Based on actual observation, the only essential item the college-bound need is a cell phone.

High school graduations have been held. Most gifts have likely already been purchased. So I’m late with these gift suggestions. Perhaps, though, there are other slackers who, like me, have not completed shopping for those who have passed one education milestone and, in a matter of weeks, will start working toward another.

Cell phones are taboo in high school, but, of course, as common as the aroma of that special disinfectant always wafting into hallways from high school restrooms. Cell phones are not taboo on college campuses. They are essential No student would dare walk from one class to the next without making at least two or three calls to other students to check in to learn that they, too, are walking from one class to the next. The gist of these conversations is that they will talk more later, but that doesn’t make them nonessential.

Truth is, actual voice calls are on the downswing. Texting has taken over and, of course, it’s better because texting can take place during classes, too. The conversation is the same — an agreement to text more later — but texting is less time-sensitive.

So phones. Phone accessories. Phone chargers. Phone stuff. Can’t go wrong with a phone-related gift unless its last week’s technology, of course. If it’s not absolutely the latest thing, leave it on the shelf.

The basics are still needed, although mini-microwaves have replaced hotplates and popcorn poppers as the cooking appliances of choice.

Dorm furnishings make nice gifts, but they’re gender-specific.

For girls, it’s necessary to know their colors. They need linens, sheets of at least 1,000 thread count, big pillows, throw pillows, bedspreads, pillow shams and matching bed skirts and draperies.

For boys, two flat sheets — any color, any size.

For girls, cute plastic storage crates in matching colors.

For boys, cardboard boxes.

For girls, a shower caddy with cubbies for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, cotton balls and swabs — for starters.

For boys, a bar of soap.

For girls, plush towels in at least three sizes and, if possible, in school colors.

For boys, a wash rag and a bath towel. White’s fine.

The gender divide is not as great when it comes to clothing.

For boys, jeans, T-shirts and sandals. If you buy T-shirts, just buy plain colors. Even boys are ticky about wording on their outerwear. They won’t wear any bearing messages that don’t fit their personal philosophies.

For girls, jeans for the coldest days in winter and what we used to call gym shorts for all other seasons. The shorts are nylon or nylon-ish with white piping. Girls wear T-shirts, too, and are equally selective about anything printed on them. They also wear sandals, but prefer flip-flops. Nobody wears socks, so forget about that.

The phone, though, that’s the thing. Pity any kid facing college life with a substandard cell.

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Charlie Mitchell is executive editor of The Vicksburg Post. Write to him at Box 821668, Vicksburg, MS 39182, or e-mail.