A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

Everyone has their New Year's Eve traditions. Whether you're out wining and dining or home with the family, there's one tradition that stands the test of time: champagne. So if you're looking to starting the new year off right and making a good impression, here are some great gift ideas to ring in 2009, libations or not. 

Save the crystal for when the in-laws visit, these Cheers Flutes are just the thing for any party host.

Indulge in a different kind of bubbly with Philosophy's Celebrate! Celebrate! champagne inspired bath set that comes in a festive sparkly tub.

For the francophiles, these porcelain appetizer plates feature vintage champagne labels and are perfect for holiday fêtes.

Dress to impress at your holiday party with this gold Champagne Cork Charm from Juicy Couture.

Avoid cork-flying disasters with this expert champagne opener. That way you won't be half blind when the ball drops.  

For the past month, we've all been traveling a lot. And more out of obligation than for pleasure. Don't get me wrong, the visits to family and friends have been great, but now is the time to think about taking a fun getaway—be it near or far! Regardless of your own travel plans, there's a gadget out there that will either make it easier to get there or make it better once you've arrived. Like this Waterproof Digital Camcorder for getting wet and wild in the water. Or the must-have Digital Tactility Gloves for jamming to your iPod while braving the cold.

Whether you're hitting the slopes, lounging on the beach, going abroad or just "stay-cationing" nearby with the fam, be sure to check out our favorite Getaway Gadgets.

What goes with champagne? Well, everything in my opinion. And with New Year's right around the corner, I definitely won’t want to be empty handed when the ball drops. So I plan on impressing my host and hostess (and satisfying my own craving) by kicking things off right with this Champagne Cheese Assortment.

The gift set includes three scrumptious fromages (chevre, aged cheddar, and Brie)—chosen especially to be nibbled with champagne—as well as a cheese knife and water crackers. The whole thing comes sophisticatedly wrapped in a chocolate-colored gift box topped off with a yellow ribbon. It's a lovely token of thanks that is sure to stand out amidst the bottles of bubbly.

Champagne Cheese Assortment starting at $49.99

Today marks the beginning of Kwanzaa. For the next week, people around the world will celebrate this joyous holiday in honor of their African heritage. Though some of us may not know the full story behind the special day, that doesn’t mean we can’t join in on the fun and learn more about friends and family.

Started by Dr. Ron Karenga, a professor of black studies, political activist and esteemed author, Kwanzaa begins with the lighting of the kinara (a seven-branch candlestick) and ends with celebration through music, food, and gift giving. Though presents are mainly given to children, the World Beat Gift Set is something the whole family can enjoy. Recycled African trade beads strung alongside brightly colored ceramic beads make for a stunning, meaningful bracelet. And the accompanying Putumayo CD, Acoustic Africa, features prominent African singer-songwriters. Pair it with the Critter Congo Drum (also for kids—and grown-ups like me) for a real celebration!

World Beat Gift Set starting at $39.00

Okay, now you're pushing it. The cookie plate is just crumbs, the carrots are just nubs, and you still need a gift or two. Don't waste any more time: Pick up a Gifts.com Gift Card.

Trust me; you don't really have many options today. And besides, the Gifts.com Gift Card gives the recipient something he or she really wants: choice! You can have a Gifts.com Gift Card e-mailed to someone, or you can print one out at home and quickly slip it into a special someone's stocking. Either way, you decide how much to put on it, and your giftee determines where to spend it—all he or she has to do is browse through hundreds of top merchants (Barnes & Noble, Land's End, Pottery Barn) and choose one (that's the hardest part). And because the card is all about choice, it can be redeemed all at one store or split it across multiple merchants. The Gifts.com Gift Card has you covered! Hurry: Click here to get started.

So today's the day before the big day. Are you ready? Need one more great gift but are all out of options? Have you even started your holiday shopping yet?! No need to worry. The Gifts.com Gift Card is exactly what you need.

This simple little card can be e-mailed to a recipient or printed out at home and given to the lucky someone in person. Best of all, it costs as much as you feel like doling out and gives the gift of choice (who doesn't love that). The giftee is able to choose where to redeem it: All he or she has to do is browse through hundreds of top merchants (L.L. Bean, Nike, Gap). And because the card is all about choice, it can be cashed in at one store or split among multiples. So you're not out of gift options just yet! Click here to get started.

Ok, folks, it’s the end of the line. You officially have less than two days to get it together if you haven’t finished your holiday shopping. Luckily some online shops have mercy on procrastinators everywhere and offer Christmas delivery even if you order today. Here are some of my favorite gifts.

Great for the gadget lovers and sports fans on your shopping list. Order from the Sports Authority by 11:59 pm EST for free overnight shipping (see site for details).

Pamper them silly with a gift certificate from SpaFinder. You get a presentation box and guide book to go with your spa experience certificate. Just make sure you run out and buy some slippers to go with it so they have something related to enjoy in the meantime. Order by 9:00 p.m EST.

Send a festive centerpiece or bouquet from Teleflora to arrive just in time for the festivities. They’ll think you pre-arranged it to arrive on the big day…we won’t tell. Order by 2 p.m. EST.

A nice bottle of wine is always a good party gift. But this New Year's, resolve to skip the booze and surprise your host or hostess with an unrivaled gift that keeps on giving: a Year of Wishes Candle Set.

The collection includes a candle for every month, each of which represents a different wish (joy, love, adventure) and burns down to reveal a miniature charm. The rainbow hues, silver plaques, and glass tray on which to burn the candle of the month just add to the set's allure. And the best part, no hangover included. 

Year of Wishes Candle Set starting at $69.95

The View is the most popular morning show in the United States and we were lucky enough to not only have one of our top picks featured, but our Holiday Editor in Chief Jane Buckingham did the segment!

Thanks Jane and big thanks to The View!  Also, those beer glasses are still available for Christmas Delivery if you order by December 23rd.  Cheers!

Zac Efron made some childhood dreams come true yesterday.

Joining up with Gifts.com, the High School Musical heart throb brought thousands of dollars worth of presents and signed autographs for the many sick children at the Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA in Los Angeles.

With no movies to promote or a new album scheduled to drop, Zac made the unexpected trip to the hospital out of the goodness of his pretty little heart.

We love you Zac! Thank you for helping us spread some serious holiday cheer!