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

TGIF. You've got your paycheck in hand and we've got a few ideas on how to blow it—on family and friends, of course. But feel free to treat yourself, too. Nothing wrong with a little self-gifting.

For the weekend kickoff: A cotton hammock and a frozen cocktail will reduce your work week stress in a matter of moments so you can celebrate the long weekend.

For your college kid: A Dakine Heli Pack from Moosejaw which comes with a free doctor's note for playing hooky.

For your eco-chic friend: A fun eco-friendly vase made from 100% post consumer recycled glass. (via Great Green Goods)

For a little R&R: A Bliss Girl Uninterrupted Gift Box because it's time to treat yourself or another lucky girl to some relaxing me-time.

For the on-the-go party guy: A pair of flip flops with a bottle opener embedded into the sole so he's ready to crack one open on the beach or at the next tailgate.

For your teen: A Zeno acne zapper which was given away in swag bags at last weekend's Teen Choice Awards. (via The Swagtime Blog) 

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

Labor Day (and the unofficial end of summer) is sneaking up fast. Before you know it we’ll be trading our al fresco happy hours, lazy beach days and grilled burgers for sweaters, scarves and soup. So if you’re having a BBQ to celebrate the weekend, I challenge you to make your best burger yet! And if you’ve been invited to a BBQ, present your host or hostess with one of these gifts to help step up his or her grilling game.

Start with an awesome cookbook like Bobby Flay’s Boy Gets Grill. Read the Burger Bar party tips to wow guests with the best recipes and homemade condiments.

Guarantee perfect patties every time with a double hamburger press.

Make sure you grill each and every burger to perfection whether the order is medium or rare with this kitschy cheeseburger kitchen timer.

If you want the easy way out, without compromising a bit of the mouthwatering and delicious flavor, stock up on a La Cense Beef Burger Party Pack.