A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

Today marks the beginning of Kwanzaa. For the next week, people around the world will celebrate this joyous holiday in honor of their African heritage. Though some of us may not know the full story behind the special day, that doesn’t mean we can’t join in on the fun and learn more about friends and family.

Started by Dr. Ron Karenga, a professor of black studies, political activist and esteemed author, Kwanzaa begins with the lighting of the kinara (a seven-branch candlestick) and ends with celebration through music, food, and gift giving. Though presents are mainly given to children, the World Beat Gift Set is something the whole family can enjoy. Recycled African trade beads strung alongside brightly colored ceramic beads make for a stunning, meaningful bracelet. And the accompanying Putumayo CD, Acoustic Africa, features prominent African singer-songwriters. Pair it with the Critter Congo Drum (also for kids—and grown-ups like me) for a real celebration!

World Beat Gift Set starting at $39.00

By now you've made your list and checked it twice, but if you're like me, you've probably had a few last-minute additions (gotta hate those). Rather than buying a run-of-the-mill gift card, why not give something that matters like JustGive's charity gift certificates? You can help feed the hungry, protect the animals or save the environment—all in the name of your recipient. It's a gift that goes on and on and on. And it's a gift you can print out at any time–even on Christmas before you see your recipient. What a lifesaver! 

JustGive Charity Gift Certificate starting at $50

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

Vibrant, bubbly and outgoing. Sound like someone you know? Then you've got her covered (literally) in a pair of Thermal Long Jane Pajamas. These pj's have all the warmth of unsightly long johns with none of the frumpiness. 

Trendanistas will love the classic black-and-white houndstooth pair with super-bright pink accents, while the heart stripe number is sure to suit any Creative Spirit. She's neither? Choose one of the other jazzy designs. Either way, she's sure to stand out on Christmas morning—and all year long.

Thermal Long Jane Pajamas starting at $39.50

Still have a few gadgets to buy before Christmas? We got some expert advice from two editors from Apartment Therapy's Unplggd, a site for people who embrace technology and design in their home. They shared their male and female perspectives on what's hot in tech gifts this year.

First up, co-editor Ryan Opina:

Logitech Harmony 1000: I like a minimal aesthetic but also like to have all the tech goodies that come with a home theater. Having surround sound, an amplifier, DVD player, media center PC, PVR, and Roku with all their own remotes is the complete opposite of clean and minimal. With the Logitech Harmony 1000, I can hide all those components in a closet or another room use the RF (not IR) contol of this remote and get the best of both worlds.

Slingbox: I travel quite often and usually find myself somewhere between 8 to 10 hours out of my home timezone. What that usually means is the playoff hockey game I desperately want to be watch at home is not an option. With the Slingbox I get the comfort of my TV veg session on my laptop or mobile phone anywhere in the world at any time.

Wood Block Clock: This is just slick. I am a big fan of wood and LED's, put the two together and you have an instant winner in my books. This would look right at home over the mantle of an ultra modern fireplace or an interesting contrast with more traditional decor.

And now here's co-editor Kate Mulinix:

Candela Color Lamps: Flameless, flickering LED lights that look just like candles, but you never need to replace them because they never burn down. They recharge on their base, and then you can place them around the house to set the mood. 

Digital Picture Frames: These take displaying pictures to the next level. I'm going to be giving more of these as time goes on, starting this Christmas. The options abound, as do the settings, allowing you to set up choices, run slideshows by remote, add music and a few even show multiple photos at once. Add photos before you give it as a gift and your gift will become even more memorable and if the gift receiver isn't particularly tech savvy she'll be forever grateful.

iRobot Scooba 350 Floor Washing Robot: A dream gift for me since we have hardwood floors at home. It would take care of the daily grind that ends up on our floors and tuck itself away without any help from me. How handy would that be? And I'd love to give iRobots for gifts if my budget would allow, how much more would my friends love me then?

To see more of Kate's favorites check out her top ten gift ideas on Unplggd.

Digital cameras and camcorders are great, but completely useless if your hands are all tied up. Problem solved! All you need is the Action Sports Hands-Free Video Camera.

This video cam is the daredevil's dream. It clips to pretty much anything–helmets, handlebars, poles, snorkels, you name it–for in-the-action shots. The best part? Playing back footage is as easy as plugging it into your computer or TV. To get a better sense of what it can do, watch my video about it here.

It's the ultimate gift for adventurous teens and young adults who are into extreme sports.

Action Sports Hands-Free Video Camera starting at $129.95

Christmas is exactly one week away and that fact probably either excites you or completely stresses you out. If you're feeling the stress of last minute shopping, we're here to help. Our Gift Gurus have compiled a list of last minute deals and shipping deadlines and put them all here in one easy to use chart. If you follow it, you'll be sure to get your gifts to everyone on time and on budget, even at the last minute!