A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

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

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