A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

If you've ever dealt with a total computer meltdown and losing files, photos and music, you've learned your lesson and you probably already back up your files religiously. But for everyone out there that hasn't started backing up their files, an external hard drive, like this Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini is one of the best gifts you can give.

It's a nice gift for anyone that needs a little encouragement to get their electronic files organized or for the family historian who needs to ensure all of his or her digital memories will be safe years from now. This week we're giving one away to help you (or a friend or family member) get organized for the New Year.

Want to win? Post a comment below by 11:59 p.m. EST Monday, January 28. One comment per person please, multiple comments will be discarded. Click here to read the official rules.

Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini 160GB Portable External Hard Drive starting at $149.99

Want to be more of a do-gooder this year? You could vow to volunteer often, shop fair trade, donate to charities and recycle, but unfortunately, it's really easy to get overwhelmed by it all. That's why I'm super excited about these awesome AE Better World Scarves—they make giving back easy!

The snazzy neck warmers by American Eagle are more than just an accessory; they're scarves with a conscience. You'll be tickled pink by the fuchsia option because it supports Big Brothers Big Sisters. Feeling blue? Opt for the navy one, and $10 of your purchase will go to the Student Conservation Association. Or go red and donate to Jumpstart, which prepares at-risk preschoolers for school. 

Either way, you'll be making a difference! They make great gifts for all the good Samaritans in your life!

AE Better World Scarf starting at $19.50

If you know someone who has declared 2008 the year to make a career–or to at least make it to the next rung on the corporate ladder–these corporate flashcards, featuring a pronunciation guide and definition and synonyms for 60 terms, are a great way to brush them up on their jargon and help fight that case of post-holiday, back-to-work blues.

While they won't guarantee an instant promotion or dream job, the flashcards will at least provide a helpful guide to climbing the corporate ladder. They're also a great gift for the recent college grad still looking for his or her first "real job."

Corporate Flashcards starting at $14

I don't know about you, but I drink a lot of bottled water: at the gym, walking around the city, at work. And while I do my best to reuse bottles, a lot still get tossed in the bin. A couple factoids for you: Americans throw away over 30 million plastic water bottles every day! What's worse is that manufacturing and transporting the bottles (which are already made from petroleum based plastics) burns 1.5 million barrels of fossil fuel a year.

That's why this year I'm resolving to make a more eco-friendly choice–a reusable Sigg Sport Top Water Bottle. If you've got friends who are trying to be a little greener this year or ones that are always chugging bottled water, help them our with the gift of a Sigg bottle.

Sigg Sport Top Water Bottles starting at $23.95

I wish I could say I whip up delectable meals every night, but I usually get home so late that I end up ordering in instead. This year, look out Domestic Diva! I'm resolving to cook more, and I'm getting started with this Italian Herb Garden.

The window gardening kit comes with three plants: basil, oregano and chives. So in no time at all, I'll be whipping up chicken cacciatore, osso bucco, risotto alla Milanese—well, one thing at a time! But at least I'll be using some of the freshest ingredients. Besides my loft totally needs some plant life to soften its industrial vibe!

If you know a Top Chef hopeful, surprise them with this Italian Herb Kit for his or her birthday, housewarming or just because.

Italian Herb Kit starting at $29

Every year I make a lot of useless resolutions, like watch less TV (what? miss Project Runway?) and get to the gym every day (wish I had time for that!). But this year, I'm vowing to make more meaningful (and lasting) resolutions, starting with balancing my carbon footprint.

If you know someone who is aiming toward the same goal, why not get him or her this Save the Environment charity gift certificate? Your donation can go toward cleaning the air or water, saving the forests, or stopping global warming. Whatever you choose, you'll be helping your mindful pal make a difference—and get one step closer to erasing that footprint.

Save the Environment Charity Gift Certificate starting at $50

After all those Christmas cookies and the extra pounds that a steady relationship adds, I have to get some exercise ASAP. And so, my new obsession is the JumpSnap Ropeless Jump Rope. The nifty little gadget consists of two handles with short tails that rotate just like a full rope would and count your jumps, time and estimated calories (double pow!).

With the JumpSnap, I won't have to go outside (brr!), and I don't need much space to use it. Not to mention it only takes up a small spot in my dresser drawer when not in use. It's the perfect "home gym" for city dwellers with limited space—and limited motivation to go anywhere in the dead of winter.

JumpSnap Ropeless Jump Rope starting at $59.95

If you're like me, you've probably made a bunch of New Year's resolutions and I know it's hard to keep them through January. If getting in shape was one of those resolutions, I've got a great idea for keeping you motivated past the first weeks of the year.

Dress up your dog in this adorable Sporty Trainer and take your new running partner with you on your next jog. The trendy yellow stripe down the side will help him look the part and showing off your pup's and your own sporty style will make you want to take an extra trip around the block every time!

Sporty Trainer starting at $40

Embarrassing admission alert! I've never had deep fried turkey. So now, I've got to get it in writing that in 2008 I'm gonna be on board the fried turkey train. In the spirit of my resolution, check out this unique turkey "fryer" that delivers all the taste of deep-fried turkey without actually immersing the bird in hot oil–the "Big Easy" oil-less turkey fryer.

The "Big Easy" can prepare a delicious turkey with both crispy skin and tender turkey meat without an open flame or potentially dangerous flare ups and hot oil splatters. Hook it up to a propane tank and with the help of the "Big Easy" even heat distribution and the included meat thermometer, you're well on your way to a perfect oil-less fried turkey. Ideal for the grill master or the entertainer. And why not showcase your turkey frying techniques at a Super Bowl party?

The "Big Easy" Oil-Less Turkey Fryer starting at $149.90

This year, I'm resolving to stop using plastic bags. I've finally gotten rid of all those ugly grocery store sacks under my sink, and I'm committed to BYOB (bring your own bag).

Luckily, these eco-chic shopping bags are going to make my New Year's  resolution a lot easier! In fact, if you know anyone who's trying to be a little greener in 2008, you should probably pick up a few of these brightly colored grocery totes. Not only are they reusable and completely eco-friendly, but they are also fun, cute and super durable (each bag holds as much as two lousy plastic bags). What better way to ring in the New Year?

Shopping Bags starting at $40