While picnic backpacks are nothing new, we were immediately impressed by this sleek version that slings securely and comfortably while holding everything you need for two to dine alfresco. An exterior pocket secures complete place settings, while the large interior pocket is insulated to keep your meal tasty and your wine chilled. A cell phone pocket on the strap and an outer mesh pocket provide spots to stash any extra necessities.
$25 at uncommongoods.com
With Father's Day just around the corner, perhaps you know a new or expecting dad that could use a little help. This entertaining and tip-filled CD-ROM offers hundreds of interactive baby lessons and more set to a fun mobster parody "he can't refuse".
$34.95 at amazon.com
It's rare that a brownie can be referred to as a masterpiece, but these sculpted round treats are just that. Entirely hand-crafted and hand-assembled, these "blondes" and "brunettes" arrive individually packed into round acrylic cases which are stacked and wrapped in a gorgeous silk bag with a satin bow. We were impressed before even taking a bite - which is saying a lot considering how to-die-for delicious each of the flavors are.
$50 per Signature 8 Gift bag (containing 8 assorted brownies) at sugardaddys.com
We're not sure we can truly express how soft and snuggly this plush blanket is - the perfect throw for curling up in front of the TV or catching a snooze on a long car ride. Add in one of their NAP pillows and you'll have no trouble catching up on some much-needed sleep.
$40 at brookstone.com
This luxurious reed oil diffuser looks elegant while it gently scents your home. The decorative wood-topped glass vase is filed with your choice of 30 custom designed oils in such luscious scents as Beach, Gingerbread and Green Tea. 8 natural reeds are placed into the oil to gently wick the fragrance into the air, lasting up to 6 months. Perfect for bathrooms, living rooms and offices, each set comes packed in a box ready for giving.
$30 at orionbotanica.com
This online service takes the hectic out of the holidays by mailing all your holiday cards (or birthday, anniversary, etc.) out to friends and family with just a few clicks. Choose from hundreds of designs or upload your own photo and write a personalized message - they'll print it, address it, stamp it and mail it for you anywhere in the world. You can even include a gift card to stores like Circuit City and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
Sign up for their Card Club and save 50% off all cards, plus free postage. Sold in packages of 12, 24 or 100 cards to use any time throughout the year.
12 custom cards, including postage and mailing, $29.99 at cardstore.com
TIP: spend an hour setting up cards in advance and you'll never miss a birthday again!
save 10% on all cards through 12/31, use code CARD10 at checkout
If you can’t part with your music, now you can carry it everywhere you go. Slip your iPod or other music device into the bag, plug it in, and the built-in speakers will play your favorite tunes. Comes in 3 colors.
$70 at redenvelope.com
At barely 1/4" thick, the newest iPod is smaller than ever and features a crisp color screen, perfect for viewing album art and personal photos. We're officially drooling.
$199 2GB (500 songs)
$249 4GB (1000 songs)
apple.com
free shipping, free laser engraving
Never can think of just the right thing to say? These fun personalized notes make it a no-brainer with 9 frequently used phrases to check off as you see fit. Guaranteed to elicit smiles from every recipient.
$35, set of 20
4 designs each for girls and guys
jellyandanchovy.com
Score a free box of stationery with every purchase of 2 boxes of custom stationery through 10/31/05
Whether you're swimming or just hanging out poolside, this waterproof digital audio player will keep you entertained for hours. It has 128 MB memory to hold 2 hours of CD-quality music, an FM tuner with 30 presets and a digital voice recorder.
$71.95
Rolle Beach Blankets are the ultimate beach companion, containing everything you need for a day at the shore. A luxurious blanket folds into itself, creating a stylish shoulder bag with room to stash necessities like your cell phone, water bottle, SPF35 and keys.
$295
Hidden beneath a fun printed exterior is a tough, scientifically engineered dynamo of a water bottle. Made of lightweight aluminum, it's guaranteed not to leak and built to last a lifetime. Available in several colorful prints in either 1 liter or .6 liter sizes.
$22.95