A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

For those of you not in the know, today is the Black Friday of the Internet world, often referred to as Cyber Monday or Green Monday (alluding to cash not eco). So what exactly does that mean? Well, after a long weekend of eating leftover turkey, watching countless football games and avoiding another fight with a family member, it's time to get back to the grind. And what better way to celebrate your peace and quiet than to get started on your holiday shopping list in the comfort of your home or office?

Getting trampled for the last hot item on Black Friday is sooo last millennium. There are tremendous deals to be had on the Internet today, and we are here to make finding them a little easier. Check out our Steals and Deals page for some great offers from some of our top merchants. For that person who has everything, try the Wine of the Month club, and get 3 months of free shipping. And don’t worry about catching up on your work today—there will be plenty of time for that tomorrow.

Wine of the Month Club starting at $107.85 with 3 months of free shipping. 

With eco-friendly fashions achieving mega trend status, why not suit up for the school year with a Dakine Project Blue Interval Backpack? Lucky for you (and the environment), we’re giving one away!

Dakine is dedicated to protecting beaches and oceans through project BLUE. It's not a charity, it's a plan of action. $2 of each sale will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation to fund coastline protection initiatives worldwide. Plus, these packs have all you need for Back to School: removable wetsuit bag, insulated cooler pocket, padded laptop sleeve, music cord port, and pockets for everything. This year, raise your teen’s consciousness with more than just textbooks. Or, if you don't want to take your chances with the contest, check out our fave Project Blue gifts here.

Want to win? Post a comment below and tell us how your teen has helped the environment this year by 11:59 p.m. EST Thursday, September 11. One comment per person please, multiple comments will be discarded. Click here to read the official rules.

It's the end of summer and I'm still broiling. But if you love the outdoors like I do, you can't help but face the heat, which is why it's important to stay hydrated for optimal hot weather fun. That's where the Camelbak Octane XC comes in.

Camelbak's awesome packs are an ideal way to take in a refreshing dose of H20 wherever you go. The best part? They’re extremely comfortable and easy to lug (no more hauling around a million water bottles). My Camelbak of choice is the Octane XC. It's really light and fits great, so you'll hardly notice the 70-ounces of liquid you're toting whether hiking, biking or running. For the hardcore hikers, the H.O.S.S. and H.A.W.G. models carry 100-ounces but are equally as comfortable. Any of these would make a great gift for outdoor fanatics whose idea of beating the heat is staying active while in it.

Camelbak Octane XC starting at $60.00

Just because your Olympic dreams didn't work out doesn't mean you can't engage in some friendly competition. Get creative by putting on your own Summer Olympic Games in the backyard. Start with Chuck-O Pro, the classic game of beanbag made easy.This game goes by many names but is fun and easy for any age level.

Ready for a marathon? Throw in Top Toss (where you lasso a set of balls around monkey bars), Bag Ball (skee ball meets beanbag), and a LED Bowling Set for night games. A pro-looking Score Station should help you keep track of who's taking home gold, silver and bronze. And If that doesn't get you pumped for two weeks of grueling competition, I don't know what will!

Chuck-O Pro starting at $99.95

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

Personalized Cape Cod Folding Beach Chair starting at $149.95

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

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 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