Cookies for the Traveler in All of Us

Item: Biscoff cookies

Price: $26.95 (200 cookies)

Where to Buy: Biscoff.com

Review: My favorite airline is Delta not because of low fares or on-time departures. Nope. It's because of those delectable in-flight snacks called Biscoff cookies.

Stronger that a graham cracker, yet sweeter than a ginger snap, the Biscoff cookie is the highlight of the flight. And unlike a lot of in-flight treats nowadays, they're still free (or at least they were the last time I flew Delta more than a year ago).

Luckily, I don't have to wait for a flight to get my Biscoff fix. Over supper one night, my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and I learned of our shared regard for the cookie-biscuit. Lo and behold, I received a whole tin of the treats from them for Christmas one year.

Biscoff cookies not only make a great mid-morning treat at work, but also inspire me to plan my next trip -- via Delta, of course.

Image from: Biscoff.com

Have a Ball Making Ice Cream

Item: Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker

Price: starting at about $22

Where to Buy: IceCreamRevolution.com (link to Amazon)

Review: Making your own ice cream sounds like a good idea, but I haven't had great luck. It tastes fine, but I've never gotten the thick and creamy consistency that I prefer. I'd rather go to Dairy Queen.

Maybe I'm just impatient. I'm not sure the Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker can change my core qualities, but at least it would give me something to do while I'm waiting for dessert.

Like eCreamery customized ice cream, I learned about the Play and Freeze on an episode of Unwrapped. Who knew the Food Network would become my go-to source for the latest in ice cream technology?

Add the cream, sugar and vanilla at one end of the ball, and ice and rock salt in the other. Then, as they say, have a ball. Shake it, roll it, whatever. Twenty minutes later: Ice cream.

The original Play and Freeze makes a pint of ice cream. Hungrier? Get the Mega ball for a quart.

Image from: IceCreamRevolution.com

Can't Quite Afford a Car for Dad?

Item: AutoWeek magazine

Price: $29.95 for 1 year (26 issues)

Where to Buy: AutoWeek

Review: Father's Day is less than 48 hours away. I'm sure Dad's present is wrapped and ready to go, right?

Or not.

But don't bother scurrying to the mall. If your pop's anything like mine, you can get a gift he'll love from the comfort of your couch ... and probably faster than my first car could get from 0 to 60.

AutoWeek magazine's a great gift for any dad who's a fan of racing, driving or just plain drooling.

You may not be able to get Dad a new car for Father's Day, but at least AutoWeek magazine will show that your heart is in the right place.

Image from: AutoWeek/Crain

Brownies on a Stick for $4 a Pop

Item: Browniepops

Price: 6 for $24

Where to Buy: Browniepops.com

Review: These are exactly what you think they are. I mean, the subtitle of the Browniepop website says it all: Brownies on a stick.

Really, I should simply learn how to make these myself. Until then, I'll pine after the 11 Browniepop flavors, including caramel, raspberry and cream cheese swirl. I'll dream about the "rich, dark and moist brownie hand-dipped in chocolate."

At $4 a pop, they're not cheap. But as a gift for a chocolate lover, they're the makings of sweet dreams.

Image from: The Nibble

We'll Always Have ... Our Eiffel Tower Grater

Item: Eiffel Tower Grater

Price: $25.00

Where to Buy: Pylones

Review: As I made my way to a Payless shoe store in New York's Financial District during my lunch break a few weeks ago, I noticed a new store next door that was about as un-Payless as they come: Pylones.

Pronounced "pee-lone," the store calls to mind Alice in Wonderland- normal, everyday items that come to life through vibrant colors and unique shapes. It's a store full of double takes.

I absolutely hate grating cheese, but I might be the teensiest more willing if each flick of the wrist seemed to bring me closer to Paris. At $25, this Eiffel Tower grater is a bit more expensive than a ticket to the top of the real thing, but it's a whole lot closer.

Image from: Pylones

The Metropolitan Opera on the Cheap

You and a friend can watch New York City's Metropolitan Opera for $50 flat without resorting to standing-room-only tickets, and it's easier than you think.

1. Each Monday, register for a $25 ticket in the weekend ticket drawing section of the Met Opera's website. Tickets may be available for Friday and/or Saturday performances.

2. On Tuesday, the drawing is held. Winners are posted on the website and notified by email.

3. Tickets must be purchased by Wednesday. Each winner is limited to two tickets.

Ta da!

I tried three or four times before I finally won Saturday night orchestra tickets that are normally about $100 to L'Elisir d'Amore. The competition is fierce. On the weekends I lost, there would be page after page after page of winners, and still my name was nowhere in sight.

If you don't mind going to the opera on a weeknight, the Met has an even better deal: $20 orchestra seats Monday through Thursday. Read more about the Met's special ticket offers and how you can get a little culture on the cheap.

Duck! From Marshmallows?

Item: Marshmallow Shooter

Price: $24.95

Where to Buy: Marshmallowville.com

Review: Lots of leftover marshmallows from your Easter basket?

How about a healthier-- and much more fun-- way to get rid of a few?

The marshmallow shooter is safer than a BB gun and drier (although stickier) than a squirt gun. Your child will be the star of recess.

On second thought, maybe this is a toy that's best used at home.

The shooter holds up to 25 mini marshmallows, and they blast up to 30 feet away. Pretty powerful stuff for a mass of sugary goodness. The best part for moms and dads? The shooter is dishwasher-safe.

And maybe you should consider getting two marshmallow shooters. You have to defend yourself, right?

Image from: Marshmallowville.com

Step Away from the Waxy Easter Bunny

Item: Cruisin' Chocolate Easter Bunny

Price: $22

Where to Buy: Lake Champlain Chocolates

Review: I'm not one to turn down candy, even if it's a waxy chocolate Easter bunny snagged at the grocery store for a few bucks.

But if you want to get something truly special for the Easter basket, get thee to Lake Champlain Chocolates.

The chocolatiers have the classic white, milk and dark chocolate bunnies, but the cruisin' bunny is a fun and tasty alternative. No matter which you choose, you'll be happy. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

My husband and I recently visited the Lake Champlain Chocolates factory in Burlington, Vermont and had some of the best chocolate I've ever tasted. It's cliche, but their truffles really are to die for. I can't imagine that their Easter bunnies would be anything but.

Image from: Lake Champlain Chocolates

The Ultimate Easter Egg: Kinder Egg

Item: Kinder Eggs

Price: $29.99 for 24

Where to Buy: Dutch Market

Review: I was first introduced to the Kinder Egg in my high school German class. The hollow egg-shaped treat is made of milk chocolate on the outside, with a layer of white chocolate in the inside.

But that's not what makes the Kinder Egg (or Kinderei, as we referred to it in class) so special. The real prize is the toy inside the egg.

Each egg contains a capsule about the size of your big toe, and each capsule contains small pieces you put together to make your toy. It's all very Happy Meal.

Kinder Eggs aren't sold in the US, which makes it all the more special when you receive one (and all the more expensive to buy because of the shipping costs). The egg shape makes them a perfect addition to any Easter basket, but my stomach and I would happily take one at any time of the year.

Image from: Dutch Market

Pretty Peruvian Good Luck Charms

Item: Silver Peruvian Earrings

Price: $20

Where to Buy: Etsy.com

Review: I'm a big fan of gifts that are good conversation pieces.

The shop HuayruroPeru alerted me to the jewelry, keychains and other accessories they sell online- all under $50. What makes them unique? The red and black Huayruro seeds are good luck charms in Peru.

As the economy takes a beating, I'll take some luck however I can get it. Especially when it comes in such a pretty form.

Image from: HuayruroPeru shop on Etsy

Duct Tape Wallet

Item: Duck Tape Wallet

Price: $21.95

Where to Buy: Ducti

Review: When I used to wrack my brain for a gift for my boyfriend-now-husband, my mom would suggest a watch or a wallet.

No doubt those are classic gifts, but why not go for something a little more unique but still in the same vein?

The duct tape wallet is sure to get a smile and a second glance from your guy and anyone who's around when he pulls it from his pocket.

The best part? When the wallet starts to fall apart -- as all billfolds eventually do -- it's easily fixable. With duct tape.

But no need: There's a lifetime replacement warranty.

Image from: Ducti

Arizona Cardinals Giant Musical Pez Dispenser

Item: Arizona Cardinals Giant Musical Pez Dispenser

Price: $24.95

Where to Buy: FootballFanatics.com

Review: Obviously you are not a true fan of your team unless you have a themed Pez dispenser. That's 13 inches tall. That plays music.

Obviously.

In honor of the Super Bowl this Sunday, I'm featuring a good gift for a Cardinals fan today. Steelers fans: Return here Friday.

Anyway, the Pez dispenser plays NFL sound effects and comes with 12 rolls of candy and a pair of batteries. What a deal!

If you're going for something silly that you're 99% sure the gift-receiver doesn't have, I think the Cardinals Giant Musical Pez Dispenser is exactly what you're looking for.

Image from: FootballFanatics.com

Headphones Hat

Item: Headphones Hat

Price: $24.99 - $29.99

Where to Buy: Tooks Hats

Review: Hate cold weather? Love your iPod? Make peace with both with a Tooks hat with built-in headphones.

The removable headphones come with the hat, making this one functional, fashionable gift.

The headphones hat seems to be practical not only for the music lover, but also for the person who actually wants to stay warm. If you're like me and won't even buy a hat with a fleece band to keep your ears nice and toasty, you're in luck.

The hats are available in a variety of colors and styles. Whether you opt for the beanie, the bomber or the classic knit, the headphones hat is one way to keep your head as hot as your music.

Yeah, I can see you rolling your eyes over that last sentence. I couldn't resist.

Image from: krunker.com