A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

Here's a hostess gift that's a little different but still completely appropriate: I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, by Amy Sedaris. The hilarious fat-suit-wearing, cupcake-making comedian/writer has just come out with a wonderful new book, and it's perfect for your next party hostess.

Sedaris keeps readers on the floor laughing with tips for nosy guests (fill your medicine cabinet with marbles) and etiquette pointers (inappropriate intros, things not to say to those who are grieving). But don't worry, she also includes real recipes and kitschy craft projects.

Get two. You'll want to keep one for yourself and, yes, you still need one for your New Year's hostess.

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence starting at $18.47

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: Get ready for New Year's Eve with a colorful set of champagne flutes.

For the kid at heart: The Alu Sled, a high-tech lightweight aluminum sled sure to make any dad's snow day. (via Uncrate)

For New Year's Day: After ringing in 2008, cure your hangover with a Bloody Mary Breakfast Gift Basket.

For the glam girl: She can get her party look with The Body Shop Shimmer Cubes. 

For your imaginative kid: A super silly and one-of-a-kind handmade sock puppet. (via Babygadget)  

For your party host: If you're not afraid of DIY, bring a homemade bottle of infused vodka. (Hostess with the Mostess)

There's nothing more uncomfortable than awkward party silence. Especially if it's your party (we've all been there). So break the ice by breaking out these super cool Arctic Frozen Ice Shots. Just fill the molds with water, pop in the freezer, and ta-da!—cold-as-ice (ha, ha) shot glasses.

Impress all your guests with a fire-and-ice-themed New Year's Eve shindig. Or just add a fun touch to any ol' party. Not hosting? Gift your host/hostess with a set (extra shots, er, props if you make a few before you go).

Arctic Frozen Ice Shots starting at $19.99

If you've been invited to a New Year's Eve dinner party, chances are you'll be seated at a beautifully set table. The hostess probably will have spent hours thinking of every detail, from flatware and dishes to napkins and glasses. Then, if she's anything like the hostesses of parties I've been to in the past, she'll light the candles on the table with matches from a tacky matchbook!

Save her and everyone else from such a travesty and bring this sleek, highly functional candle lighter as a hostess gift. With just a push of a button, the long, baton lighter lights all types of candles and is pretty enough to sit on the table! Tacky travesty averted!

Lighter starting at $26

So you've scored an invite to a great New Year's Eve party that's bound to welcome 2008 in style. You've got your outfit picked out, your cab money ready, and now you just need a gift for the hostess. To ensure your spot on the guest list for next year now, give something a little special that can be enjoyed and appreciated throughout the year.

The L'Atelier Du Vun Decanter Wine Carafe is a great choice for the hostess who loves her wine and loves to entertain. Elegant and sophisticated, the decanter wine carafe features a unique design that gently channels wine down the inner walls off the carafe creating optimal taste, so you can rest assured that you will be giving it in good taste!

L'Atelier Du Vin Decanter Wine Carafe starting at $98

As a staple of the holiday season, champagne is a great way to guarantee a happy hostess. But why not ring in 2008 by giving a fresh twist on the classic old classic bottle of champagne? Give sparkling wines from around the world instead.

These Champagne Stunt Doubles make a fantastic gift for your New Year’s Eve party hostess. My favorite is a toss up between Italy’s Prosecco and Spain’s Cava, but you can let your hostess and her guests be the judge. Each set of three bottles comes paired with a wine guide that’s fun to browse over a glass of bubbly. 

Champagne Stunt Doubles starting at $69

It's party season—which means you need some thoughtful treats for your hosts. After all, you can't very well show up to that New Year's Eve gala empty-handed (gasp!). Meet my absolute favorite gift: cocktail party plates, or as we in the office like to call them, "mingle plates." These brilliant platters hold both your food and your bevvy, so guests can be free to, well, mingle (and isn't that what you want them to do?). To see what else I love about them, watch my video.

I always keep plenty on hand for my own parties, so you know your hostess will love getting her mitts on these.

Cocktail Party Plates starting at $17.95

I may be a little too old for Circle of Death and Quarters, but that doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good party game, especially if it involves spirits. I'm definitely getting this WineSmarts Game for my next get together. It's classy, elegant, and completely grown-up—but still loads of fun! The game consists of question and answer cards that test your wine knowledge.

It makes a terrific host/hostess or housewarming gift. Or break it out on New Year's Eve! Just pour the vino and let the games begin!

WineSmarts Game starting at $26.95

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

When you're finishing up your Christmas shopping, don't forget about your holiday hosts and hostesses. If you're attending a Christmas or New Years Eve party, you shouldn't show up empty-handed. Need a few ideas? Check out the unique and stylish options that Guest Guru Hostess with the Mostess Jenn Sbranti came up with. 

She loves this Salad Song Cruet Set for its ultra modern and ultra charming design. And she thinks the bottles will make pretty much anyone that uses them smile.

Another fun option is Table Topics. Each box is filled with entertaining and thought-provoking cards to keep party conversation going. It's the kind of gift that can be appreciated immediately. 

Need more ideas? See the rest of Jenn's favorite hostess gifts here.