A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

Roald Dahl is one of my favorite children's book authors. It's no wonder that his fantastic stories were perfect for the big screen. There was, The Witches, James and the Giant Peach, Matilda, I could go on and on. That's why I'm super excited for the latest Dahl book to hit theaters, The Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Directed by indie darling, Wes Anderson, Mr.Fox includes a star-studded cast of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, and Jason Schwartzman. The preview already looks amazing, using stop motion animation just like the Nightmare Before Christmas. This is the perfect flick that both parents and kids will enjoy. Fall in love with Dahl's classics all over again with this Roald Dahl Gift Set. It's the perfect gift for little bookworms with big imaginations. 

Roald Dahl Gift Set starting at $24.96.

The moment has finally arrived. Twilight: New Moon, the sequel to one of the most successful film franchises of all time has finally hit theaters. And if you have a teenage daughter this is probably no surprise to you. Their walls are sure to be covered with all their favorite heroes and heroines, the Cullen Clan, Bella Swan, and of course hunky Jacob. Let her show of her favorite with these 'Team Twilight' T-shirts. 

These hip graphic tees are printed on soft distressed cotton, and proudly declare whose side she's on. I love this "Team Edward" tee with it's cool collegiate  style. Check out the rest of our picks for the Twilight-obsessed and I'll see you at the premiere! 

The Twilight Saga: New Moon 'Team Edward' Burnout Tee starting at $30.00.

With so many upcoming holiday parties, bringing bottle after bottle of wine seems so unoriginal. And who wants to end up with 15 bottles at the night’s end? Why not give a more thoughtful gift? A Reclaimed Slate Cheese Board is perfect because it’s functional for serving some party appetizers. 

The board is made of recycled chalkboards from Franklin Elementary School in Illinois, making it a great eco-friendly option. You can educate other party-goers on the selected cheese by writing the name in chalk. With this creative gift, you’ll surely be the hit of the party. And your host/hostess will think of you for years to come.

Reclaimed Slate Cheese Board starting at $48.00.

Looking for a hot gadget gift this holiday season? Our very own Gift Guru Dan T. breaks down the hottest holiday gadgets on the Digital Trends podcast. There's unique tech gifts for the whole family.

If you’re curious to know the coolest gadget gifts under $150 listen in on Dan’s podcast and check out his list too!  

Every year, across the country, as families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, there are a few brave souls that manage to handle all of the cooking and hosting responsibilities. They whip up pies overnight, cook multiple courses, and make everyone feel at home. If you're heading out of town this holiday, don't forget to treat your host/hostess to something special. 

A cool kitchen gadget will come in handy for any social occasion and is a host's best helper. This cordless serving tray can heat up or keep cool any appetizer so food stays fresh 'til the end of the party. It's interior has a gel core that you can place in the oven or fridge depending on the temperature desired. So that pumpkin pie will stay hot until all the football games are over and your guests are clamoring for leftovers. Check out the rest of our gift picks to make your Thanksgiving run smoothly this year.

The Cordless Heating or Cooling Serving Tray starting at $34.95.

So what is a Whatnot? A Whatnot is one of the zany-looking Muppet extras you have seen in Muppet productions for years. And thanks to the Muppet Whatnot Workshop, exclusively at FAO Schwarz, you can design and produce a custom-made, one-of-a-kind, Muppet Whatnot of your very own.

For so many years, Muppets have entertained, inspired and taught both young and young-at-heart alike. Now with a Whatnot, you can have a little Muppet magic in your own home. Bottom line: A Muppet Whatnot is a unique and creative gift certain to be a hit. Win it to gift it or win it to get it!

Visit our Gift Giveaway page to enter and view official rules. And check out the Muppet Whatnot video here. 

Are you or someone you know hungry to bite into the next Twilight movie? You’re in luck because there are loads of licensed products that will bring Twilight into every aspect of your life from backpacks and everyday accessories to collectible Twilight action figures and cardboard cut outs. 

We have found the coolest gifts for anyone who has Twilight fever. Don’t forget, the new movie comes next Friday!  See more Twilight gifts and gifts for Teens.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon Board Game starting at $14.97. 

It's finally November, and you know what that means? It's officially toy shopping season. While most of us are busy preparing for Thanksgiving and putting off our Christmas shopping, your kids are getting googly-eyed over all the toy catalogs arriving in the mail. Lucky for you, toy retailers are waging an all out price war and you and I get to reap the benefits. 

Shopping for toys can get overwhelming very quickly, and you want to find the perfect gift that won't get left on the shelf after Christmas morning. Look no further than our Holiday Toy Guide for the hottest toys of the season.  You can search by age, interest, price, you name it. Also check out our Award-Winning Toys Guide, for products that have been given the gold seal of approval by parents, kids and industry experts. And while we all love to procrastinate, toys will be flying off the shelves faster than you can say Tickle Me Elmo. Why not spend Christmas Eve with your family than panicking at Walmart, and let the Gift Guru's help you wrap up all your holiday shopping needs. 

Today is Veterans Day. And while it’s not the most gift-able day on the calendar, it is a day where we should make every attempt to acknowledge and thank our veterans for their service. 

Earlier this year, I saw a documentary called “The Way We Get By”. The film is the extremely moving story about the Maine Troop Greeters.  In some ways, TWWGB is about servicemen and women going into and coming back from war. But in most ways “The Way We Get By” is about “service” in a general sense.  The film explores service by our armed forces, service to our nation and communities and service to our families- and how profound meaning can come from honoring this service. The award-winning film has been critically acclaimed in showings everywhere from arthouse theaters, to screenings for members of congress. 

I’m fairly certain in if you take a peek at the trailer, you’ll probably get choked up, and will most likely want to make time to watch (or DVR) this truly inspiring film. 

The Way We Get By on DVD starting at $22.49. 

Just like most folks these days, the Gift Guru's are total suckers for sales. Whether you're treating yourself to a new winter coat or starting your holiday shopping early, it always feels good to score something on sale. But what's even more feel good is when that sale goes towards a good cause. That's where the "Big Warm-Up" comes in.

For the next 22 days, Lands End will be offering 20% of any outerwear purchase, when you donate a gently used coat. So far, over a 5,000 coats have been collected to help the homeless this winter. Check out their video to see how the project works and how and where you can donate. And help everyone warm-up this winter.