Jun. 7--Sensibility is the No. 1 trend in graduation gifts this year with 77 percent of commencement consumers planning to give practical gifts to help graduates in the next phase of their lives, according to a 1,500-plus respondent survey by PriceGrabber.com, an online comparison shopping site. With that approach, things like laptops, gas cards and school supplies are at the top of gift-givers' shopping lists.

That doesn't mean some shoppers aren't being frivolous. The remaining 33 percent of consumers have gifts for the graduate to enjoy on their list (jewelry, video games, TVs).

To help you pick the perfect present for the graduate in your life, we put together a collection of fun -- and functional -- items ranging from $12 to $300.

Haier Cooler and Microwave Combination Unit. From cellphones that double as MP3s to pants that convert to shorts, we're all about two-in-one. This unit lets your college-bound grad have two popular dorm appliances packaged together. $134, Wal-Mart or http://www.walmart.com.

Belkin F8E550-CMK Notebook Security Lock. Protect your notebook computer and other valuable equipment from theft. Each Notebook Lock comes with a 6-foot aircraft-grade steel cable and includes a padlock, two keys and a nylon carrying bag. $12, http://www.amazon.com.

Graduation Tassel 8-inch x 10-inch picture frame. Chances are, your graduation tassle is in the bottom of some keepsake box -- or a landfill. So the same doesn't happen to the memento of the graduate in your life, there's this 2009-inscribed frame with a notch for the tassle. $20, Bed, Bath & Beyond or http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

A vacation. Who doesn't love a little time away from home -- especially after 13 years of schooling? GraduationTips.com offers everything from education-based trips to language immersion programs to hot-spot destinations that are all about the beach. Prices start at around $300 for three nights and four days in Mexico (the country is open to tourists once again) to several thousands of dollars to spend a week-plus in Asia. http://graduationtrips.com.

Magellan RoadMate 1470 4.7-inch Widescreen Portable GPS Navigator. Heading off to college (or work) may mean a new city. Mission No. 1: acquaint yourself with shopping, dining and outdoor recreation. This GPS system -- which has an iPhone-style touch screen and 6 million points of interest -- will serve you well for trips anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. $193, http://www.amazon.com.

"The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College" by Harlan Cohen. College is the great unknown. Sure, kids know they'll eat in a dining hall (and may gain 15 pounds in the process), and that they may have a roommate who snores loud enough to be heard out on the quad, but what is advanced academia really like? This humor-based book talks laundry, sex, Greek life and more. Think of it like the Cliff Notes of college life. $14.95, Available online and in most bookstores.

College Survival Kit. This includes 15 must-haves to help anyone deal with the challenges of college life. You'll get a collapsible clothes hamper, book light, first aid kit, reusable poster adhesive, a Domino's Pizza gift certificate and more. $50, http://www.chinaberry.com or (800) 776-2242.

Bedding Basics sheet set. If your graduate is bound for the dorms come fall, he or she will need a set of XL twin sheets for the bed. This 220-thread count set is 100 percent cotton. Roll of quarters for laundry not included. $20, Bed, Bath & Beyond or http://www.bedbathand beyond.com.

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Single Serve Coffee Machines. Kids love coffee as much as their cellphones. A little home-brew lets them save their coffee cash for something else -- like late night pizza and wings. This machine lets you choose from dozens of varieties of gourmet espresso, cappuccino, lattes, chococino and more and requires no grinding or measuring. $168, Macy's or http://www.amazon.com/home.

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