(Marc Lutz/News-Sentinel)

Glitzy graduation gifts?

From pens and paper weights to cars and European trips, presents can be a letdown or quite elaborate for graduating seniors. Do ou know what to get your grad?

When Lodi resident Bill Rhodes graduated from high school in 1969, he didn't expect thousands of dollars or a new car.

"It was just expected that you graduate," he said. "Getting an education was (in itself) the most precious gift."

Peter Westbrook, owner of Tuxedos of Lodi who graduated from Lodi High School in 1977 says he remembers a lot of hugs and kisses and maybe a little cash.

After all, his No. 1 wish was to just "get out!" of school.

Jeff O'Harra, a 1974 high school graduate, got what he requested — a lifetime membership to the National Rifle Association. And for his daughter Erin O'Harra's graduation from University of the Pacific last week, he and his wife gave a gift that will also last her lifetime — pearl diamond earrings, and some cash, too.

While some older graduates hoped for a new car and money for graduation, it wasn't always likely to happen. Now, money, cars and expensive gifts top lists of gifts for graduates in the new millennium.

On Monday afternoon, three twenty-something friends sit around a bench in downtown, talking about the gifts they received when they graduated high school.

Rio Vista High School graduate Stephanie White received a laptop when she graduated in 2004. Crystal Brady, 21, was given $2,300 to put toward buying her 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage. And Matt Davidson, 20, was given a 1993 Chevy Silverado as an early graduation gift.

For some recent graduates, the small gifts and older memories have been the best.

Gifts for grads

So your granddaughter, son, friend or niece is taking the next step and graduating from either high school or college. You are proud and excited. You think a bouquet of fresh spring flowers and a sappy, sentimental card will translate your feelings. They may. But after years of working toward their recently accomplished goal, the truth is, your grad is probably broke and looking for any excuse to get the luxuries for free. In E-grad.com's nationwide poll of the best and worst graduation gifts, some grads make it a point that they want techy over sappy.

Top 10 Graduation Gifts:
1. Trip to Europe
2. Laptop computer
3. iPod
4. Flat-screen, plasma TV
5. DVD player
6. Tivo
7. Digital Camera
8. Six month student loan repayment
9. One-year gym membership
10. Car
Honorable mentions: Airline tickets, gift certificates, jewelry.

Worst Graduation Gifts:
1. Paper weight
2. Pen
3. Tie clip
4. Money clip
5. Desk clock
6. Photo album
7. Picture album
8. Food basket
9. Daily planner
10. Flowers
Also, stay away from giving candles. Many universities ban them from dorm rooms.

What to get your graduating friend
Flip-flop sandals with built-in bottle opener
Home tool kits for the fix-it chick
Airline tickets to visit you over 3-day holiday
Magazine subscription
Espresso machine
School parking pass
FastTrack for a year
I-O-U moving help
Trip for two to a day spa
Pre-college or new job road trip

Appropriate gift cards
If you're going to buy a gift card, get one your grad will use
Starbucks or favorite coffee place (make sure there's a cafe in the town where they will live or work)
Barnes and Noble of Borders bookstores iTunes is the way to go. It's cheap, legal and won't earn your grad a fine or computer virus.
Taxi tokens in their city (for safe nights out with friends)
Movie tickets (not just for the Lodi Complex if they won't be staying near home. Think United Artist, Regal Cinemas, Century Theaters)
Home furnishing stores: Ikea, Linens 'n' Things, Target or Pier
Groceries are a must: Find out what their favorite grocery store is and what's nearby. Also check out Trader Joes, Whole Foods or even a Costco membership.
To be a good gift-card giver, don't be cheap. Your favorite grad will only be hassled by trying to find a $10 sale item at Pier 1, especially if they end up having to open their own money.

What is your most memorable graduation gift?

“

When I graduated 8th grade I got this little bluemoped.

”

Amanda Shepherd
26

 

“

$1,000 and a car.

”

Ryan Browder
32

 

“

My grandmother gave me a necklace.

”

Karyn Gilbert
23

 

“

A Dodge Charger was my graduation wish. I didn't get it.

”

William Earl Gardner
56

 

A simple card, flowers and balloons were the most special gifts Tonya Ballesteros, 25, received at her graduation. Because they were given by someone who had never given her anything before, she says the act was more special than anything else she could have received.

While it seems the younger generations are receiving more extravagant gifts than their parents and grandparents did, most grads agree that a car or laptop is just as special as something simple from a loved one. When it comes to graduation gifts, it's a personal decision. You know what you want to give, so here is a glimpse of graduation gifts available to you in Lodi:

• At Lakewood Drugs, manager Lana Carouba says photo frames, small-to-medium sized plush stuffed animals, balloon bouquets, gift certificates, stationary and Precious Moments collectibles are the big-time graduation sellers.

• Fashion Safari is selling everything from big earrings with rhinestones to purses and sunglasses. The biggest sellers for graduation this season are large and small star shaped pendants on a silver chain for less than $20.

• Frames and Fine Things is personalizing gifts by framing announcements and class photos. Depending on the length, prices range from $25-$300.

• From HP to Acer computers, burning capabilities and extra RAM, Staples manager Frank Williams says laptops, not desktop computers, are by far the best and most popular graduation gifts for high school graduates moving on to college. Digital cameras are the next best thing, he said.

• Vine and Branches Christian Bookstore is currently offering a selection of books, plaques, frames and balloons for graduates. Currently available is the NIV Bible for graduates.

• There's nothing like a good break after years of school. Nobody knows this better than Lodi's travel agencies. Agent Mary Merrihew says Great Adventure on Kettleman Lane has already sold 50 Hawaii graduation trips to parents this season. Many students are going in groups for about $1,400 for a group of four, depending on amenities.

• Robert Litts, owner of L&L Travel in Lodi has also been selling many trips to graduates and their families to Mexico, Hawaii and even Europe.

Contact Lauren Nelson at laurenn@lodinews.com