The Perfect Gift for Grads …

– By April Miller and Jim Byrne –

It's that bittersweet time of year again, when students are graduating from high school and college and moving on to a new phase of their lives. Here are a few gift ideas to help celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2007.

For the Traveler

At first thought, luggage may not seem the most exciting of gifts, but it's practical and handy for anyone going off to college or taking a last hurrah vacation before entering the real world. Other travel ideas are colorful passport holders, guidebooks and maps, all of which Parkers stocks.

Electronics

Whether you're thinking of a camera for your soon-to-be photography major, or you want to make sure your graduate has the best laptop for all that studying he'll surely be doing, electronics are a fail-safe gift option. Rye Camera is an authorized Canon dealer but stocks all brands. Computer SuperCenter of Greenwich carries a large selection of Sony, Cannon, Apple and Nikon products.

Bejeweled

Mark the importance of graduation with a grown-up piece of jewelry. Woodrow Jewelers recommends watches by Ebel and Tag Heuer. They also sell jewelry rolls and pouches in which to carry jewelry safely to campus or a new apartment. Hanni's Fine Jewelry said a classic strand of pearls or pearl studs is something every grad will get lots of use out of. A popular gift at Zaltas Gallery is a sterling silver message bracelet or necklace. They also suggest classic diamond stud earrings for women and leather valets for men. Silver Rush recommends a freshwater pearl and diamond round swirl pendant with matching earrings. Another option is a sterling silver Class of 2007 lock charm bracelet from Tiffany and Co.

Spa Day

After the stress of finals and saying goodbye to beloved friends, give your graduate the gift of relaxation. At Blush Beauty Bar, she can indulge in one of many spa treatments, from a customized facial to a Sea Salt Body Scrub. With a range of makeup brands and beauty products by companies like L'Occitane, Bliss, and Decleor, Blush is like a tiny Sephora. Tutta Bella is another local beauty-filled destination. Gift packages can also be easily assembled at Rye Beach Pharmacy.

Don't forget to stop by The Rye Stationer or Papyrus to pick out a thoughtful card, so you can tell your graduate just how proud you are.

… and Dads

“Oh … thank you,” your father says through gritted teeth and a pained smile. “Just what I needed … another tie.”

It's an all too familiar scene played out each year in June that leaves the big guy dead inside. Dad works day in and day out for the family, only to be rewarded annually with a “timeless” whale tie and a bottle of aftershave. Do Dad a favor this year and get him something he may actually want and use.

Baseball Tickets

Whether he's a fan of the amazing Mets or those other guys that reside in the Bronx, there's a good chance you can score tickets for a game sometime this summer. Again, if he is a baseball fan, this is a can't-miss gift that could become a yearly tradition. Purchasing tickets is as simple as logging on to Mets.com or Yankees.com. But, if you want tickets for the upcoming second half of the Subway Series or a Yankees-BoSox game, you'll most likely need to go to eBay.com or StubHub.com.

Books

By simply heading to Arcade Booksellers on Purchase Street, you can purchase a host of great books that Dad can dip into this summer. Recommended non-fiction reading include “Tales from Q School: Inside Golf's Fifth Major” by John Feinstein, “Presidential Courage” by Michael Beschloss and “The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. If Dad is more of a fiction fan, look into “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini, “On Chesil Beach” by Ian McEwan or “The Yiddish Policeman's Union” by Michael Chabon. Another good idea is Rye resident Mitch Silver's thriller, “In Secret Service.”

Tools

If your dad is a hands-on kind of guy, Feinsod's True Value hardware store in Port Chester is a great shopping destination. Feinsod's has a large selection of grills, from the stainless steel variety to the time-honored Weber gas and charcoal grills. There are also electric drills and recripricating saws sure to keep any dad occupied.

Dining Out

How many times has Dad taken you and the rest of the family out to dinner? Countless times, right? Well, how about paying him back and picking up the tab the next time your family goes out to dinner. You can chip in with your siblings if it's a pricier restaurant. Rye is Restaurant Row, with many great places to choose from, but if you're looking for waterfront dining, try F.I.S.H. or Café Mirage in Port Chester. And if all else fails, you can always take him to Oakland Beach for a picnic dinner that you've prepared, without Mom's help.

Give Dad the Gift of Health

– By Lindsey Marcus –

So what do you give the man who means the world to you? The gift of good health, of course! Why not shower the patriarch of the family with a gift that will improve the quality of his life for many years to come? There are several ways to show dads they are cherished and adored not just on Father's Day, but every day of the year. You can demonstrate how much you appreciate your special dad by promoting fitness and encouraging a healthier lifestyle.

If the man in your life has not embraced a healthier way of life, you can find ways to involve him in more physical activity by joining him. What better way to do so than planning a day outdoors with the entire family? Grab your bicycles and helmets, and pedal around the neighborhood! All that pedaling may make him hungry, so plan ahead and scout out a neighborhood park for a lovely picnic.

Maybe he needs some guidance. Now would be a great time to purchase personal training sessons at your local gym, or sign him up for private classes. Not a member of a gym? Then surprise him with a special two-week pass at a gym. Who knows, this may encourage him to take the leap and sign up for a yearly membership. Nearby options include Rye Personal Training, The Rye Y, bilancio fitness and Altheus.

If your father already works out on a regular basis, consider a different way to keep him active. Sign him up for boxing, golf or tennis lessons. Buy him some new fitness gear and accessories. Dad deserves to look his best on game day! Keep him motivated by buying him an MP3 player or new CDs. Get him a subscription to men's health magazines.

If you have recently expanded your brood, surprise your man with a jogging stroller. This will encourage both his workouts and quality time with his new love.

Why not spend the day being active together? Head on over to Frozen Ropes at either their New Rochelle or White Plains locations, and improve your batting swings. Why not get a basketball tournament going with other neighborhood dads and their children? Many of us are inundated with endless responsibilities each day, and time spent together grows sparse. Remind dad how much he means to you this holiday by catching up on the court.

Good health also means tending to dad's spiritual and mental health. Have the children create a coupon book, which includes ways to give dad a few peaceful moments that he can redeem at will. Catching up on reading or listening to a new CD are luxuries many busy parents don't get enough of. Make sure to include a few coupons entitling the bearer to plenty of hugs and kisses, which definitely elevate anyone's well being!

Maybe your guy needs to recuperate from too many long days at the office. Surprise him with a certificate for a massage or pedicure.

Let's not forget the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Whip up a fabulous but healthy meal for dad, and make sure the kids help out. Better yet, if Dad wants to get in on the act, buy him some new cooking utensils and supplies for the barbeque so he can grill in style.

Whatever you do decide to do this Father's Day, make it memorable for everyone. The best gift you can give your dad is your love and appreciation. Just spending time with his family is a gift in itself. Wishing everyone a healthy and happy Father's Day!