A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

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

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

My family always throws a big Memorial Day bash to kick-off the summer in style complete with barbecue and a competitive volleyball tournament.  We used to joke about setting up flood lights in the backyard to keep the party and the games going well into the evening.  But who needs lights when there are glow-in-the-dark lawn games like this fun LED Bowling Set?  The set of ten pins and two balls works on sand or grass, and because everything glows in the dark, you get the whole effect of midnight bowling in your own backyard.

This Memorial Day, I'm staying at the beach with friends and definitely plan on bringing a bunch of glow-in-dark games for my generous summer hosts.

LED Bowling Set starting at $129.95

I remember my first guitar. How I begged my parents for one and all the lessons and skipping of lessons that followed. Wouldn't it be great if you could get your budding superstar a guitar they could teach themselves to play? Well you can with the 1 Man Band Acoustic Guitar. This thing is equipped with the works. It has a built in tempo and beat system you can strum along to, as well as a pick, guitar case and instructional CD.

This guitar is a great gift for a music lover of any age who wants to learn a new instrument but doesn't know where to begin. 

1 Man Band starting at  $99.99

Your little diva may only be in preschool (or kindergarten), but she already knows how to put on lipstick, prance around in high-heels and cheese it up for the camera (sound like someone else you know?). So you can bet she'll love being the center of attention on her own Red Carpet Runway.

The fantastical setup comes with a red carpet and a dressing room (complete with a secret back door entrance for when the paparazzi get too crazy). All your Girly Girl has to do is step through the curtains in style, and the runway will light up, the music will play, and the crowd will go wild (even when Mom and Dad aren’t around to play audience). It’s the perfect backdrop to her already overflowing dress-up wardrobe.

Red Carpet Runway with Lights & Sounds starting at $24.99

Just because babies can’t partake in egg hunts or devour chocolate bunnies doesn’t mean they don’t want something fun for Easter. So try thinking outside the basket with this adorb Bath Time Fun Gift.

The big pink bunny holds tons of entertaining bath toys in its mesh net, like three rubber duckies, a loofah, and other tub-worthy playthings. There’s also a soft plush bunny for when bath time is over and baby is dry. And even though it’s perfectly suited for Easter, it’ll thankfully last way longer than those colored eggs.

Bath Time Fun Gift starting at $24.99

They say March comes is like a lion and goes out like a lamb, but what if the lion overstays his welcome? When everyone–especially kids–are ready for the warm embrace of spring, it can seem like a cruel practical joke Mother Nature plays when winter drags on longer than expected and brings snowfalls well into March and even into April.

Well, Sno Slider to the rescue! Just when your kids thought they couldn't stand building one more snowman or throwing one more snowball, the Sno Slider, a fun twist on the old-fashion sled, will re-introduce the excitement of winter. Kids can slip, scoot, slide and ride on their backsides, remembering exactly why snow at the end of the season isn't such a bad thing after all!

Sno Slider starting at $9.98

Sure, most kids love the Easter Bunny and would be happy receiving a basket of candy no matter who it's delivered by, but let's face it: the Easter Bunny is kind of outdated. I mean, he's had the same white fur, the same big feet and the same pink floppy ears forever!

Bunny Boyd, however, one of the Boogily Bunnies, is anything but outdated! With his funky shape, unexpected color and wide eyes, Bunny Boyd is a collectible and posable art toy created exclusively for Rocket USA by artist Gus Fink. Bunny Boyd even comes with collectible mini-comics, trading cards and a Boogily Bunnies checklist. I'm sure any kid would be happy seeing him on Easter morning–with or without a basket of candy!

Rocket USA Boogily Bunnies - Bunny Boyd starting at $19.99

When I learned to ride my bike, I remember a lot of frustration and a lot of Snoopy band-aids, but I’d be in no rush with this awesome Oko Ergonomic Trike.

Its cradle-shaped design was based on studying children’s movements and finding out what’s comfortable for them. With adjustable handlebars, sun canopy, a padded seat and a safety belt, kids can cruise in safety and comfort. Pedaling is an option, but if your little one needs some extra oomph to get down the street, you can use the push bar in the back. Talk about the wave of the future! For 2 to 5-year olds, this trike makes a perfect birthday gift for toddlers.

Oko Ergonomic Trike starting at $139

We’ve loved Karito Kids since their introduction last year. Each of the dolls in the Karito clan helps kids learn about charitable giving through both a book and an online site where girls get a code to donate money to a good cause. 

At Toy Fair, Karito Kids introduced their newest girl on the block—Piper. I'm actually a little jealous of this doll's life–she’s an Aussie surf girl who discovers that marine life is starting to wash ashore in Sydney Harbor. Her story talks about her eco-mission to help save the ocean animals from pollution. She’s the perfect doll for girls who love the ocean or marine animals. Check back at Gifts.com this June to find Piper, in the meantime check out the current Karito Kids.