A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

We're kicking off our Fourth of July celebration a little bit early this year with some great gift ideas that are just as exciting and much less hazardous than fireworks.  Whether it's for the kids, the hostess or the whole family, these red, white, and blue treats are sure to make your holiday sparkle.

First up are these star spangled Patriotic Cupcakes from New York gourmet staple Dean & Deluca. The handmade set of nine includes three different cake and icing combos topped with tasty candy stars. Top off with sparklers at your own risk. 

Patriotic Cupcakes starting at $55.00

Kids and ice cream go together like peanut butter and jelly. Unfortunately, so do kids and sticky messes. If you want avoid melting ice cream all summer long, try the ingenious Motorized Ice Cream Cone.

This handy device uses a spinning cone to eliminate any drips. Just scoop some ice cream into the bright plastic cone and push the button. Moms will love having this colorful contraption on hand during the hot months and Fourth of July picnics, and it makes a sweet birthday treat for kids.

Motorized Ice Cream Cone starting at $8.99

Dog lovers like to spoil their pets every chance they can get, whether it's the coziest bed, tasty treats, long walks, and wardrobes spiffier then their own. But how far does one go in pampering their pooch? For the ultimate indulgence, there's the Day at the Spa Robe. 

This luxurious and soft robe comes in an assortment of colors and features a waist tie and little tassels. They'll think they've died and gone to doggie heaven. It's a great gift for your little dog or for the dog lover in your life. 

Day at the Spa Robe starting at $10.99

Alphabet block sets are a timeless baby gift, but isn't due time for a makeover?  Thanks to one of my favorite design companies, NotNeutral, their Wood Block Set is the perfect solution to baby boredom.

Replacing traditional primary colors, this versatile set combines vintage and contemporary fonts in soft, muted colors. Arranged in certain patterns, the blocks form letters, numbers, puzzles, and even illustrate simple equations using dual-toned graphic numbers, making them a unique and thoughtful baby shower gift.

Wood Block Set starting at $37.95

They're your partners in crime, your wingmen and they've always stood up for you. But this time, they'll be doing it on your big day (literally). So show your groomsmen some true appreciation with these classy Monogrammable Beer Mugs.

This set of four glasses comes with a hand-etched single initial monogram, giving it that personal touch. Choose either double old-fashioned glasses or tall beer mugs depending on their drink of choice: beer loving buddy gets the mugs and scotch-connoisseur pal gets the tumblers. It's a great way to thank them for that all-out bachelor party they threw you. 

Elegant Monogrammable Beer Mugs starting at $60.00.

Recently, while I was on the hunt for some hot holiday gifts at a trade show, this cool Earbags Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet caught my eye. I decided to give it a test run of my own over Memorial Day weekend. Being a weekend adventurer I went everywhere — rode my bike all around the city, walked the beach, and hit a couple of BBQ's. While I pedaled away the wallet held on tight. It's a little tricky cramming everything in there, but once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing and I enjoyed every minute of my holiday weekend without once worrying if I dropped my wallet along the way. It's the perfect gift for an travel enthusiast or the person on the go. 

Earbags Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet starting at $14

It's officially the first day of summer, and it seems like the season is stacked with all sorts of celebrations. Fourth of July is just a couple of weeks away, and there are always a zillion weddings, graduation bashes, barbecues, baby showers, pool parties and more. Luckily, Philosophy has just come out with a line of gift sets that will suit your every warm-weather need (as if we didn't love Philosophy enough already).

The sets' themes run the gamut from thank you to congratulations to beach party. Which means you can show up wherever with the perfect gift in hand. My favorites are the Summer Skincare Rescue Pack (take it to make up for crashing at your pal's beach house all summer) and the Lip Gelato Trio (so appropriate for friends embarking on a European vacay—or, um, pretending to go on one). Wow, I love how these take all the guesswork out of summer gifting!

Summer Skincare Rescue Pack starting at $35.00
Lip Gelato Trio starting at $25.00

Most people in the workforce only daydream of playing hooky and hitting the links, but after retirement, there's ample time to swing away. For those people ready to tee off, the Hole in One Golf Bag is a great retirement gift.

Whether they're planning a golf getaway or just spending every afternoon on the green, this gift basket is sure to please. Filled with everything a pro needs like chocolate golf balls, key lime cookies, a sport-top water bottle, collector's mug and more, this golf bag carrier also functions as an insulated cooler. Perfect for those 19th hole refreshments. Snag one for your favorite Country Clubber or the Active Retiree!

Golf Gift Basket - Hole in One Golf Bag starting at $69.99

When you hear the words "eco-friendly fashion", people often think of some dowdy hemp sack, but this beautiful and striking blues charm necklace is anything but. Made from recycled glass, these large circle pieces make a dramatic fashion statement and an instant conversation starter.

If wearing pretty jewelry helps out the world even a little, then hey, I'm happy to make the sacrifice! Just in time for the holiday party season, the designer is also launching a high-end line featuring gold links instead of silver, so start saving your pennies now.

Blues Charm Necklace starting at $195

There's nothing worse than a bad makeup job, especially if it's a bad makeup job on your wedding day. Luckily, Bobbi Brown has come up with this amazing Bridal Kit to avoid any disastrous beauty mishaps.

This all-in-one cosmetic set comes with everything the bride will need to look natural and gorgeous on her big day and beyond. The sleek white case contains makeup suitable for all skin types, with neutral eye shadow, a pink lip gloss and a smudge-free mascara, for those tearful moments. Which means it's not only perfect for a bridal shower, but it also makes a lovely bridesmaids gift.

Bridal Kit starting at $75.00