When Ben Levy graduated from Norcross High School in 2006, he received many thoughtful and useful gifts from family, friends and neighbors.

There was a digital camera from his parents, plus gift cards from others to Target, Subway and Amazon.com.

A small cooler and a red canvas folding chair, gifts from neighbors, have come in handy many times in the dorm or at the frat house at the University of Georgia, where Levy is a rising junior.

But the gift Levy uses and appreciates most when he hits the road is his GPS.

"I have a horrible sense of direction," said the 20-year-old political science and economics major. "It helped me get to the Sugar Bowl and on a spring break trip to Destin. It also has helped me find a way around traffic when I drive home."

Graduates appreciate a gift no matter what the cost or size. But surveys by the National Retail Federation and Hallmark show that if they had a choice, grads would prefer money and gift cards for graduation presents. That way they can buy what they want or need for life after high school.

When it comes to gifts, parents and other family members often spring for pricier playthings, including laptops, digital cameras, iPods and jewelry. But there are other smart gifts you can give. Here are 10 to consider:

1. In the cards

For long-distance or hard-to-buy-for grads, give a gift card. After cash, gift cards are a smart choice. For dorm basics and accessories, Target, IKEA, Wal-Mart, Urban Outfitters and Bed, Bath & Beyond are popular with grads. For music and must-have e- or i-gadgets, try Circuit City, Amazon or an iTunes gift card. Don't overlook gift cards to restaurants and fast-food spots, which offer a break from dorm food or when the cafeteria is closed. P.S. Be sure gift cards do not have an expiration date or any dormancy or up-front or post-purchase fees.

2. Book bag

A backpack for books and a laptop is a campus essential. While most grads would prefer to buy their own, you can't go wrong choosing a North Face backpack. Students like the Borealis ($69) or the sporty Recon ($79) to take to class. But play it safe when choosing a color. Pick black, olive green or navy blue for your favorite guy. Girls may like something bright —- like yellow or red. When in doubt, ask before you buy. Available at REI, Sports Authority and Dick's Sporting Goods.

3. Take a seat

For tailgate parties and extra seating in space-challenged dorm rooms, a fold-up sling chair can store and go anywhere. Send your favorite grad off to campus with a comfy chair featuring a college logo. Sling chairs made of a sturdy canvas material are $35.95 at Sports Moments & Memories stores. Similar nylon folding chairs —- featuring local college logos —- often can be found on a hit-or-miss basis at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Kohl's and Wal-Mart.

4. Street-wise

Getting lost can put the brakes on a weekend road trip. For peace of mind when your grad is behind the wheel, give a GPS. Though there are newer GPS navigation models on the market, Consumer Reports says the Garmin Nuvi 350 ($350), Garmin Nuvi 260 ($300) and the TomTom One 3rd edition ($200) are best buys for those on a budget. All three are compact, have a 3.5-inch screen and are easy to use and set up. Of the three, only the Garmin units have spoken street names. Available at Circuit City stores.

5. Drink up

For hot or cold drinks in the dorm or at the tailgate party, take along a Tervis Tumbler. The clear, insulated drink ware is available in four sizes, but it is the Big T that is a hit on campus. With more than 150 college logos, it is easy to pick a shatterproof tumbler that will work. Consider a set of two and add a custom-fitting lid to avoid spills. The Big T with a college logo is $14.99 at Tumblers 'N' Totes, 4055 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta. 770-777-4888. Drink ware also can be found at area Swoozie's and at www.tervis.com.

6. Be a star

Your grad can shoot video on the go with the Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder, 60 Minutes ($149.99). The pocket-sized point and shoot-style camcorder holds 60 minutes of video. With one touch, they can record, zoom and playback or delete videos. The built-in software makes it easy to view, edit or e-mail (with one click) short videos to friends or upload them to YouTube or MySpace. The newest, lightweight model features improved video, a better microphone and a mount for tripods. Available at Target, Wal-Mart, Amazon.com or www.theflip.com.

7. Wash-day help

Whether your grads bring their dirty laundry home or do it themselves, the denim Crunch Can by Umbra for guys or the Square Crunch Can (with a stripe and floral design) for girls will come in handy for holding and toting laundry —- or anything else. Two loop handles make it easy to carry. To use, pull open and stuff. When the PVC-line cotton cans are empty or not in use, crunch it back down for flat storage. Available for $19.99 at The Container Stores.

8. Put the kettle on

Serve up your Ramen noodle soup or tea in style with this sleek Capresso Electric Kettle. The heat-resistant glass kettle lifts off the swivel base for cordless pouring. The heating element boils a full pot of water in minutes. The cool-to-touch handle and an automatic shut-off make it dorm-room safe. The kettle has cup and ounce indicators for accurate filling. Available at $59.95 at Crate & Barrel stores.

9. In the bag

For a stylish carry-on, weekend or gym bag, check out Atlanta-based cinda b's line of roomy, soft-sided duffels and totes. The Overnighter ($114) is a big seller. So is the Takin' Care of Business tote ($96). Go for the new Chic Chevron pattern in ivory (designers say white is the new black?) or ebony. Other popular colors include yummy chocolate and pink. Don't worry about getting them dirty. They are machine-washable. Available at Limetree stores or at www.cindab.com.

10. Files to go

It is not much to look at, but a USB flash drive is a must-have for college students who need to store and move computer files quickly and easily. Students use them to download PowerPoint presentations to a classroom computer or when working in the computer lab or on projects in groups. They also load up their photos and video clips. For a touch of fashion, give the SanDisk 8GB Cruzer Gator USB Drive, available in black, red and pink ($65). Or, consider the new SanDisk Cruzer Titanium Plus 4GB ($49.99), which features automatic online backup. Available at Office Depot and Staples.

OTHER GIFTS THAT RATE

Here are some other gift ideas from been-there parents and college students.

> Dorm prep kit. Buy a small or medium-sized plastic toolbox. Assemble a basic tool kit (hammer, measuring tape, screwdrivers, duct tape, plus removable poster putty/strips and various sizes of Command hooks). If there is room, include some desk essentials, such as scissors, Scotch tape, a small stapler, post-it notes and postage stamps. In another tray, add basic medical supplies, including adhesive bandages, Neosporin and Ibuprofen.

> Small cooler

> iPod sounddock.

> Flip flops for hikes to the shower and around campus. Crocs ($29.99-$34.99) or ToeGoz ($19.95) in various colors and college logos.

> Towels

> Note cards with college logo or imprinted with grad's name or initials.

> Luggage tags (with college logo) if they are attending college out of state.

> Multifunction tools, like a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife.

> Message board with wipe-off surface and dry-erase marker for dorm door

> Anything monogrammed (fleece blankets, towels, jewelry, stationery, notepads)

BY THE NUMBERS

56.8: The percentage of shoppers who will give cash as a gift. About 32 percent will give gift cards.

$52: How much Americans shopping for graduation gifts this year will spend on each present. Most will buy at least one gift. The average shopper will buy two.

17: How many cards the average high school graduate receives.

Source: National Retail Federation and Hallmark