A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

Classic train sets are great for older kids, but why should toddlers miss out on all the fun? That’s why I love the Brio First Train Set. It comes with a plush character that unzips to reveal miniature wooden cars for the track. And storage (or toting this toy to Grandma's) is simple–the track and cars zip right back into the pony’s belly.

If horses aren’t his thing, there are other adorable animals like a penguin or a cat. The best part is that this toy will stick around for awhile. When your little one graduates to big kid toys, the train can clip onto any Brio train track.

Brio First Train Set: Darling starting at $42.99

Are you having trouble shopping for your guy this Valentine's Day? Check out this Jack Black on the Road Travel Pack–it maybe solve your shopping woes.

If he's a stylin' Metro Man, these luxuriously packaged products will fit in perfectly in his medicine cabinet. And if he's an all-around Guy's Guy who's lacking a little in the polishing department? The facial wash and scrub are sure to clean up his act. What about The Achiever? The nifty carryall makes them easy to grab on the go and the set is carry-on friendly. 

Jack Black on the Road Travel Pack starting at $56

I have a few friends who are die-hard cyclists. Even on the coldest days of the year when the rest of us are huddling together to stay warm when we have to venture out, they're still likely to bundle up, throw on an extra pair of socks and hop on a bike to get them where they need to go.

This funky bike chain picture frame is the perfect gift for those die-hards. They can put it on their desk or dresser or nightstand and never feel too far away from their "beloved." And since the frames are made from recycled bike parts that can no longer be used for bike repairs, they're eco-friendly too! If you and your guy (or girl) go biking together, give it to your sweetheart for Valentine's Day, with a photo of the two of you included of course!

4" x 6" Bike Chain Picture Frame starting at $28.76

Remember in middle school when you simply sent candy grams and carnations to your crushes and sweethearts? Ah, things were so much easier back then.

Hark back to better times with these adorable Fortunes of Love silver fortune cookies. Simply write your own message (“I heart you,” “I think you’re super cute”), and they’ll print your fortune and tuck it inside a silver-plated cookie. The best part is that the fancy treat comes packaged in an authentic takeout box with the Chinese symbol for love printed on the outside. It’s the perfect little Valentine's Day gift for infatuations and new loves—but it's equally as great to remind your S.O. how much you care.

Fortunes of Love Silver Fortune Cookie starting at $22.95

Last week I got glimpse of what a weekend without football is like and it's not pretty. I spare the ugly details and just leave you with the highlights: end-table shopping and 4-year-old's birthday party. So it's time to double-check the Super Bowl plans. To make it a little easier, here are my top 10 gifts to help further enjoy the big game. I especially like the Super Bowl Tailgate Party Gift Basket. Whether you supply this basket as the party's host or bring it as a guest, I guarantee football fans will devour this champ of a basket full of great game day grub. 

Just remember, whether you're rooting for the Patriots or Giants, or just want to watch the commercials, it's crucial you do Super Bowl Sunday right because after this weekend, there's a whole lot of end-table shopping ahead of us. Check out more cool Super Bowl gifts here. 

Super Bowl Tailgate Party Gift Basket starting at $124.99

What's worse than getting dumped? Getting dumped just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Sound like someone you know? Boost her spirits by helping her just say no to V-Day with these super cute pink fluffy boxing gloves. Whether she wants to punch his lights out (not literally, I hope) or just let off some steam at the gym, the fuzzy mitts are sure to evoke all the girl power she needs.
Pair them with a Smack Him Ex-Boyfriend Punching Bag if she’s really feeling bitter or gift ‘em as a joke to an anti-Valentine’s Day supporter.

Pink Fluffy Boxing Gloves starting at $19.99

Looking for a unique gift this Valentine's Day? Why not take your sweetheart on a little adventure and learn something new together. If you're both skiing novices, treat your special someone to a day on the slopes with Private Ski Lessons for Two. You won't soon forget all the times you fell down, her incident with the ski lift and the hot chocolate you shared at the end of the day.

Like the idea of giving a Valentine's Day experience but don't love the idea of putting on skis? Find other options in our guide, 6 Experiences to Spark Romance. 

Private Skiing for Two starting at $375

Let's face it. Every girl, regardless of the stage of her relationship, is secretly wishing for a sweet, thoughtful and romantic Valentine's Day gift. Which creates quite the task for all the guys out there–one wrong move and she'll be crushed instead of crushin'. So if you're a guy and you're reading this blog, congratulations, you're already one step closer to impressing your Valentine. 

Now, go the next step and read A Guy's Guide to Valentine's Day Gifts. I know you don't want some girl (me) critiquing your gift ideas, so we teamed up with Match.com's Happen magazine on this one. They recruited a total Guy's Guy to talk you through a few V-day gift buying basics. One thing you'll learn: Heart-shaped boxes of chocolates from the drugstore are OK–if you're in the fifth grade. The better choice? A box of V-day decorated cupcakes. Sweet yet unique, and who doesn't love cupcakes right now?? 

Mrs. Beasley's Sweetheart Cupcakes starting at $29.95

This is the time of year when kids start getting really restless. The wonder of winter has begun to dull and even a good old-fashioned snow day doesn't hold the same luster it did earlier in the season. I mean, how many variations of the snowman really are there?

Enter Redfeather Snowpaws Snowshoes to the rescue! Strap these onto your kids' boots and let them claw their way through the snow leaving big bear tracks for your neighbors to discover. Save these for the next day snow day and watch winter turn into a wonderland all over again!

Redfeather Snowpaws Snowshoes starting at $24.95

Remember that first mix tape you made for your crush in the 80's? Um, I do! Nothing can say how you feel better than a play list. It saves a lot of awkward fumbling, eye contact and possible rejection. Well, the mix tape lives on! It looks like a mix tape, but is actually a USB drive so after your Valentine uploads the songs, the drive can be used to store other stuff. Of course, your poetry will live on because you can write personal love liner notes.

A great Valentine's Day gift–honor your long term guy/gal with a collection of songs that mark some of your favorite memories. We won't tell if you put "Cheeseburger in Paradise" on there from your trip to Cancun in '89! Or create the perfect mix to catch your crush's attention and capture his or her heart by showing off your awesome taste. 

Mix Tape USB Drive starting at $15.99