Dads and Grads 2008: Gifts Under $50

A super dad should have a Superman stapler to remind him while working just how awesome his kids think he is. And unlike a Superman action figure, this stapler is actually useful.

The June issue of PC magazine has a couple pages devoted to converting records and tapes to digital files. Your VHS player and all those tapes? You can get rid of them, thanks to the $40 Dazzle. Once you install the (included) software on your computer, just connect your VCR to the Dazzle, and the Dazzle to your computer. The easy-to-use software walks you through the process, recording your videos directly onto DVDs (not your hard drive), complete with menus and chapter marks. So you can reclaim some shelf space in your TV room. Best of all, the Dazzle isn't much bigger than an iPod.

These brightly colored wine bottle totes are made of soft, padded neoprene (the same stuff they use to make wetsuits), so bottles are protected and insulated - cold bottles stay at fridge or cellar temperature for hours. Best of all they're machine washable. Choose from several colors and patterns. Hooch not included. See also: Built NY laptop sleeves and cases.

OK, so it's a bit, um, cheesey, but this big cheese pencil caddy is a cute gift that holds 7 standard pencils, and also acts as a paperweight (it's made out of solid brass but has a rubber-lined bottom so it won't scratch the desk). A fun way to tell someone they're important, without having to drop a lot of cheddar.

For utterly Scrabulous dads and grads, may we suggest Deluxe Turntable Scrabble? The board rotates so you don't have to crane your head, it's got a raised grid so tiles stay in place, and there's even a built-in tile storage compartment. The game also comes with a timer and new "shorter game" rules for people running out of P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E.

In the battle of the sexes, both sides win, thanks to Paul Frank Man Panties (or "manties" for short). Women will be happy the horrible P word no longer applies solely to female underwear, while guys will love these boxer briefs, no matter what you call them. They're made out of soft cotton jersey with some spandex for stretch, and come in three designs: Red Lumberjack, Blue Wild West, and Black Rocker. We're dying to know if Pete Townsend owns a pair. More Paul Frank underwear.

Mmmm... yeah.... If you decide to give your dad or grad an Office Space DVD, that'd be great. Whether they're just entering the world of paper jams and TPS reports or they've never had a true case of the Mondays, they need to see this movie - repeatedly - in order to be able to laugh at life in an office cubicle. It's only funny 'cause it's true. Wrap this one up with a red Swingline stapler.

iFrogz Audiowrapz aren't just cases for third-generation iPod Nanos. They're also speakers. But they're "passive speakers," which means there are no built-in amplifiers, and they don't need batteries or draw power from the Nano. The speakers probably don't sound provide boombox sound quality, but we like the idea of sharing music without sharing headphones. More iPod Nano cases.

Not all graduates are old enough to celebrate with champagne, but everyone loves chocolate. (OK, some people don't, but that just means more for us you. From truffles to chocolate "lollipops," Godiva has a variety of milk, dark, and white chocolates for your favorite sweet tooth.

Koss first started making PortaPro headphones in 1984, and they're still some of the best headphones that (not much) money can buy, even if the design is a bit retro-looking. Designed for people with "refined musical acuity," the lightweight, comfortable PortaPros deliver deep bass and a wide frequency response (from 15-25,000 Hz), so you can get the most out of movies (or heavy metal) while your spouse sleeps. The fold-up design is well-suited for commuting, while the 4 foot-long cord is ideal for the living room. More Koss headphones.