Got something awesome everyone needs to know about? Email your “The Know” ideas to Jill@collegecandy.com and I’ll pass them along to everyone right here, every week. Sure it may not be a resume builder, but it’s a whole lot more fun than updating that sucker. And it will earn bragging rights that lil ‘ol you turned thousands of readers on to your latest obsession. Really, who doesn’t want that?

My Starbucks Rewards

For someone who knows a lot about Starbucks, I didn’t know (or was too lazy to read about) their new “My Starbucks Rewards” programg, but then I heard some girls chatting about their free mochas and nothing gets me going like news of free mochas so I did a little research.

And this is something everyone needs to know about.

We all know Starbucks is like crack. It’s addicting and expensive, especially around finals. But now, Starbucks wants to reward you for your loyal dependence on their soy Americanos. All you have to do is register your Starbucks card (like that one stocked in your stuffing on Christmas morning) and depending on how often you go, you will earn different rewards. Every time you swipe that sucker you will earn a “star” (feels so third grade, only there is no Lisa Frank folder to put it on!). Earn 5 stars and you will get benefits like free syrups, a free extra shot, free soy milk, free calories – all those things that make your drink muy expensivo.

After 30 swipes you are bumped up to gold status (wooo!) for a year and that elite club gets you personalized offers and coupons, a free drink after every 15 stars (i.e. 15 drinks = a free drink on the Bucks) and a super cool gold card so that everyone knows just how cool you really are (and how much money you spend on lattes).

It’s like the Black AmEx of the Coffee world.

Basically, for those of us who frequent Starbucks, have a plethora of Starbucks gift cards but have been too damn lazy to register them (my hand is raised) you are missing out on a whole lot of FREE.

So, in an attempt to avoid an ulcer or an unfortuante road rage incident, I vent to you, dear reader. Please feel free to join in and comment about anything–really, anything–that pissed. you. off. this week. Let it all hang out. I feel you.]

Unenthusiastic recipients: We’ve all been there: you spend hours– quite possibly even days–searching for the perfect gift for a special someone. You lovingly wrap it in unique and pretty paper before signing your name on the gift tag, anticipating that perfect moment when their face lights up with joy and gratitude, as they are thoroughly impressed by your gift buying skills. So imagine my frustration after saving my hard earned (and hard-not-to-spend-at-happy-hour) wages to buy my baby bro an iPod, only to watch him open it Christmas morning and proclaim “Cool. Thanks.” Ok now, I understand the whole males not expressing as much emotion concept; I understand that he’s a 16-year-old and slightly pissed off is his default setting, but come on, man! I think I deserved at least a Thank You hug.

Sh**y presents: Not to be hypocritical or anything, but sometimes I find myself acting the part of the aforementioned ungrateful. But come on, Grandma, I give you a fully organized, bulleted list of my Christmas wishes every year, complete with store locations and prices. Still, you somehow find a way to sneak presents that I’m 90% sure you bought in 1968 under the tree. Mom and Dad finally got it right: when in doubt, get a gift card.

Fickle Stars: Pete Wentz posted an indignant rant on his blog about how the tabloids totally wanted pics of his new baby, but he just wasn’t ready to sell them as he thought it exploited his kid (understandable.) Of course, Perez interpreted this as a sign of disinterest on the weeklies’ parts and a sign of major denial on Pete and Ashlee Simpson’s part (and I can’t help but find myself persuaded after the itsy bitsy birth announcements that US and People published.) Now Pete has decided, after all, to post pictures of baby Bronx as a holiday present. While I’m speechless with gratitude for the gift he has bestowed me with, I find myself wondering what made him change his mind. At least the kid is adorable.

Inconsistent New year’s Plans: Speaking of indecisiveness, I think I may kill one or more of my friends if they change their minds on how to ring in 2009 one more time. Since we arrived home for winter break, all the planning has turned to that most sacred night of wastedness—and now that it’s less than a week away, the pressure is on. So how in the hell did I become in charge of booking a hotel room near the clubs, finding appropriate transportation to and from said hotel room, collecting enough money for the appropriate pregame supplies and oh, don’t forget the Jello shots (as in: “we’ll prob need around 60 Jello shots because I’m bringing my cousin now and her boyfriend and his two friends!) I love you bitches but I’m a hearbeat away from saving all that money I would have spent on Andre and putting it towards one bottle of the good stuff—to be enjoyed ALONE.

Ok dear readers, what pissed you off during this week of merriment and joy?

Giving: Lets you show someone how much you care. When you find that one “perfect” gift for someone, you are ecstatic to see their reaction.

On the other hand, you then have to find the same perfect novelty for everyone else in your family or circle of friends, or else it might seem like you were playing favorites.

Receiving: Umm, hello? Free sh*t. Perfect opportunity to ask your parents for stuff you want but can’t afford on your own.

However, if you get a hand-knitted sweater from Nona with giant snowmen on the front, it’s not like you can return it, exactly. So you better perfect your gritted-teeth-smile and thank you.

Giving: You can use it as an excuse to buy something you want that’s still shareable. It’s like killing two birds with one stone: see a top you love? Buy it for your roommate, and borrow it every chance you get. Or, get your boyfriend a pair of hot concert tickets – obviously, you’ll be his date.

The downside? You will blow your cover if you buy your dad Britney’s new Circus CD.

Receiving: You get to see how much people love you, because they clearly want to shower you with gifts! And they might surprise you by being uber-creative and getting you the gift you never realized you wanted, but now can’t live without (my roommate wins that title this year).

The cons? If you didn’t buy a gift, or just threw something together, you will look tacky when the other party gives you the best present ever. Who knew getting wonderful presents could be so hard?

Giving: You can flaunt your creativity as a shopper, as well as the fact that you know your recipient so well that you’ve found the best gift, ever.

Unfortunately, this will burn a hole in your wallet, and if you cant’ find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, you’re still bound to succumb to mindless giftcard swapping.

Receiving: No matter what, it’s still free items. And with the economy in its present state, we can all use free stuff.

Just be careful – trying to be economical and regift any of your received goods can be detrimental if you regift the wrong thing to the wrong person. It might be better to just suck it up and sell your new Oster on Craigslist.

If you are like me, you are totally hesitant about becoming a Real Person with a real schedule and real responsibilities. And if you aren’t dreading the hard, fast and very rude awakening you are about to undergo, I’m here to tell you to jump on this train because it is going to suck.

But there is one thing to look forward to while you are home unpacking all your memories, sifting through pictures of your senior bar crawl and thinking about how it’s only downhill from here on out… graduation gifts! Now that deserves a whoop-de-do (with an exclamation point) !

Only problem is whenever I am put on the spot with a “What do you want for graduation?” it seems as though I can never think of anything and end up getting gifts I don’t really have any use for.

To solve that problem I am bringing you a list of gift ideas to get/give from parents, siblings, friends, grandparents, your mailman (how cool would you feel if you’re mailman actually got you a graduation gift?!) and so on.

iPod: If you don’t have one or if yours is outdated and has a shitty battery (ahem, mine) these make a great gift. The shuffle, nano and regular iPod hit three different price points making it an affordable gift option.

Starbucks Gift Card: Ah Starbucks, my addiction, my vice, the light of my life- if only you weren’t so damn overpriced I wouldn’t have to cringe everyday at your register. That’s why Starbucks gift cards are the best. Whether you will be a grad student, an underpaid journalist who can’t afford Starbucks any longer or a busy in a high powered-long hour’ed business world these cards are gifts from heaven.

Work Wardrobe: Sad as it is your daily sweats and sorority zip-up ensemble will no longer be appropriate for your 9-5er. But at least you get to go shopping! And with a gift certificate to your local mall, favorite department store or Banana Republic (great work clothes), you can get a new wardrobe at someone else’s expense. There is nothing better than that.

Digital Camera: Maybe I am the only one who is technologically cursed, but after 4 years, my digi cam, iPod and laptop have all taken a beating. Now is a good time to ask for a camera that is brand-spakin-new. Check Costco for great deals on Digital Cameras.

Gym Membership: Let’s face it, next year when you are paying your own way, and it comes down to a new shirt/a few extra drinks a month or paying for a gym membership you will choose the former. Getting a membership as a gift will give you no excuse to stay home on your bum.

Electronic organizer/blackberry/PDA: Any of these devices can help you stay organized and on top of things in the real world. This will of course make you effortlessly appear mature and professional (even though we all know it’s just a facade).

Money: Yes it’s boring, but this way you can save up for something you really want, or have some extra cash laying around to help pay for “real people” things like credit card bills, rent, insurance and such.

Scrapbook stuff/gift card: Not only is this a creative gift option but it will also give you something to do during the summer. Having a scrapbook with your favorite college pics is a great thing to pull out on those depressed, ‘take me back to freshman year’ days.

Congrats on graduating!