A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

2010 is almost here and a party is definitely in order to celebrate the end of one decade and the beginning of another. Festive champagne flutes are number one on my list to ring in the New Year. I plan on putting pomegranate seeds in the bottom of each glass to add a more holiday feel. 

Instead of bringing a bottle of wine (like every other guest), I’m giving the hostess mingle plates, so I don’t end up with red wine down my dress while juggling a drink and appetizers. It's a functional and reusable thank-you for any host or hostess.

To keep the conversation and champagne flowing, a game of Battle of the Sexes will get everyone involved, testing the knowledge of the opposite sex. Table Topics is also a good game to get the conversations heated.

Have a Happy New Year from all of us at Gifts.com!

I have a pretty basic beauty routine, nothing too flashy, but with New Year's right around the corner, I like to indulge in some more risque party looks. If you're looking to shake up your routine and try something new, here's a few key products to achieve your new look come 2010.

Bat Those Lashes: One of the easiest ways to glam up your look is fake eyelashes, but the task of applying them can be daunting for first timers. This lash application kit makes the process a cinch with all the tools you'll need to get perfect lashes. 

Let it Sparkle: You may think your glitter days are over, but today's modern look is all about subtly. Instead of using loose glitter, stick with a pencil that allows you to control how much glitz you want. 

Perfect Pout: When you're counting down to New Year's the last thing you want to worry about is your lipstick. Go for something that will stay put all night, with this pocket pal lip stain from Benefit. It's a berry stain on one side and a gloss on the other. So you'll be ready for that kiss at midnight.

Let it Glow: Now that you've glammed up your eyes and lips, applying blush would be overkill. This is New Year's, not Halloween. Finish your look with a little shimmer to make your features pop with illuminating face powder from Stila. It not only sets your make-up but gives you a glow in every photo. 

Now you're a "ball-dropping" bombshell. 

We Gurus have been working all year long to bring you handpicked gift selections and now that it's finally Christmas we don't know what to do with ourselves. Well since it's the season of giving, why not get a head start on those New Year's resolutions and donate to a cause.  Whether you're doing it for good karma or giving in a loved one's name, charity is the gift that keeps on giving.

Our friends over at JustGive are the #1 spot for online donations and feature over a million different reputable charities. If that sounds overwhelming, don't worry you can search by subject or even by zipcode to find an organization locally. Choose from any number of denominations, because every little bit counts.

And from all the gurus be sure to have a very merry Christmas, see you on New Years!

Even if (or perhaps especially if) "drink less" is No. 5 on your list of resolutions, it’s hard to get through New Year’s Eve without an adult beverage (or two). So it’s inevitable that you’re not feeling up to par today.

My advice is to stay at home, put your resolutions aside (at least until you can see without squinting) and get yourself one of these fun hangover helpers. We found all kinds of great stuff, from breakfast baskets to bartender’s guides to hot/cold packs shaped like IV bags. Clearly, today is not the day to start your new running routine, so pop in a cheesy movie, make some pancakes and relax.

Bloody Mary Gift Basket starting at $79.99

Everyone has their New Year's Eve traditions. Whether you're out wining and dining or home with the family, there's one tradition that stands the test of time: champagne. So if you're looking to starting the new year off right and making a good impression, here are some great gift ideas to ring in 2009, libations or not. 

Save the crystal for when the in-laws visit, these Cheers Flutes are just the thing for any party host.

Indulge in a different kind of bubbly with Philosophy's Celebrate! Celebrate! champagne inspired bath set that comes in a festive sparkly tub.

For the francophiles, these porcelain appetizer plates feature vintage champagne labels and are perfect for holiday fêtes.

Dress to impress at your holiday party with this gold Champagne Cork Charm from Juicy Couture.

Avoid cork-flying disasters with this expert champagne opener. That way you won't be half blind when the ball drops.  

What goes with champagne? Well, everything in my opinion. And with New Year's right around the corner, I definitely won’t want to be empty handed when the ball drops. So I plan on impressing my host and hostess (and satisfying my own craving) by kicking things off right with this Champagne Cheese Assortment.

The gift set includes three scrumptious fromages (chevre, aged cheddar, and Brie)—chosen especially to be nibbled with champagne—as well as a cheese knife and water crackers. The whole thing comes sophisticatedly wrapped in a chocolate-colored gift box topped off with a yellow ribbon. It's a lovely token of thanks that is sure to stand out amidst the bottles of bubbly.

Champagne Cheese Assortment starting at $49.99

A nice bottle of wine is always a good party gift. But this New Year's, resolve to skip the booze and surprise your host or hostess with an unrivaled gift that keeps on giving: a Year of Wishes Candle Set.

The collection includes a candle for every month, each of which represents a different wish (joy, love, adventure) and burns down to reveal a miniature charm. The rainbow hues, silver plaques, and glass tray on which to burn the candle of the month just add to the set's allure. And the best part, no hangover included. 

Year of Wishes Candle Set starting at $69.95

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