A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

What can you get for $15, that is eco-conscious, thoughtful and unforgettable? Was your guess a journal made from elephant poo?  Yeah, didn’t think so! 

But before you start making gagging faces – take a second look at this beautiful (and odorless) journal, and you may quickly change your mind.  Handmade in Thailand, this 100% recycled journal redefines “unique” without breaking the bank, or your conscious. And don't forget it's a great gift for Earth Day!

Elephant Poo Paper Journal starting at $15.00. 

Is your spring breaker planning on spending lots of time at the beach? Hook them up with this super tough digital camera that clips right onto their beach bag like a carabiner. 

The Argus Bean Carabiner camera boasts 5 mega pixel quality so they’re sure to get genius shots for their facebook profile. Hard to break, hard to lose, and easy to use…this is the ultimate Spring Break beach accessory.

Argus Bean 5 Megapixel Carabiner Digital Camera starting at $69.99.

It seems like toys just keep getting crazier, more expensive and more elaborate. Really, what will they think of next? But sometimes it's nice to go back to basics. For example: this adorable Noted Petit Coco Kettle.

This charming French pot comes chockful of seeds and peat pucks (like basil and mint) for planting. Kids can start by growing them in the kettle then, as the plants grow, move them to a larger pot or flower bed and start over with new seedlings. I think it makes a delightful spring Birthday gift, one that will last far longer and is way more educational than some electro gadget.

Noted Petit Coco Kettle starting at $11.99.

With the Easter season upon us, and everyone stocking up on Peeps and jellybeans, why not slip in something extra special into their baskets this year that's unique for them? 

Our Easter Basket Gift Guide has suggestions for every kind of kid, and every personality. From puzzles, to plush, crafty kits, and cute accessories, there' something in there to make their eyes wide. Because we all know, Easter is all about the kids! If you're not sure where your little bunny fits in, take our profiler quiz and start gifting.

Eggwalk Chalk starting at $18.00.

Here’s a great (albeit slightly cutesy!) Bridal Shower gift for the couple.  This "Say I Love You" couple pillowcase set is the perfect balance of cutesy and fun for young newlyweds.

Featuring whimsical drawings depicting the different ways couples come together, you can choose which scenario best fits the couple-to-be. Also choose from matching mug sets for those early risers. It's a great alternative to traditional monogramming for a unique Bridal Shower gift.

"Say I Love You" Couple Pillowcase Set starting at $30.00. 

At this year’s Toy Fair, I found something I wish I could have had when I was a kid. Does this sound familiar? When I was a kid, I would completely dismantle my room and construct the most elaborate (or at least elaborate to a kid…) fortresses using pillows, chairs, furniture, books, you name it, all covered by bed sheets and blankets. Building bedroom forts is so much fun!

Fast forward to 2009 Toy Fair and you can imagine my minor freak out when I stumbled upon the Crazy Forts booth. The best way to describe Crazy Forts is it’s basically a Tinker Toy-like set that enables you to construct internal frameworks to create awesome bedroom (…or any room) forts. Tall forts…easy. Long tunneling forts…piece of cake. These forts will be so much fun to make, it will be hard to take them down.   

I love Crazy Forts for kids of all ages who love to play pretend. One hint, from Crazy Forts creator Jim Whitney, they older the kid, the more Crazy Forts they’ll need.  So I guess you should put me down for three sets.

Crazy Forts starting at $46.95.

There's monsters in my room! This is a common complaint most parents are all too familiar with. So when ALEX Toys teamed up with textile designers CHF, the result was monstrous!

The kings of crafts, ALEX introduced over 100 new items at Toy Fair this year, each one cooler than the other.There's a monster theme in a lot of the new items, for big kids, and their preschool "Little Hands" line.

Plus all kinds of amazing craft kits to keep kids occupied on rainy days. Check out other Alex kits that are out now, and soon you too will be a devoted fan of their wacky and whimsical creations. Stay tuned for more guru picks from this year's toy fair.

Monster Clompers starting at $14.95.

Skaters don’t want to be boxed in by traditional (dorm) room decor. Luckily, they don't have to. Board up their books and magazines with these awesome skateboard speaker shelves from PBteen.

These skateboard-esque wall hangings have more than enough room to contain your shredding teen's copies of Thrasher Magazine. And has a iPod dock up front that plays all their tunes through two 3 inch speakers. These are a great gift for those who love hanging in their rooms just as much as hitting the pavement in search of new rails. Finally, their rooms will be as cool as they “know” they are. 

PB Teen Skateboard Speaker Shelves starting at $59.99. 

Thinking about your relationship stage is the key to getting the right gift for him on Valentine’s Day. I’ve given some of my secret Guru tips for stages such as “The Crush”, “Puppy Love” and “Together 4 Ever”, but there’s one more stage I want to get to…the “Fallen 4 You” stage. 

So you and your guy have gotten off to a flying start and all of the sudden you find yourself in a great relationship- How’d that happen?  The key to gifting well in the “Fallen 4 You” stage is to get him something that indulges him in the things he loves to do. Is he a sports fan? A golfer?  Does he have a sweet tooth? Here’s an idea tons of guys would love. A custom made pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers. You can make them or it can be up to him to design. Either way, you’ll score points on such a cool and creative gift. Bonus, he’ll think about you every time he laces them up!  See you at the altar.

Design Your Own Chuck Taylor All Star Low Sneakers starting at $60.00. 

As we all find ways to fight off the cold season, there's something to be said about a good old cup of tea. Sometimes even I put aside the espresso shots and energy drinks to unwind on a cold afternoon. And when I break for teatime, I want to do it in style with the ultra sleek Sorapot.

No more porcelain pots and crust less sandwiches, tea time gets a makeover with this modern masterpiece made of stainless steel and Pyrex glass. Watch your tea leaves take on a life of their own in the display style pot. It's the perfect gift for any urban sophisticate or stylish hostess. 

Sorapot starting at $200.00.