Gifts for Collegians Entering Real Life

Looking for something for a college graduate who has just about everything except money and domestic skills? Take some tips from Susan Kleinman, author of “Real Life 101: (Almost) Surviving Your First Year Out of College.”

For the multitudes who will live on pasta and Chinese takeout: “A dozen boxes of assorted pasta, a large pot and a colander.”

For those who want to create their own fast food: a microwave oven. “For fun, throw in a few chocolate bars and wooden skewers for fondue.”

For those who have more trouble cleaning than cooking: A housekeeper whose cleaning frequency is limited only by your budget. It could be a one-shot deal or into perpetuity.

For graduates moving to a new city: Tuition for a continuing-education course where he or she could meet people with common interests. Membership to a gym or health club for social as well as physical well-being.

For the culture maven: A museum membership or subscription to a local ballet.

For those entering the business world where campus clothes don’t fit: Scarves, belts and costume jewelry for women; suspenders, belts, ties for men. Accessories help prevent them from looking like corporate clones.

For the apartment: A gift certificate to a framing store for a favorite poster. A telephone-answering machine. Many of the graduates interviewed for “Real Life 101” (April, MasterMedia Ltd., $9.95), said an answering machine was the one thing they couldn’t live without, Kleinman said.