A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

We Gurus have been working all year long to bring you handpicked gift selections and now that it's finally Christmas we don't know what to do with ourselves. Well since it's the season of giving, why not get a head start on those New Year's resolutions and donate to a cause.  Whether you're doing it for good karma or giving in a loved one's name, charity is the gift that keeps on giving.

Our friends over at JustGive are the #1 spot for online donations and feature over a million different reputable charities. If that sounds overwhelming, don't worry you can search by subject or even by zipcode to find an organization locally. Choose from any number of denominations, because every little bit counts.

And from all the gurus be sure to have a very merry Christmas, see you on New Years!

We’ve all been in your shoes. A day before the big day and there’s still some work to be done. Well, don’t worry. Even this late in the game there are some terrific gift options still out there. One thing many of these last-minute gift options have in common is they can be “e-delivered” - that is, these gifts (or notification the recipient will be receiving a gift) can be sent via email. 

One option I’ve always liked is the gift of an “Of-The-Month” club. That’s where the recipient will receive a similarly themed gift each month. For example, for guys I really like the Microbrew or the Hot Sauce of the Month club. For women maybe the Floral Bouquet or Candle of the Month club. Can't decide? You can even let them choose their month with an Amazing Clubs gift card. Now go finish your shopping so you can get back to watching “Elf” for the ninth time this month.

Candle of the Month Club starting at $86.85.

Hopefully by now you've gotten the bulk of your holiday shopping under your belt. The cards are signed, the care packages shipped, and holiday dinner planned. But not all of us are super shoppers, and if you're anything like me, I do my best Christmas shopping under pressure. If you're still stumped on what to get the ladies in your life, don't fret we've got the best last minute gift options for every kind of woman. 

Family Friendly: Both practical and fun, these funky shaped cork boards are great for sharing family memos. For the cooks, these festive apron sets are great for baking holiday cookies with kids.

World View:  This season is all about giving whether it's a charitable cause or giving back to the earth, do both with these green gifts. 

Frivolous Fashion: No girl can resist a stylish gift, and even if you're out of the loop when it comes to trends, these two key looks are always winners. Keep her looking chic and warm with over the knee boots and top it off when a fun and flirty top. 

If you're still stuck, check out our Last Minute gift section to ensure a Christmas success. 

The holidays are a time of festive gatherings and gift giving. The holidays are also a time to give a hand up to those less fortunate. MicroPlace’s mission is simple- to help alleviate global poverty by enabling people to make investments in the world’s working poor. The gift of helping people help themselves is both unique and meaningful. 

Microplace’s $20 gift certificate will enable 25 winners to empower the working poor to get loans, start businesses, and save so they can break the cycle of poverty through the power of microfinance. For as little as $20, the e-mailable Microplace gift certificate makes an ideal last minute gift idea.

When you give one, get a FREE $20 gift certificate while supplies last!

Most of us will be doing our share of traveling this holiday weekend and what better way to spread some goodwill with your hosts then a big box of truffles. I will admit I have a soft spot for Vermont. I love all their delicious exports: maple syrup, cheddar cheese, and most of all chocolate.

This holiday chocolate box from Lake Champlain really won me over. Made on the premises in Burlington, Vermont, they're filled with fantastic concoctions like maple crunch, peppermint, and honey caramel. It's a real crowd pleaser. Plus I love the wintery scene printed on the box, even though I'm dreading snow! So if you're looking for a gift in a pinch, these chocolates make for a thoughtful last minute gift.

Holiday Chocolates of Vermont Gift Box starting at $24.00. 

If you’re super organized, you’re probably starting to plan your holiday shopping. What will you do for all of those amazing people who help you out all year like your babysitter, mail man, hair stylist or even your kids’ teachers? 

We know how frustrating and confusing it can be so we did some research and came up with our Holiday Tipping Guide that explains appropriate gift etiquette by profession. This is one part of your holiday shopping list that you can cross off early no matter what!  See all of our helpful gift guides.  

So Mother’s Day is this Sunday people, and if you're still empty handed or just out of ideas, there's still time to send her a beautiful bouquet of flowers. 

Many flower merchants offer last minute ordering up into the day of so you don't have to face the drama of Mom not getting her gift on time. You know that wouldn't be pretty. Send her a lovely bouquet like this spirited Spring Assorted Tulips Bouquet that are sure to brighten her day and not break the bank. And here's a gift guru secret, you can get 15 % off with our special gifts promotion. Make mom proud and give her something to brag about today!

Spring Tulips Bouquet starting at $54.95. 

As American citizens come together to celebrate Independence Day, it's good to give thanks to those who serve our country every day. Recently, I spoke with my brother, an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and asked him how the units celebrated the Fourth during his tour overseas.   

"Overall, the Fourth is just like any other day overseas.  A lot of units will probably throw together a BBQ from whatever food is available.  I remember some guys in the chow hall making a mini Statue of Liberty sculpted out of what appeared to be butter."

Patriotic and resourceful, our guys and gals deserve to be saluted for their service.  Send them an ecard today with your thanks.  The GroupCard is fun option because you can select a military design, upload photos and have multiple people sign it.  And to really make their day, follow up with a care package full of our top military gifts for troops stationed abroad. 

Still struggling to find a gift for Father's Day?  No sweat!  I've been keeping tabs on the greatest gifts for Dad, including all the options guaranteed to arrive by Sunday.  Here's a handy round-up of top last-minute gifts for Father's Day:

• Fighter Pilot Simulator for Two:  Your mission - give Dad a nickname and send him off to get his wings.  Better yet, join him for a day of virtual air combat and non-stop Top Gun references.
• Beer-of-the-Month Club Subscription:  It's the gift that keeps on giving and more than makes up for forgotten birthdays.  Choose between 3, 4, 6 and 12 month subscriptions.
• Grilling Greatness Gift Basket:  All the ingredients he needs to earn the title of Top Chef Grill Master.  Be sure to order by Friday 12PM EDT.
• Gifts.com Gift Card:  When in doubt, let him decide what he wants.  Whether it's tickets to the big game, his latest gadget obsession or a new set of clubs, this card gives Dad permission to treat himself.

With Mother's Day, birthdays, graduations and weddings, sometimes Father's Day, which is this Sunday, can get lost in the shuffle.  But Dads deserve their day, and the Gift Gurus have pulled together a great selection of last minute gifts to treat your dad to a super Sunday. 

Being a globe trotting Gift Guru, I would love to take my dad on a trip around the world for Father's Day. But since I'm running short on time (and money), this Around the World Beer Bucket will have do the trick instead.

This manly steel gift basket comes filled with everything a beer lover needs: six imported brews (from Stella to Newcastle) and some great salty snacks, because what's a beer without bar snacks? I have a feeling most lager-loving dads will appreciate this worldly gift, even if it doesn't include a passport.

Heads up, procrastinators!  Order this basket up until Friday, June 13th 7PM EDT and you can be assured it will arrive in time for Father's Day.

Around the World Beer Bucket starting at $89.99