From handy gift cards to hip alarm clocks, here are some suggested gifts for your high school grad:

It's in the cards

If you're not comfortable giving cash, the ever-popular gift card is the next best thing. Cards from iTunes, clothing and department stores (Target, for example), pizza restaurants and fuel companies will be much appreciated.

You can even buy gift certificates toward airline tickets for US Airways. Go to www.usairways.com, and you'll find a link under "programs and services."

Carry on

Over the past three years, Manhattan Portage and Timbuk2 have become two of the biggest and trendiest brands in the urban and collegiate lugging of stuff . Backpacks may not be entirely out, but the Custom Bag with Cityscape Art ($75) and the Timbuk2 Metro ($50) messenger bags -- both durable and fashionable -- are about as good as it gets. Both feature high- denier coated nylon, multiple compartments and quick-close flaps.

Available at www.timbuk2.com and manhattanportage.com.

Super seats

The LoveSac, a plush modern version of the '70s beanbag chair, is all the rage among grads. These oversized DuraFoam-filled seats come in all sizes and colors, but are pricey -- with starting costs ranging from $269 to $419.

The most popular size for grads is the SuperSac, at 6 feet wide, 4 feet high and 80 pounds. Designer covers -- cord, twill, microsuede and fake "phur" -- cost from $100 to $300 above the $269 base model, which comes with a sport utility cover.

Available at the LoveSac store at the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills or www.lovesac.com.

Get organized

For those trips to the dorm shower, the LL Bean personal organizer toiletry bag is a must. It comes with a snap-off dry pouch for soap or medicines, a removable shower caddy and a mirror. The two smallest sizes are $19 and $24; add a monogram for an extra $5. Comes in black, blue wave island, burnt orange, lilac, pink, red, royal and sky blues. www.llbean.com.

Grad on wheels

If you're looking to give a big-ticket item, consider a set of wheels. The average cost of bikes sold in Pittsburgh is $300, which you can find at Wal-Mart or Target. But for a higher-quality model that's versatile for road and weekend trailblazing, the Cannondale F400 mountain bike is a popular choice, says Matthew "Rupe" Rupert, manager of Gatto Cycle and Fitness in Point Breeze. Hand-made at the Cannondale plant in Bedford, it's sturdy, but lightweight enough to carry up steps to your dorm or elsewhere. Cost is $750, but with a bike lock with anti-theft warranty promising to reimburse the cost of the bike up to $3,000 or more (Kryptonite New York Chain with EV Disc Lock Chain, $79.95; OnGuard Brute STD U-lock, $69.95; or Kryptonite New York Fahgettaboudit U-lock, $89.95), how could you go wrong?

Stay alert

Caffeine management is practically a required course for every new first-year college student. And your child need not sacrifice his or her palate for a little coffee buzz. Philips' high-tech Senseo ($69.99) Coffee Maker is made to work with "coffee pods" pre-measured doses just right for a cup or two -- you can even make cappuccino. The Melitta Ready Set Joe ($8.99) combines a travel mug with an old-school drip filter. Just add boiling water and coffee.

Available at melitta.com and www.senseostore.com as well as specialty stores and fine housewares departments.

Wake-up call

Being bushy-tailed and attentive after downing the morning's first coffee is one thing, but it doesn't amount to much if you can't get up in the morning to begin with. Try an alarm clock that's also a conversation piece, like Lexon's On-Off Alarm Clock -- available in six colors this month. Turning the sleek Euro-designed clock off couldn't be simpler -- you just tip it on its side ($36.99).

Available at www.unicahome.com.