A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

At CES last January I saw heard and was blown away by a proto-type of the iHome iP1 Studio Series Audio System. I walked away thinking it was the best sounding ipod docking sound system I’ve ever heard. Well, the iP1 is now commercially available and I highly recommend it as a gift.

What makes the iP1 a peerless system is that it is fundamentally different that all other ipod docking systems. The reason for the iP1’s impressive performance is Bongiovi Acoustics' “Digital Power Station” technology. This technology scans and adjusts the digital music in real-time. The result is a sound which is extremely close to the way the audio was originally meant to be heard (and at very impressive volume levels to boot). So regardless of music genre, the iP1 will automatically and seamlessly make the tunes on your ipod sound better than it ever has. Additionally, the iP1 has an AV out jack to play iPhone/iPod videos through your TV for added versatility. And as you can see, the unit is very stylish and would look great virtually anywhere. The iP1 is my favorite iPod docking sound system. I love it for music lovers who are looking for exceptional sound from their ipods and iphones.

iHome iP1 Studio Series Audio System starting at $299.95.

Now that it rains pretty much every day, I say it’s time to embrace the rain. So you’re asking, “How am I ever going to look forward to the rain”? My answer…two words- Ninja Umbrella! 

If you’re lucky enough to get (or awesome enough to give) a Ninja Umbrella as a gift, you have to be prepared for two things. First, you should be ready to stay dry. The umbrella has a 24 inch canopy. So while you’re not toting around a satellite dish-sized object, it’s more than large enough to provide excellent coverage in a drizzle or in a downpour. And second, be prepared for conversation to ensue. Everyone, young and old, will want to know where you got your sweet (yet deadly) umbrella (you’ll tell them Gifts.com of course). They’ll probably also want to know if you’re actually a real Ninja as well! I love the ninja umbrella for fun and quirky types who can have fun even when it’s raining.

Ninja Umbrella starting at $28.00.

Sure, anybody can go to their local store to buy a roll of cute wrapping paper, but what if there were easy ways to make your gift as unforgettable on the outside and they will be on the inside? We’ve created our easy to follow “Gift Wrapping 101” guide to walk you through some pretty unique wrapping styles that even we could do! 

The pictures are actually our handiwork. An even easier alternative is to order custom, monogrammed wrapping paper. You can even buy recycled personalized wrapping paper! Talk about a stand out gift. So go on…dress up your gifts this year for every occasion and watch the compliments come rolling in! See all of our gift guides too.

Personalized Holiday Wrapping Paper starting at $19.95.

I've been a longtime fan of Skip Hop for their perfect combination of stylish and practical baby products. And when it comes to finding a gift for a Baby Shower or New Baby, look no further than this adorable bunny grooming set.

The ears double as a brush and comb set, gentle enough on baby's scalp and great for tackling unruly cowlicks and curls. The set also includes a mirror so baby can see the end results, and all of the tools fit neatly in the bunny shaped case. And for $20, you'll have plenty of funds to spoil little ones in the future. 

Skip Hop Hare Comb and Brush Set starting at $20.00.

Sweet Sixteen celebrations have gotten bigger and more spectacular over the last few years, so giving the right gift is essential. Every girl wants to feel extra special, especially on their “sweet sixteen”. Give her something that will make her feel beautiful and fortunate everyday for years to come with this Fortune Royalty Necklace from Juicy Couture.  

The keep sake box is shaped like a fortune cookie and comes inside a clear Chinese take out box.  Shop all of our fabulous Sweet Sixteen gift ideas too.

Juicy Couture Fortune Royalty Necklace starting at $68.00.

As for as holidays go, unfortunately Grandparent’s Day (September 13th) doesn’t usually stack up as one of the bigger gift-giving occasions on the calendar. But honoring the grandparents is something we should certainly do. We should show our appreciation for them, because frankly, we’re lucky to have them. And secondly, for our newer grandparents, it’s a chance for grandchildren (with a little help from their parents) to show them that unconditional love is a two-way street.

It doesn’t have to be a big deal, in fact, in this case it’s truly the thought that counts. Here are some ideas that will certainly make a grandparent(s) day a little brighter.

Teleflora's Sunset Glow Bouquet starting at $49.95.

Going Back to School can be very nerve-wracking and exciting for kids. Whether they're starting at a new school, or going for the first time help ease the transition with a cone filled with toys and school supplies. 

These custom cones come stuffed with candy, art supplies, and fun toys like an Ugly Doll and a slinky. Because slinkys are essential for heading back to school. There's a navy cone for boys and a playful pink one for girls. Personalize them with your child's name and keep them for next school year when you can fill them up with all new surprises. Check out our Back to School gift guide for more cool school essentials. 

Personalized First Day of School Cone starting at $68.00.

Tonight marks the return of beloved reality show, "Project Runway". Six seasons later, court battles and a new network, Runway is back and ready to "make it work". Even if you can't wield a needle like most of the competitors it's always fun to see what crazy challenges they meet and sometimes stunning results after. 

If you haven't watched the show, now is your chance to play catch-up before the premiere. Check out the DVD's of seasons past and check out the new fashion guides from some of the more style-savvy contestants. If you're feeling really inspired, dust off that sewing machine or snag a limited edition one for the D-I-Y Trendanista in your life. And don't forget to stay fierce.

Project Runway Season 5 DVD starting at $17.99.

Even if you didn’t attend (or weren’t alive) for the original Woodstock Music Festival, chances are you’re well aware that 2009 marks its 40th anniversary. To commemorate the most famous “happening” in the summer of love, stores are selling all kinds of fun Woodstock themed gifts. 

These will do well under just about any Christmas tree, not to mention they make awesome host/hostess gifts, thank you gifts and, of course, birthday gifts. My favorites are the Woodstock Playing Card Tin Set and I can’t forget the original Woodstock Documentary DVD with 17+ legendary performances completely re-mastered for the 40th Anniversary. Far Out Man.

We’re big fans of GourmetGiftBaskets.com, so it’s a pleasure to pass along this tasty bit of news. Over the weekend, GourmetGiftBaskets.com broke the Guinness record for the World’s Largest Cupcake. Unveiled at the Woodward Dream Cruise classic car event in Royal Oak, MI, the record cupcake tipped the scales at over 1200 lbs! That’s about 2 million calories for those of you counting. 

So what’s better than a record-setting 1200+ pound triple-vanilla cupcake with pink frosting? How about that the delicious cupcake was cut up into thousands of pieces and served up in exchange for a donations to the Susan G. Komen “Passionately Pink for the Cure” effort to find a cure for breast cancer. 

Great job Gourmetgiftbaskets.com! Congratulations.