Sometimes we should not try to give what we hope will be the perfect gift. If it pleases us, it may be antithetical for the receiver. I am amused remembering my sister's statement long ago about how to find a perfect gift of clothing for me. "If I hate it, I know it is perfect for you!" And it was true. Maybe we are close because we are so different.

Knowing what gift will truly please someone else is a talent worth developing. I say this as I am getting ready to give a graduate cash. Fortunately, there are times when cash is the perfect gift. Graduates are usually in need of exactly that.

Here is an
idea I hope some will
like for a gift for a child or
grandchild just graduating:
A credit card that we pay. One
that has their name on it while
the bill comes to us.

Here is an idea I hope some will like for a gift for a child or grandchild just graduating: a credit card that we pay. One that has their name on it while the bill comes to us. I have given some with a limit they can spend altogether or by month or whatever. This gives someone who does not have a credit card the opportunity to get the convenience of having it without the pitfalls that often trip people up. Credit cards are great when we know how to handle them. It takes some time to learn how to use them correctly.

It is essential to be specific with the receiver on any rules, such as their spending limit each month and how much of it we will pay, whether all or none, or when they can charge more and pay us back, and, of course, what not to do. Their card is easily managed by us with the credit card company as to how much others can spend with it and we can cancel or suspend it with a phone call. We can also set the amount that can be charged by any other person using our card with the card company.

It is a safe gift all around. When a college student has a credit card we can approve an emergency need immediately if necessary. And every parent knows those emergencies come.

Finally, pick a Hallmark card that perfectly expresses how we feel - and underline key words. Let them know we are truly proud of them, have confidence in their future, love them - a simple expression that will even outlast cash!

Jean Loxley-Barnard has been a writer all her life and studied both sociology and psychology at George Washington University where she earned a B.A. Her company, The Shopper, Inc., encompasses all the Loxley-Barnard family publications - The Shopper Magazines and Doctor to Doctor Magazine. She has been in the advertising, consulting and publishing business for 39 years.