A shopping blog of cool gift ideas

It’s that time again, to make then brake then make some more resolutions for a better, happier, fitter you. Every year I make some sort of self improvement resolution, loose weight, sleep more, and drink less, but alas all goes to waste by February.

This year I decided to focus on a change that goes beyond myself and will be worthwhile, I plan to volunteer on a regular basis. And to get me jump started and I’m going to look to the experts, Good Magazine. It’s filled with fascinating articles to jump start anyone’s can-do attitude. So whether it’s being more eco-aware or donating my time one weekend rather than babysitting the couch, I’m looking forward to actually keeping my resolution this year. Check out more great charitable and volunteering gift ideas to help you give back.

Good Magazine starting at $20.00. 

We Gift Gurus here have decided to share our personal resolutions all this week to help give you some great gift ideas and kick off 2009 right. One thing I really want to tackle this year is getting organized. Being more organized will help me be more efficient and get more done with less stress. Sounds great to me! 

I found these amazing little binders to help make those daunting tasks like organizing medical records, moving documents, keeping track of valuables, etc a whole lot easier. Finally, everything I need will be at my fingertips and easy to access. For those of you out there resolving to organize your life, here's your starting point.

Family Medical Organizer starting at $20.00. 

If your New Year’s resolution was to watch more college football, you’re in great shape this weekend. With a full slate of bowl games set to kick off, all thoughts of what a disaster the BCS is will disappear and be replaced by sheer football heaven. Unless you’re lucky enough to be at the big game, hunker down at your own football HQ and make the most by bringing the tailgate indoors.

I guarantee that if you have or show up with the Football Party Chips and Queso Serving Set, you’ll get plenty of MVP votes. This 8-piece set includes everything you need for any game-day snack you can think up.

Football Party Chips and Queso Serving Set starting at $24.99. 

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.  

For the past month, we've all been traveling a lot. And more out of obligation than for pleasure. Don't get me wrong, the visits to family and friends have been great, but now is the time to think about taking a fun getaway—be it near or far! Regardless of your own travel plans, there's a gadget out there that will either make it easier to get there or make it better once you've arrived. Like this Waterproof Digital Camcorder for getting wet and wild in the water. Or the must-have Digital Tactility Gloves for jamming to your iPod while braving the cold.

Whether you're hitting the slopes, lounging on the beach, going abroad or just "stay-cationing" nearby with the fam, be sure to check out our favorite Getaway Gadgets.

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

Today marks the beginning of Kwanzaa. For the next week, people around the world will celebrate this joyous holiday in honor of their African heritage. Though some of us may not know the full story behind the special day, that doesn’t mean we can’t join in on the fun and learn more about friends and family.

Started by Dr. Ron Karenga, a professor of black studies, political activist and esteemed author, Kwanzaa begins with the lighting of the kinara (a seven-branch candlestick) and ends with celebration through music, food, and gift giving. Though presents are mainly given to children, the World Beat Gift Set is something the whole family can enjoy. Recycled African trade beads strung alongside brightly colored ceramic beads make for a stunning, meaningful bracelet. And the accompanying Putumayo CD, Acoustic Africa, features prominent African singer-songwriters. Pair it with the Critter Congo Drum (also for kids—and grown-ups like me) for a real celebration!

World Beat Gift Set starting at $39.00

Okay, now you're pushing it. The cookie plate is just crumbs, the carrots are just nubs, and you still need a gift or two. Don't waste any more time: Pick up a Gifts.com Gift Card.

Trust me; you don't really have many options today. And besides, the Gifts.com Gift Card gives the recipient something he or she really wants: choice! You can have a Gifts.com Gift Card e-mailed to someone, or you can print one out at home and quickly slip it into a special someone's stocking. Either way, you decide how much to put on it, and your giftee determines where to spend it—all he or she has to do is browse through hundreds of top merchants (Barnes & Noble, Land's End, Pottery Barn) and choose one (that's the hardest part). And because the card is all about choice, it can be redeemed all at one store or split it across multiple merchants. The Gifts.com Gift Card has you covered! Hurry: Click here to get started.

So today's the day before the big day. Are you ready? Need one more great gift but are all out of options? Have you even started your holiday shopping yet?! No need to worry. The Gifts.com Gift Card is exactly what you need.

This simple little card can be e-mailed to a recipient or printed out at home and given to the lucky someone in person. Best of all, it costs as much as you feel like doling out and gives the gift of choice (who doesn't love that). The giftee is able to choose where to redeem it: All he or she has to do is browse through hundreds of top merchants (L.L. Bean, Nike, Gap). And because the card is all about choice, it can be cashed in at one store or split among multiples. So you're not out of gift options just yet! Click here to get started.