A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

There's a time and a place for a dozen roses (ahem, like on your anniversary), but sometimes you just want something simpler. Look no further: this sublimely simple Outline Vase is the perfect thing to brighten someone's day, welcome them to their new home or just say "thanks". 

Modern and airy, the porcelain figure has the shape of a pitcher with none of the bulk and holds just a single flower. It’ll stand out without disrupting the decor around it—a pretty touch to anyone's home.

Outline Vase starting at $48

Really want to get to somebody this April Fool's?  If you know their weakness, you can go straight for the jugular with one of these hilarious guides to ruining your life. They might sound a little cruel, but I swear they're funny!

I know just the hypochondriac I’m going to send The Complete Manual of Things That Might Kill You to! And if you know a girl who's uber conscious about watching her figure, send her How to Get Fat so she can learn to lighten up a little!   

How to Get Fat starting at $10

April 1st ranks up there with my favorite holidays. There may not be zillions of presents (Christmas) or loads of booze (St. Patty's), but it's the only day dedicated to all things funny. And who doesn't love a good practical joke?

You can bet I do, which is why I'll be using these hilarious Dynamite Bursting Golf Balls on all my golfer buddies—and I highly suggest you do the same. These golf balls look just like the real thing, but put them on the tee, take a swing, and bam! Watch them explode and watch all your friends jump out of their skin. It doesn't get any better than that! Happy April Fool's!

Dynamite Bursting Golf Balls starting at $12.95

Did you know that a single bouquet of flowers can not only brighten your sweetie's day, but can also help in the fight against AIDS? Every Hallmark Believe Bouquet from (PRODUCT) RED includes nine gorgeous red roses, leucadendron and papyrus, grown and arranged by African farmers. Each message card reads, "Believe in a thousand impossible things you've never believed before."

More meaningful than a bouquet bought at the corner market, the inspiRED bouquet is a perfect last minute Valentine's Day gift that expresses your love and charitable heart. 

Hallmark Believe–Hallmark RED Bouquet starting at $49.95

When Marilyn Monroe sang "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend" in the 1953 film Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, she was talking about the real bling, but I think acrylic diamonds are pretty good too.

There are no real diamonds in Alissia Melka-Teichroew's "Diamond" Acrylic Ring–just a clever silhouette imitating the popular Tiffany engagement ring setting. At just $10, the acrylic version is decidedly more affordable, and combined and stacked with different colors, it is also creates a unique and fun look that really will be any girl's best friend this Valentine's Day!

"Diamond" Ring, Red Acrylic starting at $10

This may come as a surprise to those of you who were last single when Michael Jackson still had a nose, but not everyone has a significant other to celebrate Valentine's Day with. Maybe you even have a friend who recently broke up with her boyfriend and is dreading February 14th. Help her through it with one of these Anti-Valentine's Day Gifts for Single Gal Pals, like the It's So Involved Being Me Organizer. It'll make her laugh, and one less day she's not crying into a pint of Ben and Jerry's and calling you to complain about men, is one more day you can enjoy your happy, healthy relationship in peace.

It's So Involved Being Me Organizer starting at $13.57

Is this a super week or what? We had the Super Bowl on Sunday (which was extremely super) and today we have Super Tuesday. Can you imagine it getting any more super? Well, if you pick up one of the hysterical tees from Busted Tees, I suppose it might. My favorite? The 'Hilary '08' shirt. Who says Hilary Duff wouldn't make a good president? Well, most people should. First, she's constitutionally too young to be president. And second, being robbed of an Oscar for her role in Cheaper by the Dozen 2 just doesn't count as political experience.

These funny tees, including faux '08 election tees for Al Gore, Dick Cheney and Stewart/Colbert, are great for wise-crackin' politics junkies. 

'Hilary '08' Shirt starting at $17.99

What's worse than getting dumped? Getting dumped just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Sound like someone you know? Boost her spirits by helping her just say no to V-Day with these super cute pink fluffy boxing gloves. Whether she wants to punch his lights out (not literally, I hope) or just let off some steam at the gym, the fuzzy mitts are sure to evoke all the girl power she needs.
Pair them with a Smack Him Ex-Boyfriend Punching Bag if she’s really feeling bitter or gift ‘em as a joke to an anti-Valentine’s Day supporter.

Pink Fluffy Boxing Gloves starting at $19.99

Remember that first mix tape you made for your crush in the 80's? Um, I do! Nothing can say how you feel better than a play list. It saves a lot of awkward fumbling, eye contact and possible rejection. Well, the mix tape lives on! It looks like a mix tape, but is actually a USB drive so after your Valentine uploads the songs, the drive can be used to store other stuff. Of course, your poetry will live on because you can write personal love liner notes.

A great Valentine's Day gift–honor your long term guy/gal with a collection of songs that mark some of your favorite memories. We won't tell if you put "Cheeseburger in Paradise" on there from your trip to Cancun in '89! Or create the perfect mix to catch your crush's attention and capture his or her heart by showing off your awesome taste. 

Mix Tape USB Drive starting at $15.99 

I know lots of independent ladies who don't have the time or energy for a boyfriend with needs, baggage and lack of commitment. My friends called my ex-boyfriend the "suitcase." If only I had the Instant Adoring Boyfriend to help me realize they were right sooner!

This guy's got nothing but the good stuff and he's only got it for you. Try before you buy, watch the YouTube clip I found of the Instant Adoring Boyfriend–it's definitely worth a laugh!

This is the perfect Valentine's Day gift for the gal pal who wants a drama-free V-Day or for the girl who needs a little extra moral support and lots of ego-boosting compliments (from a hot guy) after a recent break-up. It's even great for moms who have a sense of humor and an affinity for strong, blond, polo player types. Besides, every girl likes a little flattery, right? 

Instant Adoring Boyfriend starting at $14.98