A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

Even though Thanksgiving is probably the biggest family get together of the year, often a few relatives can't make the party. And whether it's your grandfather who doesn't want to leave his warm southern hideaway or your teenager who's staying on campus to "study" for the weekend, they shouldn't have to miss out on the feast. So send a taste of Turkey Day dinner!

This Hickory-Smoked Whole Turkey is a gift that'll make them feel like a part of the celebration, even from far away. Cooking the turkey is hard enough to make some skip cooking the meal altogether, but this will jump-start their feast. Or you could just send them something sweet that doesn't require any baking at all–a pumpkin pie.

Hickory Farms Hickory-Smoked Whole Turkey starting at $51.99 and Pumpkin Pie with Whipped Cream starting at $27.99 

Q. I've been invited to stay with my friend's family for Thanksgiving weekend. What should I bring her mother to say thank you?

A. Since a lot of work goes into planning and hosting Thanksgiving gatherings, you certainly shouldn't arrive empty handed. But you don't have to spend a lot to let your hostess know how much you appreciate her taking you under her wing. The standard bouquet of flowers or bottle of wine will do, but we have some other more thoughtful ideas. 

One perfect idea is this luxurious Figuier Candle which has an amazing woody fig scent and a pretty holiday look. For more ideas, check out our Top Ten Gifts for Thanksgiving Hosts and Hostesses–you'll find other great gifts like subtle holiday decorations, seasonally themed wine stoppers and even a beautiful wooden board game to play after everyone stuffs themselves with turkey and pumpkin pie!

Need more gift advice? Ask a Gift Guru! Send an email to askagiftguru@gifts.com or post your question in a comment.

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: Mix up a round of spiked hot cocoa in these gorgeous insulated glass tumblers.

For your pooch: A sleek stainless steel dog bowl that's designed so well you won't mind seeing it sitting on your kitchen floor every day. (via PetSugar)

For the Thanksgiving chef: An amazing holiday cookbook to give him a few new ideas to ensure this year's feast is the biggest and best ever.

For your teen: An adorable Paul Frank scarf will keep her feeling warm and looking cool. 

For a troubled friend: Give her a dose of inspiration with one of these super positive Tees For Change that reminds you to "choose happiness" or "laugh often." (via teensygreen)

For your new neighbors: A few warm scented candles to help them decorate.

I may not be much of a chef, but the idea of guests gathered around the counter of my kitchen, watching as I prepare delicious cuisine, certainly seems like a good one. (Yeah, in my dreams.)

Well, at least I can look the part in the Baby Blue Floral Mocha Apron. As you can see, this is not your kitschy bib apron. Unfussy, modern and delightfully sweet, it's the kind of frock you won't mind showing off.

Of course, it's nearly too pretty to do any actual cooking in, which makes it perfect for gals like me. Make it a holiday hostess or housewarming gift.

Baby Blue Floral Mocha Apron starting at $39.95

If I learned anything from those kindergarten handprint drawings, it's that everyone loves a turkey. So I plan on charming my Thanksgiving dinner guests with a more grown-up version: these adorable turkey placecard holders. The little bronze figurines come with their own matching cards and will look divine with any autumn-colored table setting.

They make a great housewarming gift any time of year, particularly for anyone who's planning on doing some Turkey Day hosting in the future. Now that's something to be thankful for!

Turkey Placecard Holders starting at $17.95 

Halloween's over and you've packed away your costumes for another time, you've already eaten half the leftover candy and you've taken down the cotton cobwebs and pipe cleaner spiders. But what to do with all the pumpkins?

From now until Thanksgiving, pumpkin patches are still open, stores are still selling them, and you can't very well keep making jack-o-lanterns. That's why these Turkey Pumpkin Decorating Kits are an ideal gift to keep for yourself or give to your kids for a fun fall afternoon activity. Create a whole turkey pumpkin family to join your own for Thanksgiving.

Turkey Pumpkin Decorative starting at $9.99

When it comes to design for inside the home, I love what nature has to offer, like high-grade lead-free pewter. Oh, I'm kidding. I know pewter isn't found in nature, but maple leaves are and they've inspired this lovely cast pewter maple leaf trivet. Perfect for a fall housewarming or hostess gift (Canadian Thanksgiving anyone?), the maple leaf trivet is tough enough for daily use, but beautiful enough for serving guests.

Maple Leaf Trivet starting at $60