A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

With the summer TV doldrums over, and the new fall line-up, I've found myself glued to the boob tube more than ever. And if your family has the same problem, you might enjoy celebrating National TV Turn-off Week. From September 20-26, families across the country are abandoning their TV sets for something I like to call "bonding" One of my favorite ways to have some family fun is good old fashioned board games.

We've championed Family Game Night before, and now that the holiday toy season is heating up, there are more games than ever to choose from. I've professed my love for Cranium before, and now they have a new Family Edition with bonus playing cards so you'll never have to act out the same thing twice! If you're unfamiliar with Cranium, it's a wonderfully wacky board game that involves drawing, molding clay, acting things out, humming and basically making a fool of yourself in the best possible way. It's perfect for all ages to enjoy, and don't be surprised if your TV starts gathering dust in the meantime. 

Cranium with Bonus 60-Card Family Pack starting at $24.97.

Whether you're a die hard fan or not, it's hard to ignore American Idol these days. And why would you, the auditions alone are both hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time. Now that the season is really gearing up, why not put your own skills to the test with Karaoke Revolution:American Idol Encore 2.

Gather round the Wii and see who's got the chops in your family. Choose from 40 new hit songs, four different venues and even compete with friends online. It's great for beginners and songbirds alike, and apparently even Simon is a little nicer with his critiques. It also comes with a microphone so you don't have to belt into that hairbrush anymore. It's a great gift for music lovers and gamers alike. 

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore 2 for Nintendo Wii starting at $49.99.

Some of my friends might say I can get a wee bit competitive when it comes to board games. Maybe I've collected a lot of pop trivia over the years, am amazing at drawing with my eyes closed, or have an underestimated grasp on pretend real estate, either way, they're a great way for kids and adults alike to spend an evening TV free.

One of the newer games on the market and my hands down personal favorite is Cranium WOW. This most recent edition test your skills in many embarrassing and surprising ways.  With 600 cards and 15 activities, you have to hum, sing, draw, act, sculpt and your solve your way to the center of the board. Kids will love the silliness of the game and adults will never play charades again. If you're a fan of the classic games, check out some of the newer editions with a twist like Pictionary Man, Monopoly: Here and Now: The World Edition, and Sorry Sliders. So whether it's any occasion, you can't go wrong with the gift of fun.

Cranium Wow starting at $24.99. 

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

While we may be spread out across the country, the joy of outdoor grilling makes all of my family reunions a success. And every year Dad hogs the grill while the kids only get to watch in awe. Why not get the little ones involved with the Kids Play BBQ?

Throw some faux burgers on the grill, turn up the heat with the silver knobs, and add some pretend ketchup and mustard from the no-mess squirt bottles. Or better yet, give your junior grill-master the Kids Chef Play Set complete with apron, chef's hat and oven mitt. Add a picnic table, and the youngsters will be able to throw a barbecue all their own.

Kids Play BBQ starting at $149.00 

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

Oprah had an episode recently called "What Makes America America" in which there were discussions about hamburgers, hot dogs, Dorothy's ruby red slippers and Pez Dispensers. The end of the episode focused on genealogy, though, and how empowering it can be to know our roots and where we come from. Chris Rock even shed a few tears when he learned his great-great grandfather fought in the Civil War, became a politician and owned 65 acres of land by the end of his life–a huge feat for a anyone, let alone a former slave.

Give the gift of genealogy to your own family. This leather bound Personalizable Family History book allows you to record events and pass down family traditions and information to the next generation. A great activity to beat winter boredom or to give to your family reunion host, it will become as much a family treasure as those ruby red slippers are to Americana! 

Personalizable Family History starting at $135

With Labor Day around the corner, you can be sure that cooler air is on the way too. If you're not ready to give up on backyard parties just yet, you need an outdoor fire pit. There's nothing better than chatting by the fire and making s'mores, and it's a must-have as the nighttime temperatures drop. It's a splurge of a gift, but if you're staying at a friend's beach house this weekend, it would be an amazing host or hostess gift. Just think, if the evening air is cool, you can put it to use right away–you'll be the hero. And, it'll help your host keep the parties going strong through the fall season.

Outdoor Copper Fire Pit starting at $399