A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

I've never been much of a green thumb, and anytime someone gets me a new plant, it inevitably meets an untimely end in my apartment. But with the Grobal Self-Watering Plant Pot, my plants now have a fighting chance.

Created by renowned designer Karim Rashid, the Grobal combines a modern looking vase in fun pop colors with useful technology. Just simply pour water into the reservoir, add the Grobal soil, and the plant takes in water and nutrients as it needs it. It's a great addition for any new home or any host/hostess who'd rather spend time with their guests than watering the plants. 

Grobal Self Watering Plant Pot starting at $21.75

With people going gaga over gas prices and airline delays, wouldn't it be nice to skip the stress and have a "staycation" in your own backyard? And what's a better way to unwind than in this Classic Hammock Chair .

It will make your resort (a.k.a. home) feel like a tropical getaway with its cushy seat and seasonal print. All you have to do is settle in with a summery cocktail and leave the world behind. It's a great housewarming gift for the backyard or summertime entertainers. 

Classic Hammock Chair starting at $159.99 

It's one thing to send flowers and it's another to send Todd Oldham-designed mini roses. Just in time for Independence Day, the design guru has whipped up a pair of patriotic plants in coordinating stars and stripes.

Each plant comes in a lightweight take-out style box for easy delivery and decorating. It's a quick and thoughtful gift for any backyard hostess or summer housewarming.

Todd Oldham Stars & Stripes Mini Rose Set starting at $49.99

I like to think of myself as a grill master. But that doesn't mean I want to spend every day this summer slaving over hot coals. Thankfully, there's this Talking Digital Grill Thermometer.

With the ability to monitor eight types of meat (from beef to veal) to four levels of doneness (rare to well done), this handy gadget takes the guesswork out of grilling. Not to mention you can walk up to 330 feet away without worrying if you've charred your chicken.  It makes a pretty sweet Father's Day gift, especially if dear old Dad is a barbecue king.

Talking Digital Grill Thermometer starting at $59.99

Memorial Day is not only the first offical day of summer, it also kicks off barbecue season, pool parties and general lounging in the sun. Which is why you'll want to have this Remote Control Snack and Drink Pool Float on hand come May 26.

This caddy is like having a butler for your pool. Load it up with the works (up to five beverages, plus chips, pretzels and other snacks), then drive it out to the swimmers. You stay dry; they don't have to get out of the pool. Or be like me and just use it for your own personal enjoyment by having someone else stock it while you float around. Give it to your summer host/hostess (it's a gift you'll enjoy equally as much) or as a housewarming gift to new pool owners.

Remote Control Snack and Drink Pool Float starting at $49.95

I love when recycling and being green leads to great home decor, like this charming house picture frame. Handmade with colorful strips of recycled wood from old boats, houses, and buildings in Thailand, this darling frame is not only an eco-friendly gift, it also makes a great conversation piece. With its little roof to "protect" any 4×6 inch photo from the outside elements, and a distressed, lived-in feel, it's a perfect housewarming gift for an eclectic home!

House Picture Frame starting at $48

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

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

We've all had that door that just won't stay open. And we're all guilty of using an old shoe or (gasp!) a rubber wedge to keep it ajar. So how great is this kitschy Foot in the Door Doorstop?

The black or red rubber heel fits right under the crack of your door to keep it in place. Not nearly as stodgy as a cast-iron dog, it's fun enough for a dorm room and stylish enough for a chic apartment. And it definitely gives a whole new meaning to getting your foot in the door.

Foot in the Door Doorstop starting at $8.95 

I can't get enough of this inflatable moose head! Any goofster will freak at the chance to hang this sucker up whether it’s in their cubicle, kitchen, dorm room or basement. At nearly 2.5 feet wide, for taxidermy haters and lodge lovers alike, the inflatable moose head will absolutely be a cruelty-free conversation piece. 

Sneak into your friend's house and hang it on his wall as an April Fool's joke or give it as a housewarming gift to the guy moving into his first apartment. 

Inflatable Moose Head starting at $19.99