A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

I know how to tell a Gewürztraminer from a Riesling, beluga from osetra and diamonds from cubics. But I couldn't begin to tell you the difference between a Montecristo and a Macanudo.

That's why this Cigar Tasting Experience is perfect for novices—and aficionados who just want to know more about their fave tobacco treat. The one-on-one course teaches everything from how to choose, cut, light, and store cigars to the proper way to smoke a stogie. It's the perfect holiday gift for cigar buffs and hopefuls alike! And if you've been slacking on your shopping, you'll be happy to know that you can email this gift at the last minute.

Cigar Tasting Experience starting at $85

Like most New Yorkers, I love browsing Bergdorf’s and Barney’s, but I also enjoy the hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces and extra-special deals. Too bad those are a little harder to come by. And if you're a tourist? Impossible. That’s why anyone planning a trip to New York will love this Private Shopping Tour. Forget Macy’s and Century 21, your personal shopper will lead you through the Garment District of NYC and take you to high-end showrooms, sample sales and unique boutiques. You’ll even get access to insider sales and wholesale prices.

It's the perfect Christmas gift for the girl who has everything. And it's perfect to give if you've been procrastinating. This is a gift that you can print or email immediately, even on Christmas morning.

Private Shopping Tour starting at $500

I don't always appreciate the accessories that come with cold weather, like hair-flattening berets and itchy wool scarves. But these Carolina Amato Opera-Length Leather Gloves? I wish I could wear them all year round.

The sumptuous leather gloves exude elegance, while the luxe silk lining is sure to keep fingers toasty. And their extra-long length means forearms can stay warm under those cute cropped-sleeve coats and sweaters that are everywhere right now. I especially love the gunmetal ones paired with the season's richest colors, like mustard and purple.

Treat your loved one to a pair of these gorgeous gloves this Christmas. You can't go wrong.

Carolina Amato Opera-Length Leather Gloves starting at $285

If you're tired of cleaning up those piles of blocks and Legos that take over the living room, why not mix it up this Christmas by giving your little builder the award-winning Magna Tiles. The possibilities are endless with this magnetic building set which allows kids to go from two dimensional to 3-D creations.

I love this set because kids can test their building skills in ways they can't with traditional blocks. And it teaches kids about math and logic too–who knew! Plus with magnets, kids won’t have to worry about their London Bridges falling down and parents will be able to clean up the construction site in record time.

The Award-Winning Magnetic Tile Building Set starting at $52.95

One thing I love about my cat is that he doesn't need a lot of exercise (a stroll to and from the kitty litter is enough). But my puppy-loving pals? They can't seem to wear their pooches out. That's why I'm getting all of 'em this awesome Snackshotz Dog Treat Launcher for Christmas.

Like a Nerf gun (but way cooler), the launcher shoots low-fat Discos dog treats straight out of its barrel. Dog owners will get a kick out of watching their pooch jump and leap to grab the yummy treats in midair. And they can rest easy knowing they're giving their dog a workout—from the comfort of their couch.

Snackshotz Dog Treat Launcher starting at $13.95

I love traveling and more than collecting trinkets and knick-knacks on my various trips, I like to hold onto maps, hiking guides, and the cultural and historical information I gather along the way to remind me of where I've been and what I learned.

These handsome Leather-bound National Park Atlases are the perfect companion for the guy on the go who, like me, loves to carry around his increased wealth of knowledge and new memories in one place. The atlases include maps and travel guides and can even be personalized. They're the perfect birthday or Christmas gift for the adventurer in your life.

Leather-Bound National Parks Atlases starting at $49

If I had to choose just one kind of cuisine to eat for the rest of my life, I'd have to go with Japanese. Sure, Cuban is tasty and who can argue against a great Mojito? And you really can't go wrong with a pasta dish full of fresh veggies, or a Greek salad with a side of hummus. But if I had to choose only one, it would have to be Japanese for the flavor and diverse dishes.

With the Masaharu Morimoto: Iron Chef Gift Set, I can ensure anyone is able to cook my favorite cuisine, so it's a gift as much for me as it is for the person I'm giving it to. The set includes a wok, an autographed copy of Iron Chef star Morimoto's new cookbook, plus stir-fry tea oil and a red kitchen timer. Appetite provided by everyone!

Masaharu Morimoto: Iron Chef Gift Set with Autographed Cookbook starting at $99.95

Who needs to pass notes when you can wear your heart literally on your sleeve. Let him (and the world) know how you really feel with “My Boyfriend” tees, it's just easier this way. Based on the “Mr Men” books you loved as a kid, these cheeky logo tees feature various boys, some naughty and some nice. So whether you’re cruising the hallways or out on the town it's good to know who’s treating you right. They're perfect gifts for the loyal girlfriend or a recent resident of Splits-ville.

My Boyfriend Tee starting at $24.50

Fear not those scary monsters under the bed! Get rid of the fright factor with this super cuddly Make My Own Monster Custom Design Kit. You can watch your kids' creepy creations come to life with this ultimate personalized gift–a kit that helps kids design their very own monster. Starting with a simple sketch, your child creates a personality for their mini monster by completing a questionnaire and writing a back-story to go with it. Then you send the kit to the snazzy designers at North American Bear Company who will bring your monster to life (in plush) and give you a printed copy of your story that includes the creator's name, your child!

I love this idea for any child struggling to cope with nightmares or for any creative kid this Christmas.

Make My Own Monster Custom Design Kit starting at $249

If you know someone who would like to become a YouTube sensation like the wedding couple with the funny first dance, you can make their dream an easy reality with the Easy-to-Use Pure Digital Flip Video. Just as the name suggests, this awesome little camcorder is really easy to use and allows you to record high-quality MPEG-4 encoded video and audio and upload it online.

This would make a fantastic Christmas gift for the budding filmmaker, but beware–you might just end up the subject of a funny video and find yourself with a million hits on YouTube!

Pure Digital Flip Video (512 MB) Camcorder starting at $110