Its that time of year again, where the latest class of college students are finishing up exams and attending their convocations. Most of us know at least one student graduating this year, and we are aware that they are launching into one of the toughest economies in North American since the depression. Thats why graduation gifts this year are more likely to be cold hard cash or a gift card. Although many people frown upon giving cash and gift cards in this economy it is usually exactly what a graduating student needs.

Cash or a nice check makes the best gift, but if a graduating student lives far away and you are planning on mailing the gift a gift card is a better option. The best gift cards to give are the prepaid Visa’s or American Express gift cards, these can be used at any location the credit cards are excepted. If you still want something more personal electronics store gift cards, itunes gift cards or clothing gift cards are always popular with the college crown. Try to figure out what the students plans are for after gradation. If they are traveling then buy a travel gift gift card, if the student is moving into a new apartment an Ikea gift card may be in order.

Cash or gift cards in the best gift for grads in the uncertain economy. The last of their concerns right now is another College sweater or a special fram for their diploma, the current trend for students is survival.

Legislation sponsored by New Jersey Assmblywoman Connie Wagner aims to protect consumers in the state who purchase prepaid gift cards and prepaid bank cards. The law aims to regulate expiry dates and dormancy fees for gift cards in the state. The bill passed through the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee 3 to 2 and will now be reviewed by the New Jersey Assembly Speaker who will decide if the bill makes it to the floor. If the bill is then passed it will;

- Prohibit the expiration of prepaid bank and gift cards within a 2 year period of their sale.

- Prohibit the charging of any dormancy fee within a 2 year period following the date of the sale by the original purchaser of the card. A 2 year period prohibiting any dormancy charges will also follow the most recent transaction on the card.

- Any dormancy fee will, where applicable will be limited to no more then $2 per month. The retailer will also need to provide appropriate disclosure of the cards expiration date and dormancy fees.

These proposed rules governing the sale of prepaid gift cards are an important step to protect consumer’s rights. Billions of dollars of gift cards expire or are lost every single year. Gift cards are very small and easy to lose, if you have a gift card you are not planning on using soon it is better to sell the gift card or trade it for a gift card you will use. The longer you hang onto gift cards the more likely it is you will lose it or the gift card will expire.