Money is always the right color and the right size, but it often feels impersonal. Other ideas:

Elementary School/Middle School

• Gift certificate to music/video stores
• Movie tickets

High School/College

• Items to start a new home: towels, bedding, kitchen utensils, appliances and dishes.
• Pre-paid phone card
• Personal telephone book and stationery(complete with stamps)
• Luggage/briefcase
• Gift certificates to grocery or discount stores
• Computer software and equipment