is weather resistant and completely portable. Made by Vector Manufacturing, you'll love the brushed stainless steel finish, quartz halogen light and up to eight hours of continuous use from the rechargeable battery. http://www.vectormfg.com
23. For those on the go, the VEC224 Mini Fridge cools up to 40 degrees Fahrenheit below ambient temperature and also heats up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It is big enough to hold eight soda cans but is compact and lightweight so it can easily rest on a vehicle seat or floor for easy access. Ideal for your office desk, hotel, bedside, dorm room, picnics, tailgate parties or the beach. http://www.vectormfg.com
24. For those hard to buy people, conventional wisdom has been to buy them a gift certificate and let them choose. Well, how about a SuperCertificate? Now available from GiftCertificates.com, SuperCertificates are gift certificates that are redeemable online or by phone for original gift certificates to hundreds of popular stores, airlines, hotels, theaters, and restaurants. Whether your recipient receives a physical SuperCertificate or one delivered by email, they'll get to pick their favorite gift certificates from popular merchants such as J.Crew, Macy's, Barnes & Noble, Sam Goody, Starbucks, Bloomingdale's, and many more! http://www.giftcertificates.com
25. For more than 150 years, A.T. Cross Company has been recognized worldwide for the exceptional craftsmanship of its products. Cross has developed a new line of accessories, created to complement its core business of quality writing instruments. Sophisticated yet functional, these products are designed to help those who are looking for a distinctive way of enhancing their professional image. The new products include PDA cases, pen/accessory case, business card case, pad portfolios, day planner and stationery gift set. All have fluid lines to represent the essence of today's high-speed generation, are themed in silver and black and covered in a dense black microfiber with an ultra tight nylon weave for durability. Pure satin-finished aluminum accents each item in a sleek, elegant shape, and the surfaces are anodized. Polycarbonate inner liners and integrated hinges guarantee fluid opening and closing, also providing rigidity and torsional strength. http://www.cross.com
26. Whether you're interviewing or just trying to stay organized, the AT-A-GLANCE Weekly Classic Professional Appointment Book has an incredibly professional look, while giving you the most in day-to-day organizing. It combines a weekly planner with quarter-hourly appointments and an executive padfolio with storage pockets, a window for reference information, silk ribbon page marker, business card holders, pockets for disks or notes, telephone/address book, pen loops and more. http://www.ataglance.com
27. Of course, carrying a great looking appointment book with you won't make you look professional if your clothes are horribly wrinkled. To the rescue is the Rowenta Powerglide 2, a lightweight iron that outperforms everything in its class. Exceptional steam output and a self clean system that flushes out minerals, ensuring optimal steam performance. It is self-cleaning, has variable steam controls, cool spray mist for stubborn wrinkles, vertical steam for hanging garments and drapes, burst of steam for difficult fabrics, a large transparent water tank, and a 3-way automatic shut-off so you'll never have to worry about leaving the iron on again. http://www.rowentausa.com
28. At the end of a long day, a nice treat is to watch a great movie on DVD, but an even nicer treat is not having to drive to the video store to rent one. With Netflex, the world's largest online DVD rental site, you can choose from all the latest movie releases and a growing library of nearly 15,000 titles from which to select and they're delivered to your door! Rent all the movies you want with no due dates and no late fees. DVDs are mailed directly to your home and, when you are finished viewing them, you simply return each DVD in the prepaid envelope it came in. As soon as a DVD is returned to Netflix, they automatically send you the next available movie from the list of movies you have selected. http://www.netflix.com
29. What's that? You don't have a DVD player yet? The CyberHome CH-DVD 300 has all the latest features and, at $69.99, you'll love the price. Enjoy DVDs, video CDs, MP3 files and JPG picture slideshows. And it's compatible with the latest disc formats, including CD-R/RW, DVD-R/RW and DV+R/RW. Advanced playback functions include zoom, slow motion, multi-angel, program play, video segment bookmarking and multi-speed fast forward and rewind. http://www.cyberhome.com
30. One of the best places to shop for any type of home furnishings is Pier 1 Imports. They offer and incredible variety of distinct, casual home furnishings at a good value. Their ever-changing collections are presented in a sensory environment that make it fun to shop for your home. Pier 1 operates more than 1,000 stores in 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom, so chances are there is a location very close to your home. Pier 1 buyers develop and import merchandise from more than 50 countries around the world. They apply their sense of style to create and select new merchandise. They also work with designers abroad and with the Pier 1 Product Development team. As much as 65 percent of Pier 1’s merchandise assortment includes new product introductions each year. If you’re looking for frames, candles, colored bottles, book ends, lighting, plates, throw pillows or anything else for your home, you need to visit your local Pier 1 store. http://www.pier1.com

-- Steven Rothberg, President and Founder, CollegeRecruiter.com