A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

Casios are so 1999. This year is all about the Electro Luminescent Watch. An updated version of that old-school calc watch he used to wear (or, worse, still wears), this futuristic clock tells time with sharp orange blocks that can be read in any light at any angle. And its got a sleek, geek-chic style that's perfect for techies and watch connoisseurs alike. He'll love it for his birthday or just because.

Electro Luminescent Watch starting at $150

Need a gift idea? Need it fast? Here's a quick list of gifts we're loving this week.

For the weekend kickoff: Help your party hostess gear up for spring flings with stemless wine glasses in pastel colors.

For the spoil-worthy dino fan: Save now to put the KOTA Triceratops—a $300 moving, roaring, big enough to sit on toy—under your Christmas tree. (via Coolest Gadgets)

For the glam girl's baby shower: A luxe cashmere baby gift set just like the one J.Lo added to her registry. (via Off the Rack)

For the movie buff: Oscar winning movies and music to help the pop culture junkie indulge.

For your democratic dog: A "Mama Says Vote for Obama" tee made just for political pooches. (via Modern Pooch)

When I was a little girl, I wore nothing but Keds, Keds, Keds. And while those sneakers will always be a classic in my mind, my grade-school self did grow a little tired of the same old basic white shoe. Luckily, my little nieces won't have to do the same: They'll be stepping into spring in these adorable Morgan + Milo Canvas Skimmers.

The cutesie canvas slip-ons come in delightful hues like sunshine, capri blue, azalea pink, and, my personal fave, kelly dot (with a coordinating navy toe). Even the insides (pink plaid) are precious! Trendy yet age-appropriate, the kicks are sure to be your little fashion shopper's summer shoe.

Morgan + Milo Canvas Skimmers starting at $36

I travel a lot–it's one my favorite things to do when I have some down time–and no matter where I am in the world or what language people are speaking, there are just some phrases that I have to be able to say, like "Do you have WiFi?" and "One large coffee, please."

The next time I travel abroad, I'm going to take this 12-Language Talking Translator so I'm always able to get my point across. Translating over 20,000 words and 2,200 phrases, it's the perfect gift for the frequent traveler! For other gift ideas for gadget loving travelers, read our gift guide to Getaway Gadgets.

12-Language Talking Translator starting at $199.95

I've received several gifts in my life on milestone occasions that have become keepsakes that I'll pass on to the next generations of girls in my family. This Custom Message Bracelet is just the kind of personal gift a young girl will love to hold onto as a reminder of a special day in her life, like her first Communion, and the people who helped her celebrate it.

You can choose any six meaningful or inspiring words to custom engrave on the sterling silver oval disks for a beautiful keepsake bracelet. A design it yourself gift is such a thoughtful way to show your support!

You Design It? Custom Message Bracelet starting at $54.95

There's nothing like getting a new pup. There's also nothing like the whining, barking, biting and "accidents" that follow. So if you know a new doggy owner, make things a little easier on 'em by gifting this adorable Welcome Home Puppy Gift Set.

As pretty as if it were for a real newborn, the kit comes in blue or pink and is packaged in a reusable basket (perfect for organizing toys!). Princess will love cuddling up with her baby blanket buddy, Fido will have a ball with the squeaky ABC blocks and Mom or Dad will appreciate the shampoo and spritz. There's also a handy towel and adorable bone-shaped picture frame (aww). The Welcome Home Puppy Gift Set is the perfect all-in-one gift to bring to a puppy shower. If you need more ideas for new puppies, read our guide to puppy showers.

Welcome Home Puppy Gift Set starting at $45

It seems like every time I turn around, another someone is getting engaged, and now that Valentine's Day has passed, I fully expect another crop of "save the date" cards from more brides and grooms-to-be. While I'm not exactly like Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses–thank God–I have been in and seen enough weddings to know first-hand the kind of stress a bride is under before the big day. That's why I love to give an engagement gift that will help her relax and remind her to take some time to pamper herself.

The Philosophy product line from Sephora is one of my favorites and their Bridal Party Shower Gel Set is just the thing to jump-start the pampering for the bride-to-be. With three different products, including a Wedding Cake shower gel, the set not only promotes luxurious relaxation–it celebrates the big event. Perfect!

Philosophy The Bridal Party starting at $30

Leaving the toilet seat up; forgetting to put the cap back on the toothpaste; throwing whatever's in his pocket all over the dresser. Men have a lot of annoying little habits. Here's a way to keep at least one of those quirks in check: the Rectangular Leather Catchall. Like the silver dish we girls have for our accouterments, this handsome pebbled-leather tray is ideal for loose change, keys and his watch—and it unsnaps and folds flat for easy travel. Gift it to all the men in your life.

Rectangular Leather Catchall starting at $29

Here in New York we're lucky enough to have flower stands on almost every corner. Whenever I pick up a bouquet, a few blooms from the bunch always last longer than the rest. I like to cut those one or two stems and place them in little vases like these beautiful handmade bud vases. They're a perfect way to showcase a single stem and ideal gift for the Domestic Diva. Pair them with sprigs of holly for yule-tide cheer!

Red Bud Vases starting at $40

We’ve loved Karito Kids since their introduction last year. Each of the dolls in the Karito clan helps kids learn about charitable giving through both a book and an online site where girls get a code to donate money to a good cause. 

At Toy Fair, Karito Kids introduced their newest girl on the block—Piper. I'm actually a little jealous of this doll's life–she’s an Aussie surf girl who discovers that marine life is starting to wash ashore in Sydney Harbor. Her story talks about her eco-mission to help save the ocean animals from pollution. She’s the perfect doll for girls who love the ocean or marine animals. 

Karito Kids-Piper from Australia starting at $109.99