A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

As American citizens come together to celebrate Independence Day, it's good to give thanks to those who serve our country every day. Recently, I spoke with my brother, an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, and asked him how the units celebrated the Fourth during his tour overseas.   

"Overall, the Fourth is just like any other day overseas.  A lot of units will probably throw together a BBQ from whatever food is available.  I remember some guys in the chow hall making a mini Statue of Liberty sculpted out of what appeared to be butter."

Patriotic and resourceful, our guys and gals deserve to be saluted for their service.  Send them an ecard today with your thanks.  The GroupCard is fun option because you can select a military design, upload photos and have multiple people sign it.  And to really make their day, follow up with a care package full of our top military gifts for troops stationed abroad. 

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. 

It's been years (I won't say how long) since I've been on Spring Break or a road trip, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a good cooler. Especially this tailgating style Koolatron Auto Cool Wheeler.

Whether you're hitting the beach, a parade or roadside fireworks this Fourth of July, you can wheel this cooler right along with you. It holds up to 54 12-oz drinks and has a 33-liter capacity so you can beat the heat no matter how large your party. It will even keep its cool after hours of traffic with a 12-volt adapter that plugs right into your car. 

Koolatron Auto Cool Wheeler starting at $88.88

Personalized Cape Cod Folding Beach Chair starting at $149.95

They're your partners in crime, your wingmen and they've always stood up for you. But this time, they'll be doing it on your big day (literally). So show your groomsmen some true appreciation with these classy Monogrammable Beer Mugs.

This set of four glasses comes with a hand-etched single initial monogram, giving it that personal touch. Choose either double old-fashioned glasses or tall beer mugs depending on their drink of choice: beer loving buddy gets the mugs and scotch-connoisseur pal gets the tumblers. It's a great way to thank them for that all-out bachelor party they threw you. 

Elegant Monogrammable Beer Mugs starting at $60.00.

Recently, while I was on the hunt for some hot holiday gifts at a trade show, this cool Earbags Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet caught my eye. I decided to give it a test run of my own over Memorial Day weekend. Being a weekend adventurer I went everywhere — rode my bike all around the city, walked the beach, and hit a couple of BBQ's. While I pedaled away the wallet held on tight. It's a little tricky cramming everything in there, but once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing and I enjoyed every minute of my holiday weekend without once worrying if I dropped my wallet along the way. It's the perfect gift for an travel enthusiast or the person on the go. 

Earbags Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet starting at $14

Most people in the workforce only daydream of playing hooky and hitting the links, but after retirement, there's ample time to swing away. For those people ready to tee off, the Hole in One Golf Bag is a great retirement gift.

Whether they're planning a golf getaway or just spending every afternoon on the green, this gift basket is sure to please. Filled with everything a pro needs like chocolate golf balls, key lime cookies, a sport-top water bottle, collector's mug and more, this golf bag carrier also functions as an insulated cooler. Perfect for those 19th hole refreshments. Snag one for your favorite Country Clubber or the Active Retiree!

Golf Gift Basket - Hole in One Golf Bag starting at $69.99

Still struggling to find a gift for Father's Day?  No sweat!  I've been keeping tabs on the greatest gifts for Dad, including all the options guaranteed to arrive by Sunday.  Here's a handy round-up of top last-minute gifts for Father's Day:

• Fighter Pilot Simulator for Two:  Your mission - give Dad a nickname and send him off to get his wings.  Better yet, join him for a day of virtual air combat and non-stop Top Gun references.
• Beer-of-the-Month Club Subscription:  It's the gift that keeps on giving and more than makes up for forgotten birthdays.  Choose between 3, 4, 6 and 12 month subscriptions.
• Grilling Greatness Gift Basket:  All the ingredients he needs to earn the title of Top Chef Grill Master.  Be sure to order by Friday 12PM EDT.
• Gifts.com Gift Card:  When in doubt, let him decide what he wants.  Whether it's tickets to the big game, his latest gadget obsession or a new set of clubs, this card gives Dad permission to treat himself.

With Mother's Day, birthdays, graduations and weddings, sometimes Father's Day, which is this Sunday, can get lost in the shuffle.  But Dads deserve their day, and the Gift Gurus have pulled together a great selection of last minute gifts to treat your dad to a super Sunday. 

Being a globe trotting Gift Guru, I would love to take my dad on a trip around the world for Father's Day. But since I'm running short on time (and money), this Around the World Beer Bucket will have do the trick instead.

This manly steel gift basket comes filled with everything a beer lover needs: six imported brews (from Stella to Newcastle) and some great salty snacks, because what's a beer without bar snacks? I have a feeling most lager-loving dads will appreciate this worldly gift, even if it doesn't include a passport.

Heads up, procrastinators!  Order this basket up until Friday, June 13th 7PM EDT and you can be assured it will arrive in time for Father's Day.

Around the World Beer Bucket starting at $89.99

When it comes to firing up the grill this Father's Day, dads are always looking for ways to take their game to the next level. And the Gourmet BBQ Sauce Set is a non-stop one-way ticket to the "Grill Masters."

This all-natural, fat-free sauce set represents different regional flavors with 4 18-oz. jars of Sweet Heartland, Spicy Deep South, Smoky Southwest, and Tangy High Country BBQ sauce. It's an essential gift for the Grill Master Dad and if you play your cards right, you just might be the beneficiary of some of his gourmet grilling.

Gourmet BBQ Sauce Set starting at $49.95