7 Essentials for Your College-Bound Kid

If she's bringing a car, make sure it's stocked with jumper cables and an emergency hammer for a quick exit. A gift membership in the American Automobile Association will ensure she's never stranded by the side of the road and provide discounts at participating shops and services as well.

On top of loans, first year college students are inundated with credit card offers, tempted with ads for pricey spring break getaways, and presented with laundry lists of textbooks and supplies to buy. A copy of The Teen's Guide to Personal Finance may be the best investment you ever make.

Short on time? Load a digital photo frame with pics of family and friends. Short on funds? Fill a pretty photo album with your favorite pictures, noting the special memories surrounding each one. Looking for a splurge? Have an evocative photo blown up and printed on canvas at www.shutterfly.com or your local Costco.

Sure, she'll be home at Thanksgiving, but there's nothing like the summer after high school graduation. Celebrate with a family outing to a local amusement park, night at a campground, or afternoon at the lake. Sometimes the best gifts of all are the ones they can carry in their hearts.