A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

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