We all hate getting caught with the same thing as someone else and if you're a kid who's about to head back to school, you may be worrying more than ever. That's why I'm loving these products here that let you make a truly one-of-a-kind piece and get you noticed come the first day of class (and in a good way). I'm talking about a Color Your Own Canvas Bag from Hurley, which comes with a set of multi-colored markers that lets you decide how you want your carryall to look. No one else will be toting that to class and I'm sure you'll get plenty of compliments along the way!

Or take these Graffeeti Sneakers (what a cool name by the way). The shoe becomes your easel. You'll be the buzz of the class for sure, you mini-Picasso, you. And if you need to tweak your "art" or start from scratch (hey we all mess up), you can. The shoe's surface is made of dry erase paneling, so your drawings come right off.
This Design Your Own Lamp from Discovery Channel is a great piece to have in your dorm. You can insert all sorts of stuff in the lamp shade including photos, dried flowers, notes... anything you want.

I also found this Invent Your Scent Collection from the Body Shop, which lets girls create their very own perfume. The kit comes with six fragrances which can be combined to make all sorts of scents.

Now Moms, got little ones who are painting just about everything in your house including your precious white walls? Get their hands on a Paint Your Own Polo Shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren. The shirt comes with all the essentials including fabric paint, sponge brushes and a rubber stamp. The price ($45) may be a bit steep considering you can get a Hanes shirt and do the same thing, but a 100% of the proceeds go to charity. These is also perfect for your preppy or artsy teen.

Now that you're in the mood for designing, check out more Create Your Own and Design Your Own products >>

For more for Back to School, including our daily Fab Five picks, click here >>

Searching for a cheap, easy way to update a room? Behold: Wallies Peel & Stick cut-outs. They are stickers to decorate your wall, although they can be used for much more -- on furniture, cabinets, doors, ceilings, wherever you get inspired. These are especially great for a children's bedroom. What a fun project to do now with your little ones to freshen up their room for the new school year! The stickers are removable too, so now when your kids want to change the look and feel of their room, which comes more often than you wish with kids who are growing up, it'll be painless. Wallies come in all sorts of designs, from flowers and animals to polka dots and choo-choo trains. My favorites are the Chalkboard and Dry Erase Wallies, which you can scribble and jot notes on. I almost forgot to mention that they start at only $7.50! Some are packaged as a set for $18.95 like this Chalkboard House, which comes with 6 other cut-outs and even chalk. Sure beats stenciling right?

We all hate to ask strangers on the street to take our pictures. It's awkward and the photos never end up looking that great -- at least I always get people who can't hold a camera still. Plus, the whole time, you are thinking "dude, you better not drop my camera!" And we all do what you see here -- take the picture on our own, extend our arm as far as we can and squeeze together to get everyone in. Yea right! Not ideal.

I was happy to come across this nifty pocket-sized gadget called the QuikPod. It's a handheld tripod that can go as far as 18 inches out and easily attaches to any camera or camcorder. You're probably questioning its sturdiness, but since you screw the tripod into the socket of the camera, the camera actually feels very stable on the tripod. It's lightweight too and compact (only 7.5 inches when retracted), so it's perfect when you're traveling. To take a picture, just set your camera on self-timer. There's also a handy little mirro on it so you can see youself (it will be right underneath your camera). It is pretty small, but really you may not even need it after you take several pictures and get a feel for the QuikPod's reach.

No more cutting off a friend from the photo (boy do I hate that!) or missing a photo opportunity when I'm alone or with a buddy. You know I love it! Being so short, I can shoot above the crowds at a concert. What a fun gift too for any fellow shutterbug. It's only $17.90 at Amazon. Or you can get the Deluxe Kit at Quikpod.com for only $24.95. QuikPod also just released a version for a Digital SLR cameras for all you hardcore photographers.

See what's new in digital cameras on AOL Shopping!

The debate between pleats and no pleats is a hashed-out subject for sure, but I think it's worth a revisit since many men are still wearing them, even despite protest from their lady. Guys, if you fall in this category, just compare the two photos below.

Now, ladies, I know what you're thinking ... need you say more? But for the guys, let's do a run-down on why there really should be no question about pleats ... as if the photos didn't do justice to my case already!

1. They outdate your image and make you look older than you really are.
2. They pooch out and make you look heavier.
(Some men say pleated pants fit better because of the extra room for the thighs, but if you don't need it, bid the pleats goodbye!)
3. They can stunt your height.
4. They are unattractive.
5. They are not female-approved.

Now, take a look at flat-front pants. They lean you out and the clean lines give you a sleek, modern, not to mention sexier image! I've started the shopping for you, so no more excuses and don't use laziness as an excuse here because these are all available to buy online.

If you're on a budget ... Docker Flat Front Pants
If you can only do designer ... Burberry Flat Front Pants
If you hate to iron ... No-Iron Flat Front Pants
If you aren't looking for khaki ... Levi's Action Flat-Front Garbardine Trousers
If you aren't looking for khaki and on a budget ... Michael Kors Flat Front Pants

Click here to browse on your own!

Valentine's Day can be an expensive celebration, but not everyone can afford to splurge (at least not every year). You've got the bouquet of flowers you send to her office, the price of a hotel if you're planning a weekend away or maybe concert tickets. Don't forget the nice dinner downtown and let's be real, once you look at the menu, you'll forget you're on a budget and order the best thing on the menu ... lobster at market price. Factor those costs in and the money left for her gift has whittled away. But don't worry. The thing to remember is that it's the thought that counts. I know, I know; so cliche but it's true! She really just wants to know that you put some effort into what you bought or what you put together; that you didn't just get her flowers at the supermarket on your way to pick her up for dinner. She wants to know that you took time to think about her and what she would appreciate. Personalizing a gift goes a long way and it doesn't have to take big bucks to do that. Try a digital frame keychain -- the one here sells for $39.99 at AVON.com -- but before you wrap it up, load it up with all your special photos. Or buy a speciality journal like "What I Love About You" ($13.95 from Barnes & Noble), which is filled with romantic and playful questions you can answer about your love story. Any Valentine would treasure a gift like that.

For more Valentine's Gifts under $50, check out AOL Shopping!

We all covet the smoldering, sexy look of the smoky eye, but no matter how many how-tos we've read or how many times we've asked the lady at the make-up counter to show us the trick, achieving the right blend of smudge and color is easier said than done. Behold a new kind of make-up that attempts to get us the look flawlessly AND fast: ColorOn Instant Eye Shadow Applicators, which has gotten quite a bit of press lately. It seems simple enough. The applicators come built with the colors already blended, so you just peel, stick, remove and tada, you've got yourself a vampy set of eyes! I have to admit I am curious to give them a try. The only thing I'm wondering is if the eye shadows stay on for a while. It is definitely a neat concept though and perfect for us ladies who don't have time. It kind of reminds me of AVON's Instant Dry Nail Enamel Strips, which has rave reviews. So what do you think? Ay or nay to stick-on make-up?

... is not a handbag nor a pair of shoes but a handheld gaming console in what has to be the most adorable shade of pink ever! I received a Nintendo DS Lite as a gift from my boyfriend for Christmas. I was hesistant about keeping it at first, wondering if I would really play it a lot. The gift came at a good time though as we were headed on a trip to Orlando with my family. The little gadget was played on the entire flight down; more importantly during those those long lines at Disney. Sure, my cousins and I may have looked like geeks, screaming over who was going to find the difference between the two pictures in "Quick Spot" or creating the most original picture for the drawing-challenge on "Brain Age 2", but we definitely weren't bored like everyone else. Even now that the trip is over, I'm still having fun with it. I made some good choices for my first set of games, which includes "Brain Age 2". This is the follow up to the popular game "Brain Age", which launched the trend toward brain-teaser games. In this edition, you can "exercise" your brain with Word Scramble, Soduku and Math puzzles. As with the first edition, the game can determine your brain age after a series of actvities; 20 being the ideal age. The thinking behind it is that the more you play, the lower you can bring down your brain age, or in other words, the the smarter you become. Don't even ask what age I started at! My favorite part of the game is the multi-player competition, which is really fun. I also bought "Flash Focus", which is similar to "Brain Age", except instead of challenging your mind, it tests your vision and hand-eye coordination through simple games and puzzles. I bet your curious to know how old you eyes are. The other game I have is "Cake Mania", which was a hit online game. In this game, you are a bakery owner. Your goal: to serve your customers all sorts of confectionary goodies and make them happy (you'll know when they aren't -- their face gets red in anger). You do everything from hand out menus, wait on customers, bake and decorate the cakes, and collect your cash, which you can use to buy all sorts of upgrades to your kitchen. Seem simple enough? Each level, you have to go work faster and bake more complicated cakes. It's hard to turn the game off, especially when you are so close to earning the tips you need to move on to the next level. Let's just say, like in the real world, some customers are never easy to please!

If you're an adult and on the fence about getting a DS, don't be. You'll be surprised how much fun you'll have, especially with the puzzle games and you won't feel like your wasting your time because your "working out" your brain. It'd be fun to revert to the classics too and try your hands at Super Mario or Tetris (those are next on my shopping list). If you have a DS and love it, leave me a comment. And if you have any recommendations for games, let me know. You can probably tell the kind of games I like. Call them girly if you want. :)

Dress your body in the hottest hue of the season. With just two purchases, I've come down with a case of gray fever! The color freshens up the traditional fall wardrobe full of blacks and browns. It's flattering on any complexion and as a neutral, it works with almost every color of clothing or accessory, even yellow gold. I know, I know ... I doubted it too, but I just so happpened to be wearing my favorite long gold chain necklace when I tried on my new gray frock. I looked in the mirror and I was sold. The contrasting colors worked and looked so chic. Gray also comes in many shades, giving you the justification you need to buy that umpteenth sweater. Um, hello.... charcoal and pewter are TOTALLY different! Ready to go gray? Here's my prescription for looking McSexy this fall. Seriously? ... Seriously.

For Work:
The bib detail of this GAP Ruffled Henley Tee makes it professional enough for the office. The chunky heel on this Chinese Laundry 'Devote' Patent Pump makes it wearable from 9 to 5. When you're rushed in the morning, you want a no-fuss, easy-to-slip-on kind of outfit. You're in luck with this Worthington® 3/4 Sleeve Scoopneck Dress, which comes equipped with a belt. Add on some black boots and you've got a pulled-together look in a snap. This BB Dakota Plaid Trench Coat will surely have you wishing for the cold. Tucked in with a button down, this Citizens of Humanity Straight Leg Jean lends a new option for casual Fridays.

For Play:
It's the weekend so time to let loose! You're bound to have fun in this flirty Grey Ant V Front Dress. For a day dress, check out this Tunic Sweater Dress, which I recommend wearing with tights and these darling Crossover Tie Ankle Boots. Come date night, this Sparkling Blouson Sweater has just the amount of shimmer to make you shine. To fight the cool breeze as you run errands this fall, take a look at this cozy and casual Free People Terry Duster Jacket. The fur trim and the unique cut make it quite posh. See more ways to wear gray or for a complete guide to the season's trends, check out AOL Shopping's Fall Fashion & Beauty Event!

If you shop like me, when you find a style of something you like, you buy a lot of it. That's how I ended up with one too many oversized handbags -- my big obsession this summer. Not that a girl can have too many carryalls. I've gone through my phase of tiny purses as well and a craze for clutches too. All are being used mind you. The large totes are so functional for work; the itty-bitty purses for weekend socials and nights on the town. But lately I'm finding myself needing a bag that's neither large nor small, but medium-sized -- one perfect for a matinee movie or a trip to the mall when a large carryall can be too much, but a pocketsize wouldn't suffice either. My closet is lacking such a handbag. Maybe you're in the same boat. What better way to start our hunt for new arm candy than with designer?

Michael Kors 'Montauk' Medium Satchel
The boxy shape is fresh and the striped insets give it a clean, preppy look.

Tory Burch Medium Patent Tote
This fits in with my desire to shine at all times.







Elliott Lucca 'El Signature' Satchel
This is the color of the season in its best shade.

Cynthia Rowley 'Caterina' Tote
I'm digging its rugged vibe and unique handle.








Cole Haan Village Collection Medium Convertible Tote
There is nothing more timeless than a black leather tote.

Age: 9
Three Things I Want For School This Year: A new backpack, lunchbox, folder
Who I Want on My Backpack: John Elway
Backpack with Wheels or Regular Backpack: Regular Backpack
Nintendo DS or Sony PSP: DS
Binders or Notebooks: Notebooks
My Favorite Outfit to Wear to School: A Jersey and shorts
My Favorite Thing About Shopping for Back-to-School: Nothing!

Age: 6
Three Things I Want For School This Year: A very good desk, really sharp pencils, markers
Who I Want on My Backpack: My Scene
Backpack with Wheels or Regular Backpack: Backpack with Wheels
Nintendo DS or Sony PSP: DS
Binders or Notebooks: Notebooks
My Favorite Outfit to Wear to School: Dresses with nice shoes or a shirt with a skirt
My Favorite Thing About Shopping for Back-to-School: Getting new things

Age: 8
Three Things I Want For School This Year: Markers, highlighters, sharpies
Who I Want on My Backpack: Redskins
Backpack with Wheels or Regular Backpack: Backpack with Wheels
Nintendo DS or Sony PSP: PSP
Binders or Notebooks: Binders
My Favorite Outfit to Wear to School: Shorts and a t-shirt
My Favorite Thing About Shopping for Back-to-School: The supplies that are new look good.

Age: 9
Who I Want on My Backpack: Hillary Duff
Backpack with Wheels or Regular Backpack: Backpack with Wheels
Nintendo DS or Sony PSP: DS
Binders or Notebooks: Notebooks
My Favorite Outfit to Wear to School: Jeans and a cool shirt
My Favorite Thing About Shopping for Back-to-School: I get full choice!

Age: 16
Three Things On My Wishlist: Cropped jacket, everyday jeans, laptop
My Must-have Gadgets: Laptop, iPod
Fashion Trends I Love: Leggings, tunics, cropped jackets
Fashion Trends I Hate: Rompers, crocs (omg!)
Accesssories that Complete My Look for School: Headbands, dangling earrings, wide belts
Type of Bag I'll Use This Year: Tote Bag
Beauty Essentials/Make-up on My List: Bronzer, lip gloss, moisturizer
Best MP3 Player: Zune
Best Cell Phone: Chocolate
Laptop or PC: Laptop
My Favorite Shoe: Flats
My Favorite Shoe Brand: K-Swiss
My Favorite Type of Jeans: Skinny

Age: 11
Three Things On My Wishlist: New clothes, cool magnet locker accessories, cell phone
My Must-have Gadgets: Flash drive
Accesssories that Complete My Look for School: Bracelets, necklaces, shoes
Type of Bag I'll Use This Year: Tote Bag
Beauty Essentials/Make-up on My List: Eyeliner, skin toner, lip gloss, nail polish
Best Cell Phone: RAZR
Laptop or PC: Laptop
My Favorite Shoe: Skateboarding Shoes
My Favorite Shoe Brand: Vans