A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

It's been years (I won't say how long) since I've been on Spring Break or a road trip, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a good cooler. Especially this tailgating style Koolatron Auto Cool Wheeler.

Whether you're hitting the beach, a parade or roadside fireworks this Fourth of July, you can wheel this cooler right along with you. It holds up to 54 12-oz drinks and has a 33-liter capacity so you can beat the heat no matter how large your party. It will even keep its cool after hours of traffic with a 12-volt adapter that plugs right into your car. 

Koolatron Auto Cool Wheeler starting at $88.88

Recently, while I was on the hunt for some hot holiday gifts at a trade show, this cool Earbags Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet caught my eye. I decided to give it a test run of my own over Memorial Day weekend. Being a weekend adventurer I went everywhere — rode my bike all around the city, walked the beach, and hit a couple of BBQ's. While I pedaled away the wallet held on tight. It's a little tricky cramming everything in there, but once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing and I enjoyed every minute of my holiday weekend without once worrying if I dropped my wallet along the way. It's the perfect gift for an travel enthusiast or the person on the go. 

Earbags Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet starting at $14

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.

Out of all the Four "G's" of Father's Day gifts, golf gear is high on the wish list, but buying equipment can be intimidating and expensive unless Dad's been dropping some really specific hints. For a risk-free gift idea for golfers, try the Trunk-it Golf Gear Case.

This storage case fits neatly into the trunk, and its adjustable compartments keep everything from gloves to shoes to sunscreen organized, in great shape and away from the kids. Plus it's perfect for travel and sneaking in an afternoon golf outing. It's a great gift solution for all those wannabe PGA champs out there. 

Trunk-it Golf Gear Case starting at $39.95

There's really no denying that college is an exciting time in a person's life. There are new friends, new activities, more freedom and independence, and the chance to even sleep-in and have Fridays off with the right class schedule. The not so exciting part, though, is the sudden lack of space. Sharing a single dorm room, often the size of a walk-in closet, can be a challenge. But with a lot of organization, some strategic planning, and products designed for small spaces, it doesn't have to be so bad — and can even be kind of fun.

The Dahon Folding Bike is perfect for a high school graduate going off to college in the fall who may not have room to store a traditional bike. He or she will love the ease of getting around campus without sacrificing crucial storage space. Not only can the bike be housed conveniently and out of the way, but it can be easily folded and transported in the trunk of a car, which will be perfect for those trips back home on long weekends!

Dahon Folding Bike, Espresso starting at $399

With Memorial Day upon us, it's important not to skimp on summer essentials, and that includes your skin. There's nothing worse then returning to work with a patriotic sunburn.

Look no further than this all inclusive Sun Safety Kit. It features 11 different skin saving products for the face and body all in convenient travel and test sizes so you can bronze, not bake on your getaway. And when you purchase this limited edition pouch, $21.55 of each sale goes to The Skin Cancer Foundation. It's the perfect Bon Voyage gift for any sunbather.  

Sun Safety Kit starting at $25.00

I don't know about you, but I am obsessed with the TV show Survivorman. There's something totally fascinating about a guy who can turn a gum wrapper into a fishing lure. He's like a modern-day MacGyver.

Unfortunately, I'm not nearly as creative—and neither is my dad—which is why I'm really into this nifty Survival Kit in a Sardine Can for Father's Day. The waterproof tin is packed with all the essentials: compass, whistle, matches, bandage, fishhook and line, gum, pain reliever—I could go on and on. It's just simple and authentic enough to make Dad feel like he's a real outdoorsman. Even if he's never really going to go man versus wild.

Survival Kit in a Sardine Can starting at $14.00

I'm not one of those girls that has her shows. You know, the ones that you just can't miss? In fact, I don't even have TiVo. But even I have to admit that this ARCHOS Portable Media Player is pretty darn awesome. And it's the perfect gift for the grad Most Likely to Travel the World in 80 Days, particularly if he or she can't bear to be away from Lost or Gossip Girl (or whatever everyone is watching these days).

The 4.3-inch flat-screen allows you to download movies, photos, videos, music, PDFs and TV shows wirelessly. Plus it plays MP3s through its built-in stereo speakers (for those of us who prefer music to television). And the best part is that it's a gift he or she will use long after high school or college graduation.

ARCHOS Portable Media Player starting at $99.99

You know Mr. Most Likely to Rule Wall Street is going to be doing a lot of traveling one day—or at least doing business in different time zones. So whether he's captain of Math Club or graduating summa cum laude in finance, prep him with this World Time Clock for graduation. The mod barrel-shaped clock tells the time in twenty-four major cities, from Amsterdam to London. Just roll it so the appropriate locale is on top, and you'll get the local time in that city. Whether you need a high school graduation gift or a college graduation gift, this is a great travel timepiece (perfect for globetrotting suits), but it'll also look nice sitting on that mahogany desk he's bound to have. World Time Clock starting at $74.00

With the way she tackled her twenty-hour course load, ran her sorority's philanthropies and led book club, you just know she's on her way to becoming the next Oprah. So why not get the ball rolling, literally, with the McKlein Ladies Leather Detachable Rolling Briefcase for her college graduation gift?

The fashion-meets-function briefcase is perfect for the gal on the go. It fits laptop, cell phone, pens, credit cards and tablet PC (what else do you need?) and even has a special airline ticket pocket. But the best part is that it detaches from the handle and wheels to become an easy, sleek carryall.

But she doesn't have to be a college grad to appreciate it. Even if she just finished Key Club and yearbook, she'll still appreciate its grown-upness for college life.

McKlein Ladies Leather Detachable Rolling Briefcase starting at $199.99