A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

There's nothing worse than a bad makeup job, especially if it's a bad makeup job on your wedding day. Luckily, Bobbi Brown has come up with this amazing Bridal Kit to avoid any disastrous beauty mishaps.

This all-in-one cosmetic set comes with everything the bride will need to look natural and gorgeous on her big day and beyond. The sleek white case contains makeup suitable for all skin types, with neutral eye shadow, a pink lip gloss and a smudge-free mascara, for those tearful moments. Which means it's not only perfect for a bridal shower, but it also makes a lovely bridesmaids gift.

Bridal Kit starting at $75.00

My life in the city is pretty hectic. Between a full-time job, catching a show when I can, going to dinner parties, meeting girlfriends for happy hour, and squeezing in the rare workout, there's not much time left to find a quiet spot and just sit. That's why I love the idea of this Lands End Picnic Wine Basket — it encourages people to escape the insanity and head to the park or even out to the country for a relaxing afternoon.

With four china plates, four goblets, cloth napkins and a tablecloth, two insulated bags (one for wine and one for cheese and fruit), and a stainless steel service set for four, the picnic wine basket has all the trappings for a perfect day in the park with close friends or loved ones. A perfect anniversary or birthday gift!

Lands' End Picnic Wine Basket starting at $299

With a smattering of brightly hued buds and flower-shaped handles, this Flower Field Espresso Cup & Saucer set is a little piece of spring that I can enjoy right now, even as the season continues to warm up.

It makes a lovely spring bridal shower gift (far more quaint and thoughtful than something right off the registry), as well as a token of kindness for hostesses and new homeowners. And if your Mom's an espresso fan, you might want to consider giving her a set of these as her Mother's Day gift.

Flower Field Espresso Cup & Saucer starting at $16.99

After every wedding there's always a pile of thank-you's to write. And while boring stark white note cards are a fine way to tell your guests how much you appreciate their gifts, sometimes you need something a little more fun.

These Glazed and Confused cards are a witty twist on the norm. Give a set to the bride-to-be at her bridal shower so she'll have a stylish thank-you card option. They're the perfect thing to send (along with a gift of course) to best pals and bridesmaids for enduring months of planning and sticking it out till the last sloppy shot at the bachelorette party.

Pop Ink Create-your-own Cards, Glazed and Confused starting at $17 

So your daughter is getting married soon and while you'll pick something from the wedding registry, you're racking your brain trying to think of the perfect extra gift—one that holds special meaning, is useful in her new stage of life, and helps her remember where she came from, before she was part of her own family, and was still just your little girl.

Enter the Gina B. Designs Fun Flower Recipe Box, an adorable recipe box with matching dividers. Fill the box with all your family's favorite recipes for a wedding gift or shower gift that is both heartfelt and extremely practical!

Gina B. Designs Fun Flower Recipe Box starting at $16

It seems like every time I turn around, another someone is getting engaged, and now that Valentine's Day has passed, I fully expect another crop of "save the date" cards from more brides and grooms-to-be. While I'm not exactly like Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses–thank God–I have been in and seen enough weddings to know first-hand the kind of stress a bride is under before the big day. That's why I love to give an engagement gift that will help her relax and remind her to take some time to pamper herself.

The Philosophy product line from Sephora is one of my favorites and their Bridal Party Shower Gel Set is just the thing to jump-start the pampering for the bride-to-be. With three different products, including a Wedding Cake shower gel, the set not only promotes luxurious relaxation–it celebrates the big event. Perfect!

Philosophy The Bridal Party starting at $30

Lingerie can be a tricky Valentine's Day gift. You don't want to make her look like a cheap hooker, but you also don't want to get her something Grandma would wear. Why not go with something that falls perfectly in the middle, like this cute but sexy Juicy Couture Heart Print Feather Chemise?

The adorable nightie has a flirty heart print that screams Valentine's Day—but in a tasteful way. It's just cozy enough for her to cuddle up in at night, but its low cut style and short hem are sure to heat things up on February 14 (just remember to order by noon on February 13!). Mission accomplished.

Juicy Couture Heart Print Feather Chemise Sleepwear starting at $88

I'm of the mind that there are some things in life that are necessities, some that are just luxuries and some that are necessary luxuries, like a perfect martini served whenever and wherever the desire hits.

This Portable Martini Set makes one of my favorite necessary luxuries possible with its two 3 oz. glasses, olive picks, a stainless steel shaker, double jigger, funnel and round flask held securely in an elegant case. A great Valentine's Day gift for your frequent flier beau or martini loving girlfriend.

Portable Martini Set starting at $34.99