A Gift for the Graduate

Don't rack your brain trying to find that perfect gift for your soon-to-be graduate.

Leave it to the pros.

Graduation gifts don't have to break the bank or require too much planning ahead. Experts say they should be practical, somewhat personalized or able to withstand the rough and tumble world of college life.

Even if your son or daughter isn't leaving the nest come the fall semester, give them a small taste of the necessities they won't be able to live without once they do go off on their own.

Maybe a brand new car is a graduate's dream come true, but for many who won't be rolling off to school on a fresh set of wheels, it's the little things that will go even further.

La Plaza Mall in McAllen offers a few suggestions for all types of personalities.

For the hard-to-buy-for graduate:

•·         Prepaid Simon Visa Gift card - Graduates will enjoy purchasing items at all Simon shopping centers and anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.  Gift cards are available for purchase in increments of $20 to $500 at the Simon Guest Services Booth or online at www.simon.com.

•·         Great American Cookies - Cakes, cupcakes, party trays and tins are a perfect addition to any graduation party.

For the trendsetter graduate:

•·         Sunglass Hut's Designer Sunglasses - Women's white sunglasses are all the rage for summer 2008.  Sunglass Hut offers classic, sport and fashion styles from Oakley, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Versace and Ray Ban.

•·         PacSun - Send your back-packing graduate off in style.  PacSun offers casual apparel, shoes and accessories from designer brands such as Roxy, Hurley, Billabong, Tilt, Lilu, O'Neill, Element, Volcom, and many more suitable summer-wear options.

•·         Hot Topic - What a better way to keep your mind on your studies and less off your wardrobe than filling your closet with your favorite band apparel. T-shirts, hoodies (for those headed up north) and plenty of denim to keep your collegiate cool and clothed. Tees range from $18 to about $24.50.

For the dorm-bound graduate:

•·         Macy's - Visit the home furnishings department and choose from a variety of bedding separates from down feather pillows, sheets and throw blankets.

•·         Kirkland's - From picture frames, fragrance diffusers, and wall art, Kirkland's offers gift selections to spice up any home away from home.

•·         Victoria's Secret - Pajamas, robes and beauty products are an ideal gift for any female.

•·         Bath & Body Works - Create a gift basket of your own design for your graduate with body scrubbers, body wash, moisturizers and aroma-therapy candles.

For the sentimental graduate:

•·         Things Remembered - Let your graduate know how proud you are of their accomplishments by selecting the perfect personalized gift.  Graduation-themed mementos, clocks and keepsake boxes are available.

•·         Zales, Gordon's, Kay Jewelers and Intrigue Jewelers - Diamond earrings, necklaces or bracelets are great gifts for your graduate.