A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

Fourth of July has arrived and the presidential election is fast approaching, so here's a list of gift ideas in honor of all your parties - patriotic and political.

For the weekend kickoff: Save your political jabs for your steaks with these Political Party Branding Irons.  

For the early risers: Fill up the Blue States Mug and watch the red states disappear as the mug heats up. But don't cry in your coffee just yet, there's the Make My Day Mug for red state lovers too! 

For the mini patriots: Rock the vote and the cradle with the pint-sized Future Voter Patriotic Baby Romper for star spangled babies.

For the peacekeepers: To keep political banter at bay and celebrate as citizens, try on the Swing Voters Custom Tee for those who like to support any party. 

For the roadtrippers: Let the gridlock games begin.  Study up on your patriotic trivia with the Secret Lives of Presidents Trivia Card Game. There's plenty of dirty laundry to cross state lines. 

We're kicking off our Fourth of July celebration a little bit early this year with some great gift ideas that are just as exciting and much less hazardous than fireworks.  Whether it's for the kids, the hostess or the whole family, these red, white, and blue treats are sure to make your holiday sparkle.

First up are these star spangled Patriotic Cupcakes from New York gourmet staple Dean & Deluca. The handmade set of nine includes three different cake and icing combos topped with tasty candy stars. Top off with sparklers at your own risk. 

Patriotic Cupcakes starting at $55.00

Kids and ice cream go together like peanut butter and jelly. Unfortunately, so do kids and sticky messes. If you want avoid melting ice cream all summer long, try the ingenious Motorized Ice Cream Cone.

This handy device uses a spinning cone to eliminate any drips. Just scoop some ice cream into the bright plastic cone and push the button. Moms will love having this colorful contraption on hand during the hot months and Fourth of July picnics, and it makes a sweet birthday treat for kids.

Motorized Ice Cream Cone starting at $8.99

My family always throws a big Memorial Day bash to kick-off the summer in style complete with barbecue and a competitive volleyball tournament.  We used to joke about setting up flood lights in the backyard to keep the party and the games going well into the evening.  But who needs lights when there are glow-in-the-dark lawn games like this fun LED Bowling Set?  The set of ten pins and two balls works on sand or grass, and because everything glows in the dark, you get the whole effect of midnight bowling in your own backyard.

This Memorial Day, I'm staying at the beach with friends and definitely plan on bringing a bunch of glow-in-dark games for my generous summer hosts.

LED Bowling Set starting at $129.95

Nothing beats a handmade card from your kids (I know my parents appreciated my glittery, construction-paper creations). But if you really want to make Dad's day, get his little girl to advertise her love with this fun My Dad Rules Tee. The yellow tie-dye shirt has cute puffed sleeves and says "My Dad Rules" in bright pink across the chest. Clearly she'll get a kick out of wearing this on June 15, but I have a feeling she'll want to put it on more than once. I only wish it were big enough to fit me! 

My Dad Rules Tee starting at $48.00

This year on Take Your Daughter to Work Day (April 24), make your daughter feel like a little professional right along with you! No, I'm not suggesting you give her a Blackberry and a business suit, but this cute Tiara Notepad will get her in the spirit while still reflecting her personal style.

Personalize it with her name to make her feel extra special. And just remember — if she asks for a raise by the end of the day, the answer is always: "Let's wait until your 6-month review."

Tiara Notepad starting at $32

I remember my first guitar. How I begged my parents for one and all the lessons and skipping of lessons that followed. Wouldn't it be great if you could get your budding superstar a guitar they could teach themselves to play? Well you can with the 1 Man Band Acoustic Guitar. This thing is equipped with the works. It has a built in tempo and beat system you can strum along to, as well as a pick, guitar case and instructional CD.

This guitar is a great gift for a music lover of any age who wants to learn a new instrument but doesn't know where to begin. 

1 Man Band starting at  $99.99

Your little diva may only be in preschool (or kindergarten), but she already knows how to put on lipstick, prance around in high-heels and cheese it up for the camera (sound like someone else you know?). So you can bet she'll love being the center of attention on her own Red Carpet Runway.

The fantastical setup comes with a red carpet and a dressing room (complete with a secret back door entrance for when the paparazzi get too crazy). All your Girly Girl has to do is step through the curtains in style, and the runway will light up, the music will play, and the crowd will go wild (even when Mom and Dad aren’t around to play audience). It’s the perfect backdrop to her already overflowing dress-up wardrobe.

Red Carpet Runway with Lights & Sounds starting at $24.99

Super Smash Bros. Brawl hasn't even been out for two weeks and it's already the fastest selling video game in Nintendo history! So you can bet that any video gamer will want to get his hands on this game.

In Brawl, all of your favorite Nintendo characters can battle against each other, and while it's clearly a fighting game, it's not as violent as a lot of the choices out there. This version adds loads of new characters to the mix including Sonic the Hedgehog. It's the third installment in the series so it has a big fan following, but it's the first time it's been released for the Wii. And now you can play with opponents online through the Wii's Wi-Fi connection–your kid could play with his cousin who lives across the country or someone that's across the world. You can't go wrong giving Super Smash Bros. Brawl as a birthday gift. 

Super Smash Bros. Brawl starting at $49.99

My favorite thing about this time of year is noticing the very first signs of spring: the hint of buds on trees and tips of stems poking through the ground, birds returning north, and pretty, open-toed pumps replacing rows of boots in shoe store windows. It really is a beautiful and exciting time of year, and I love how this Oopsy Daisy Spring Blossoms print captures it with bursts of pink, yellow, and blue.

A charming addition to a child's bedroom, the print makes a lovely and unique baby shower gift. So, save the open-toed pumps for when baby's a little older! 

Oopsy Daisy Spring Blossoms Print starting at $195.99