A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

Opening ceremonies are just a week away, but you can start your Olympic games now with Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games.

It features everyone's favorite Italian plumber and lightning-fast hedgehog along with other beloved characters (Luigi, Yoshi, Tails) in virtual Beijing. Score a perfect 10 inside the National Indoor Stadium, shoot a bull's-eye at Archery Field or bring home the table-tennis gold at Peking University.

Catch the Olympic spirit yourself with our gold medal gift list, then pass the torch to a loved one or your favorite video gamer so they too can bring home the glory.

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games starting at $49.99

While we may be spread out across the country, the joy of outdoor grilling makes all of my family reunions a success. And every year Dad hogs the grill while the kids only get to watch in awe. Why not get the little ones involved with the Kids Play BBQ?

Throw some faux burgers on the grill, turn up the heat with the silver knobs, and add some pretend ketchup and mustard from the no-mess squirt bottles. Or better yet, give your junior grill-master the Kids Chef Play Set complete with apron, chef's hat and oven mitt. Add a picnic table, and the youngsters will be able to throw a barbecue all their own.

Kids Play BBQ starting at $149.00 

With temperatures rising and a serious dry spell in summer entertainment, some of us long for the chilly and cheery times of the holiday season. Good thing, it’s time for Christmas in July.  

Throw a party at home or surprise loved ones with some holiday cheer. Either way, we’ve got something for everyone on your list because Santa’s still on vacation.

For the festive family: This red and green Bocce Set is great backyard fun for any age.

For the trendy teen: These Chuck Taylor® All Star® Pine Tree shoes feature mini trees for those who like to dress festively year round.

For the holiday host/hostess: These cheeky Holiday Bar Exam Melamine Tidbit Dishes are a great way to spice up a holiday party without going overboard on themed decorations.

For the Thinker: Hit the beach or chill at home with the xmas-themed Little Red and Green Book of Crosswords from puzzle pros, The New York Times.

For the sweet tooth: It may be too early to wrap presents but it's not too early to send the edible kind with these Thank You Cookies from Dean and Deluca. 

Merry Christmas in July to all our readers!

We've all seen our share of streaking babies. Whether it's at the beach or on the playground, little ones don't care much about decorum. However, parents do, and they won't have to fret if their little one is wearing these Monogrammed Fancy Pants Diaper Covers.

These precious white bloomers cover unsightly diapers and keep tiny darlings looking stylish, even when they're taking a tumble or playing hide-and-go-seek under their dress. Ruffled legs and a colored monogram keep baby looking ladylike while the elastic waistband and wrinkle-free fabric make them super wearable. It's a great new baby gift for little ladies in training.  

Monogrammed Fancy Pants Diaper Covers starting at $16.00

When I was a kid, one of my favorite toys was Mr. Potato Head. I'd play with it for hours, sticking the nose in the spot where an ear should go and an eye in the space for his mouth. These days, kids can play with anatomy in a whole new way with What's in Ned's Head? Game.

Ned's Head is exploding with gruesome things that kids have to pull out with their bare hands. This gross-out memory game will keep kids of all ages engaged, entertained, and giggling for hours each time they play. It's a great game for silly birthday parties. 

What's in Ned's Head? Game starting at $19.99

One of the biggest toy trends to explode this year is web based collectibles. They allow kids to interact with virtual worlds and give parents the peace of mind with safe web play. One of my favorites is the U.B Funkeys collection.

These vinyl pop collectibles are full of personality and come in all different colors and themes. It's a great birthday gift for kids who are computer savvy and have big imaginations. Using a central hub that plugs into a USB port, each "Funkey" connects to the hub and appears on the screen. After loading the game software, kids can trade and collect different characters to unlock more of their Funkey worlds and deck out their virtual "cribs".

We're giving away the U.B Funkeys Speed Racer Starter Kit which includes a hub, two U.B Funkeys character figures and PC software. Join Speed and his gang and race the Mach 5 online with your friends. 

Want to win? Post a comment below and tell us about your favorite childhood toy by 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, July 17. One comment per person please, multiple comments will be discarded. Click here to read the official rules.

U.B Funkeys Speed Racer Starter Kit starting at $18.90

No little girl can resist a doll house, and although the traditional wooden kind make great heirlooms, you can't exactly cart them around to grandma's house.  

Here's where the Kids on Roof Mobile Home comes in handy. This "green" house is made of 100% biodegradable recycled cardboard and folds up flat, making it easy for play dates and weekend trips. It makes for a cute birthday gift and a great way to start the conversation about making eco-friendly choices with your child.

Kids on Roof Mobile Home starting at $31.99

Being the sibling to a master video gamer, I always relished my Tetris victories over my brother. Sure, the graphics were a fuzzy gray and I heard its repetitive theme song in my sleep, but it got me through many car trips and backseat battles. That's why I'm psyched it's back with the Tetris Gold Game.

The handheld gadget contains all the fun of the classic, addictive game but with sharp, bright hues, a 2.5-inch color screen, 10 challenging levels, and four modes including Marathon and Ultra 40, (play with caution). 

The best part is that kids and big kids alike can take the device on the go and play anywhere, anytime. It's perfect for your favorite Tech Head or a bon voyage present for a family.

Tetris Gold Game starting at $34.95

Fourth of July has arrived and the presidential election is fast approaching, so here's a list of gift ideas in honor of all your parties - patriotic and political.

For the weekend kickoff: Save your political jabs for your steaks with these Political Party Branding Irons.  

For the early risers: Fill up the Blue States Mug and watch the red states disappear as the mug heats up. But don't cry in your coffee just yet, there's the Make My Day Mug for red state lovers too! 

For the mini patriots: Rock the vote and the cradle with the pint-sized Future Voter Patriotic Baby Romper for star spangled babies.

For the peacekeepers: To keep political banter at bay and celebrate as citizens, try on the Swing Voters Custom Tee for those who like to support any party. 

For the roadtrippers: Let the gridlock games begin.  Study up on your patriotic trivia with the Secret Lives of Presidents Trivia Card Game. There's plenty of dirty laundry to cross state lines. 

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