A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

So your daughter is getting married soon and while you'll pick something from the wedding registry, you're racking your brain trying to think of the perfect extra gift—one that holds special meaning, is useful in her new stage of life, and helps her remember where she came from, before she was part of her own family, and was still just your little girl.

Enter the Gina B. Designs Fun Flower Recipe Box, an adorable recipe box with matching dividers. Fill the box with all your family's favorite recipes for a wedding gift or shower gift that is both heartfelt and extremely practical!

Gina B. Designs Fun Flower Recipe Box starting at $16

If you still don't have a gift for Valentine's Day (that's today!) you're in trouble. But don't run out to the drugstore just yet. I've got the perfect last minute gift idea for you: a romantic hot air balloon flight. It's quick and easy to set up but will look like you spent a ton of time planning—and isn't that what you want?

You'll enjoy a calm, peaceful ride over beautiful countryside–an ideal backdrop to a very romantic excursion. By the time you land, your sweetheart will be on cloud nine. Which is way better than where a box of cheap chocolates will get you. Print off the certificate and line up a date for your ride now and present it to your Valentine over dinner. You do have a dinner reservation, don't you?

Hot Air Balloon Flight starting at $200

I'm of the mind that there are some things in life that are necessities, some that are just luxuries and some that are necessary luxuries, like a perfect martini served whenever and wherever the desire hits.

This Portable Martini Set makes one of my favorite necessary luxuries possible with its two 3 oz. glasses, olive picks, a stainless steel shaker, double jigger, funnel and round flask held securely in an elegant case. A great Valentine's Day gift for your frequent flier beau or martini loving girlfriend.

Portable Martini Set starting at $34.99

The Oxo Crock is the perfect starter tool set for the kitchen and a great wedding or housewarming gift for college students moving into their first apartment. Nine essentials tools with ergonomic handles are organized in a stylish crock to make cooking duties a whole lot easier. And since they're dishwasher safe, no one has to fight over who'll do the cleaning after dinner.

Oxo Crock with Tools starting at $59.95

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 beer-loving geek: A robot that not only keeps your beer cold, but can even pour you one! (via Uncrate) For your pooch: You can't take Fido to the ball park without the appropriate gear so make him sport your favorite team's jersey. For the girl who'd rather elope: Give the bride-to-be a few ideas to break tradition while pleasing the family with the Anti-Bride Guide.

For your Book Seven read-a-thon: Put on a Harry Potter hat and start and finish the series finale this weekend because if you haven't read the spoilers yet, you won't be able to dodge them for long. For the stuffed animal addict: If she's already got enough bears, bunnies, cats and dogs why not give her a stuffed piece of toast? Just be sure to follow the warning: "Do not butter or place in toaster." (via Droolicious) For the girl jetting off to Europe: A posh set of travel size beauty goodies that'll one up the hotel freebies.

If you’ve ever attempted to buy a wedding gift that’s not on the bride and groom’s registry or if you’ve ever had to choose your own gift because of procrastination, you know it’s not an easy task. But for a seasoned entertainer and wedding planner like Colin Cowie, it seems amazingly easy. That’s why we invited him to be a Guest Guru.

Colin offered up a beautiful group of universally fabulous gifts that any newlywed would be happy to add to their home. Check out Colin Cowie’s Favorite Wedding Gifts to see his ideas including stunning centerpieces and this grilled cheese making panini grill that he raves about.

I give a ton of gifts, and when you work for a gifts company, people expect your gifts to be unique and fabulous. No pressure! That's why I always have a short list of surefire gifts at my fingertips. I'm going to let you in on one of my all-time best gifting secrets: Wine-of-the-Month Club.

This sophisticated, hassle-free gift never fails to get rave reviews. Each month, the recipient receives two new bottles of their favorite varietal or region. It's the gift that keeps on giving. I love giving it for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, housewarmings—any excuse for toasting their happiness. Hint: Make sure to arrange for delivery at a business address. The law requires someone 21 years or older to sign for the bottles.

Wine of the Month Club – 3 Months starting at $107.85