A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

I'm an admitted Project Runway fanatic. And even though the season has just come to a close, I find myself wishing I had paid more attention in home economics when it came to the basics of making an outfit (safety pins don’t count). So when I saw this entire DIY creative line for kids based on the hit series, I couldn’t resist checking it out.

There’s a kit for every interest, from dress design and shoes to handbags and my personal favorite, the Graphic T-Shirt Design Studio Set. 'Cause as we all know, graphic tees are a fashion staple for all ages. It comes with stencils, studs, metallic ribbon, fabric markers and so much more. Budding fashion designers will be thrilled when they find this under the tree on Christmas morning or get it as a Birthday surprise. So in the words of Tim Gunn, “Make it work!”

Project Runway Graphic T-Shirt Design Studio Set starting at $24.99

With all the kids back in school, it's easy for new supplies to get jumbled in the bottom of a backpack. Ditch the clutter with The Smart Bag from Haba.

The ultimate tote for youngsters, The Smart Bag can be carried on the shoulder or back. But the best part is that it opens up into a sturdy pad of paper, perfect for budding artists and writers on the go. And there are a million compartments for storing pens, markers, rulers, or any odds and ends. Plus, with a super-cute appliqué design and special Beetle Bag for keeping keys safe, it's a great art and homework organizer for both school and home.

The Smart Bag from Haba starting at $37.99

Buying school supplies should be fun and not a chore. This year is all about going Back to Cool, which is why the Gift Gurus have compiled this season's five hottest trends in academic gear. First up: Spiffy School Supplies, because you might not lose those notes with some standout stationery.

The always-on-trend Juicy Couture has created this awesome School Essentials Kit for girls who wouldn't be caught dead with a bland spiral notebook. This stylish pink notebook, pencils and accessories will keep your teen at the head of the class. Need equally snazzy gifts for grade schoolers and college students? Check out our other picks.

School Essentials Kit starting at $25.00

This Paint by Numbers Frame is the perfect gift for any girl who has a creative streak. The lines are already drawn, but with a little skill and a lot of fun she can create her own original work of art using the provided paints and paintbrush. What better way to show off a favorite photo than in a custom created frame?

Not only is it a cool idea, the design is super chic too. And her handiwork will make the frame a one-of-a-kind so even if her best friend gets one too there’s no need to panic. This is a killer addition to any girl’s room! Think birthdays, housewarming gifts for first apartments and care packages.

Paint by Numbers Frame starting at $52 

Chinese New Year starts on February 7. And this year, it's the Year of the Rat–not the cutest and cuddly creature out there for kid's gifts, but you can still get in on the fun with this craft. Paper lanterns are a traditional New Year decoration and with this kit your kids can make their own. 

The Paper Lantern Kit comes with a battery-operated lantern, watercolor paints, bamboo brushes and it'll even teach the basics of Chinese calligraphy. Gung hay fat choi! (That's Happy New Year in Cantonese)

Alex Paint a Paper Lantern Kit starting at $10.99

You've spent tons of time picking out the perfect gifts, now you've got to finish the job with beautiful gift wrapping. Since we're the experts on rapping about gift ideas, I've rounded up a few outside experts for the gift wrapping ideas.

Wrapping 101: Ever wonder why your wrapped packages look messy compared to the others under the tree? Review these back to basics tips. (Evite Blog)

Green & Gorgeous: Gift Wrap goes green with eco-friendly recycled paper and natural veggie-dyed ribbons. (The Daily Green)

Stylish & Simple: Blueprint magazine's editor teaches Al Roker how to create wrapping with rubber stamps, colored artist's tape, glitter and glue. (MSNBC.com)

Easy Extravagance: Colin Cowie shows us how to make ordinary packages look extraordinary with a few embellishments and special touches. (HSN)

As a Gift Guru for Gift Rap, it shouldn't come as any surprise that one of my favorite holiday activities is gift wrapping. I love turning on some Christmas music, filling a mug with some hot chocolate and mini marshmallows, and sitting on the floor with paper, ribbons, gift tags and all the presents to be wrapped.

This Holiday Stamp and Wrap Kit is the perfect Christmas gift for someone like me who loves putting her own personal touch on gift wrapping. With stamps, paint, sponge brushes, glitter rhinestones, pompoms and ribbon, the kit would be an ideal gift for nurturing a little DIY spirit in a child (4+) too and starting a creative gift wrapping tradition during the holidays!

Holiday Stamp and Wrap Kit starting at $14.99

Fear not those scary monsters under the bed! Get rid of the fright factor with this super cuddly Make My Own Monster Custom Design Kit. You can watch your kids' creepy creations come to life with this ultimate personalized gift–a kit that helps kids design their very own monster. Starting with a simple sketch, your child creates a personality for their mini monster by completing a questionnaire and writing a back-story to go with it. Then you send the kit to the snazzy designers at North American Bear Company who will bring your monster to life (in plush) and give you a printed copy of your story that includes the creator's name, your child!

I love this idea for any child struggling to cope with nightmares or for any creative kid this Christmas.

Make My Own Monster Custom Design Kit starting at $249

TGIF. You've got your paycheck in hand and we've got a few ideas on how to blow it—on family and friends, of course. But feel free to treat yourself too. Nothing wrong with a little self-gifting.

For the weekend kickoff: Throw a wine tasting party and invite all of your friends to bring a bottle, use the leftovers (ha, if you have any!) to fill up this fun vino rack. 

For the turkey carver: An electric knife because there's no point in wasting time–you want to get your feast from the oven to the table fast!

For the preggers pop music fan: A set of Johnny Socks–adorable baby socks that look like sneakers–a fun shower gift that Christina Aguilera has registered for! (via Mom Logic)

For the DIY guy: A laser tape measure to make jobs easier and more fun. 

For crafty moms: A gingerbread house decorating kit made entirely of felt, it's easy, mess-free and won't make you and the kids hungry! (via Tangled and True) 

For the teen who hates winter: Green grass wall graphics so she can decorate her bedroom to feel like summer even after the first snowfall.

Ever since Devil Wears Prada, every girl wants to be a fashion editor. Sure, Meryl Streep was a little scary, but Anne Hathaway's wardrobe? To die for. And now your child (or niece, or sister, or best bud's kid) can be a mini Anna Wintour (minus the bossiness, I hope) with this fab Fashion Angels Fashion Magazine Editor kit. The set for girls 8 years old and up comes with a digital cam, software, tripod, backdrops and more, so your little one can hold her very own fashion shoot. Watch my video to find out more about this nifty little kit and the Fashion Angels.

And this kit isn't the only fashion themed craft toy out there this Christmas. If girls don't want to try their hand a being a fashion editor, they can give design a go instead. One kit that I like is the Toysmith Hollywood Costume Designer Kit. Made for girls 6 years old and up, it comes with costume sketches and everything needed to give them style like fabric, ribbon and sequins.

Fashion Angels Fashion Magazine Editor starting at $77.95

Toysmith Hollywood Costume Designer Kit starting at $19.99