WATERLOO - Ask any high school senior how they want people to congratulate them for a job well done and they will usually give one answer: money.

Greenbacks are extremely versatile and accepted at all major retailers. Johnny can put the money he receives toward a new laptop or textbooks for his first year of college - both of which will likely cost him upwards of $500. Susy may be among the lucky students whose parents are paying for her post-high school education and she is looking forward to buying a few new outfits with the cash she receives.

Gift Web sites offer up the traditional mainstays, like a copy of "Oh the Places You'll Go" by the always-loved Dr. Seuss. Tech-y students may appreciate a new iPod or iTunes gift card.

One site, www.gifts.com, even offers up an entire section of unique gifts including everything from a skydiving adventure to sessions at racecar driving school.

As the big day approaches, we polled several local seniors to see just what they might want to see on the gift table at their open houses. The only rule - NO MONEY (everyone already knows they want that). But like many rebellious high schoolers, some were unable to follow the rules, asking for gift cards (come on, that's just a different form of cash) and money for textbooks.

(All entries go in this order: $25, $50, $100, Sky's the Limit)

Darius Bowie, East High School

• frozen food
• clothes
• iPod shuffle
• blue Chevy Impala

Jacqueline Jordan, Cedar Falls High School

• A new shirt or CD
• more clothes
• new running shoes
• a top-of-the-line laptop

Savannah Hayes, Columbus High School

• Target gift card
• funky piece of jewelry
• computer software
• four years college tuition

Corey Turner, East High School

• fast food gift certificates
• clothes
• money for college books
• black Pontiac GT

Kenneth Malm, Valley Lutheran High School

• gas card
• Kmart gift card
• kitchen plates, glasses, utensils, etc.
• four years college tuition

Hayley Wheaton, Valley Lutheran High School

• jewelry box
• food, candy or chocolate
• twin mattress
• four years college tuition

Jon Yost, Valley Lutheran High School

• quarters for laundry
• Bed Bath & Beyond or Best Buy gift card
• microwave
• college books