A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

When the weather turns cold, there's nothing I like more than cozying up in a woodsy cabin or ski lodge. And while I might not have one of my own, I do like to take advantage of my friends who do. Fortunately, I just found the best thank-you / host gift for them: this Moose Bottle Opener.

The rustic wall mount looks right at home in any cabin or lake house, plus it's actually useful! Don't know someone with a winter shanty? It also makes a fun gift for nature lovers and, of course, brew aficionados.

Moose Bottle Opener starting at $15

I don't have my own kids yet, but I do enough nieces and nephews to know that stuffed animals can cause an organization nightmare. If you're a mom who's determined to get organized in the new year, check out this Boon Animal Bag.

It's an ingenious solution for rounding up plush toys and it's fun for kids too especially if you give it to them with a new stuffed animal tucked inside. Children can fill the oversized, plush bag with soft critters of all sizes and then use the Animal Bag like a bean bag chair–perfect for watching a video or reading a bedtime book! The Animal Bag makes an ideal birthday
gift or give it to your kid as a "just because" gift–just because you like your home clutter free!

Animal Bag: Oval - Avacodo starting at $59.99

Alarm clocks are a great gift for the travel enthusiast, but if you really want a gift that keeps on giving, literally, pick up the H20 Multifunction Clock. Running entirely on water powered battery, it’s a great alternative to most electronics that waste batteries year after year. Plus all of its components are recyclable. Besides its eco-friendly benefits, this clock’s handy design lets you switch from alarm mode to temperature display and timer just by turning it on different sides.

If you’ve got a picky green-minded boyfriend or a lover of travel gadgets, this clock is a great find. 

Water Powered Multifunction Clock starting at $24.95

Here's a hostess gift that's a little different but still completely appropriate: I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, by Amy Sedaris. The hilarious fat-suit-wearing, cupcake-making comedian/writer has just come out with a wonderful new book, and it's perfect for your next party hostess.

Sedaris keeps readers on the floor laughing with tips for nosy guests (fill your medicine cabinet with marbles) and etiquette pointers (inappropriate intros, things not to say to those who are grieving). But don't worry, she also includes real recipes and kitschy craft projects.

Get two. You'll want to keep one for yourself and, yes, you still need one for your New Year's hostess.

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence starting at $18.47

TGIF. You've got your paycheck in hand and we've got a few ideas on how to blow it—on family and friends, of course. But feel free to treat yourself too. Nothing wrong with a little self-gifting.

For the weekend kickoff: Get ready for New Year's Eve with a colorful set of champagne flutes.

For the kid at heart: The Alu Sled, a high-tech lightweight aluminum sled sure to make any dad's snow day. (via Uncrate)

For New Year's Day: After ringing in 2008, cure your hangover with a Bloody Mary Breakfast Gift Basket.

For the glam girl: She can get her party look with The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes. 

For your imaginative kid: A super silly and one-of-a-kind handmade sock puppet. (via Babygadget)  

For your party host: If you're not afraid of DIY, bring a homemade bottle of infused vodka. (Hostess with the Mostess)

If I had a nickel for every time I swore I'd start bringing a lunch to work, I could fund my next vacation. And if I had all the money back that I've spent on take-out lunches and delivery, I could probably just retire and spend the rest of my life on vacation. That's why this New Year's, I've resolved to bring my lunch to work and really stick to it this time. 

If you know someone in the same boat as I'm in, show a little encouragement with a Built NY Gourmet Getway Tote. Made of the same material as wet suits, the tote will keep food insulated for several hours, and the stylish bright colors won't scream "brown bag lunch!"

Built NY Gourmet Getaway Tote starting at $24.95

There's nothing more uncomfortable than awkward party silence. Especially if it's your party (we've all been there). So break the ice by breaking out these super cool Arctic Frozen Ice Shots. Just fill the molds with water, pop in the freezer, and ta-da!—cold-as-ice (ha, ha) shot glasses.

Impress all your guests with a fire-and-ice-themed New Year's Eve shindig. Or just add a fun touch to any ol' party. Not hosting? Gift your host/hostess with a set (extra shots, er, props if you make a few before you go).

Arctic Frozen Ice Shots starting at $19.99

If you've been invited to a New Year's Eve dinner party, chances are you'll be seated at a beautifully set table. The hostess probably will have spent hours thinking of every detail, from flatware and dishes to napkins and glasses. Then, if she's anything like the hostesses of parties I've been to in the past, she'll light the candles on the table with matches from a tacky matchbook!

Save her and everyone else from such a travesty and bring this sleek, highly functional candle lighter as a hostess gift. With just a push of a button, the long, baton lighter lights all types of candles and is pretty enough to sit on the table! Tacky travesty averted!

Lighter starting at $26

Ah, Christmas break–I remember it well: playing in the snow, watching cartoons for hours on end, drinking hot chocolate with those mini marshmallows, and no doubt driving Mom completely crazy! If you have kids at home on break this month–and a decent amount of snow on the ground–surprise them with the Snopal.

With all the foam components necessary to build an awesome snowman, or snow animal, the Snopal is guaranteed to keep the kids busy–and out of your hair–for at least an afternoon! Next up, hot chocolate and the Cartoon Network.

Snopal starting at $14.95

It can happen to the best of us. Maybe you skipped dinner and had a glass of wine instead. Or maybe "happy hour" turned into "happy 5 hours." Or maybe you just didn't think you needed to match a glass of water for each alcoholic beverage of the evening. Regardless how we get a hangover, the bottom line is we all want a cure as quickly as possible. And what better time than New Year's to give the gift that'll help you get through it?

The How To Cure a Hangover book includes cure-all recipes, advice and even medical information about avoiding the dreaded "morning after." Just what everyone needs to start the new year with a clear head!

How To Cure A Hangover starting at $16.95