Gifts for your grad

Graduation gifts say, "Congratulations, you did it!"

Parents usually know what to give, but relatives and family friends often grapple with the choices.

Oh Aunt Emma, you shouldn't have!
Stellar achievement? Someone who'll appreciate a beautiful object?

Ideas for special gifts:

Refillable Italian leather journal
from Epica, $145 in delicious buttery calf-skin, with archival paper. Since the book is refillable, it can change from a sketchboook, to a travel journal to a diary by changing inserts, an elegant companion on the rest of the journey.

Timbuk2 messenger bag
This San Francisco company builds beautiful, durable messenger or tote bags, backpacks and wallets.

You can design your gift from many fabric and trim options on the easy-to-navigate site; shown, the Barnsbury Beechnut. Prices range from $110 up.

Apple 3G iPhone
The coveted technology; you know you'll get a squeal. $200 and up from Apple's online store.


Dahon Glide P8 foldable bike
For city riding, a full-sized bike built for apartment dwellers. $899 from Dahon.



Beddie-Bye
After years in student digs, most bedding is wrecked.

For the grad moving to a new apartment, the Diamond Quilt and shams for West Elm will add a crisp note to the bedroom, and are washable. A double quilt is on special now for $79, the shams are $16 each.

Looking for something different?
Thank god the little hell-raiser passed? Want to give something that won't be duplicated?

Retro luggage tags
When she gets outta here, make sure she can find her bags. Oversized and durable, these are $9 per tag, three-tag minimum order from Luggtagz.


If you want to upgrade the tags, present them with a Patagonia MLC Wheelie in Desert Clay, $200.


Pearls, not just for girls
From Zara Scoville of Priceless Imperfection, shown, a selection of man pearls for the rakish dude.

Dirty and Tahitian pearls strung on leather cord. Price depends on pearl; about $200.

You should get out more
Nothing clears study stupor like a river raft trip! As long as your grad can swim, he or she can have a blast on your nearest rapids. Search "river rafting"; the photo shown is from River Run, near Ottawa Ontario.

Many raft-tripping companies provide cabin or tent options for overnight stays. Trips range from mild and mellow half-day floats to full weekend whitewater adventures.

Unwind the body and focus the mind
Another fantastic way to get the hunched-over-a desk kinks out, a regular yoga practice will set a young person on the path to lifetime strength and flexibility, and help him to cope with whatever the future sends.

You might fund one class or a card for five or ten classes; many studios offer introductory packages. For options near the grad, see Yoga Journal's Directory. (On the site, follow the path Teachers>Directory.)