Holiday Gifts for College Kids and 20somethings ($30-$150)

Beyond the iPod - A Round-Up of Fresh Gift Ideas

Hankering to whip up some Tikka Masala? Perhaps Pad Thai? Or simply a lesson in how not to burn toast? There’s a cool cooking class out there for everyone, from kitchen newbie to culinary master. Get a cooking class gift certificate for your college kid or 20something from one of the major gourmet stores, such as Viking Home Chef or Sur la Table, or any small indie foodie boutique. Just remember, no one wants to go alone, so make it a truly memorable gift for both of you. Sign up for the class too, and you can do it together. ($20-$100 per class)

We’d all like to think our teens and college kids don’t drive while chatting - or texting – on their cell phones, but the reality is that they do. Now with the push toward hands-free cell phone laws, a Bluetooth headset, such as the sleek Plantronics models, is a good way to get two hands on the steering wheel. ($35-$160)

That towel-wrapped midriff routine gets old real fast. Protect your college kid’s modesty – or his or her roommates’ delicate sensibilities – with a big, spa-style, fluffy bathrobe. ($50 and up) They’re cozy and warm, and perfect paired with spa-style toiletries or a gift certificate to a spa or mani-pedi place near campus or home.

DVDs and college kids go together like camping and s’mores - and DVD sets of television series such as Lost, Family Guy, Dexter, and HBO’s sexy, gritty Rome, the Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated series set in Ancient Rome, are particularly popular. The critically acclaimed series, which ended its run last year, offers enough treachery, blood and political machinations to thrill even the casual viewer. Time this gift right, and you’ll get to watch it too. ($64 and up)

A global positioning system, such as the Garmin Nuvi ($126 and up), makes sure even your navigationally challenged teen gets home. And it will keep him from using his cell phone – while driving - to get frantic directions along the way.

Help your college kid drown out her roommates’ snoring, gabbing or headbanger tunes with a pair of high quality, noise-canceling headphones.($115 and up) They do such a good job of insulating the wearer from outside noises, there will be no need for her to turn up her iPod to eardrum shattering decibel levels.

These stylish, neoprene laptop cases by BuiltNY offer cushioned protection for your child's expensive iBook or PC, a thick shoulder strap for ergonomic comfort, and a snazzy polka-dot exterior. Available in more manly prints too. ($70 and up)