We're big fans of Budsies, custom dolls based on your kids' own artwork . My kids' own drawings were lovingly interpreted into adorable stuffed animals by their team a few years ago, and they're still favorites around our house. So when …
As someone with a mom who's an incredible quilter, I've always valued the intricacies of the craft of quilting . And then I discovered Kim Smith of Leland Ave Studios , a former attorney turned mom-of-three, who definitely takes it to th…
My girls are totally infatuated with bath bombs, ever since my middle schooler joined a Harry Potter Potions after-school science club (so cool, right?) and made her own handmade bath bomb. So when I started combing our neighborhood look…
I mean wow! One bowl is made of woven grass. One bracelet is crafted from a parachute cord. And there's so much more! These gifts are truly unique.
If there's a dad in your life who's impossible to shop for , Father's Day gifting can present an annual challenge. Well -- challenge for you, but fun for us! That's why we turn to fantastic experience gifts for the dad who has everything…
Sometimes the sweetest Father's Day gifts don't come from a store, but come cobbled together with Scotch tape and glue sticks -- like these awesomely creative DIY Father's Day cards kids can make for a special dad, grandpa or stepfather …
It’s a camper. It’s a theater. It’s a food truck. It’s a playhouse. No, it’s… All of those things! Seriously. Buy one fort, get four. It is truly the only playfort your kids will ever need. Which is why we are so obsessed with the amazin…
I have a couple of kids with on-and-off sleep issues, so I've been paying attention to the swell of discussion about the benefits of weighted blankets for children. These blankets, which are generally filled with anywhere from 5–10 lbs. …
We’ve joked about how getting a mom an oil change gift card is probably not the best way to say, “thank you for raising me, you're the best!” And the same goes for Father’s Day gifts, even if he is a practical sort of guy. So next up in …
Hold on to your credit cards, mamas. Because we found some seriously cool kids' leggings at The Trendy Tot Etsy shop. From magic 8 balls to emoji faces , these knee patches will add a ton of interest and personality to your kids' wardrob…
My most favorite Mother's Day cards are the ones my kids make themselves. Because, how can I resist an adorable handprint poster or toddler-style drawing of Mommy & Me? Heart is melting over here. So, I've checked out some of our favorit…
Our love for our moms may know no bounds, but our budgets? Well, they have bounds! We get it. Which is why this year, we really wanted to dedicate part of our Mother's Day Gift Guide to some of the amazing Mother's Day gifts under $20 th…
The spring cleaning bug has hit, and I'm getting ready to tackle my kids' closets. It's a big job. And today of all days, being that it's Earth Day, I'm inspired to think greener when it comes to my kids' clothes. While I'm not a fan of …
My kids are huge fans of the fun pop culture Easter eggs we've featured at Cool Mom Picks and the cool ice cream cone eggs over at Cool Mom Eats. Plus, these galaxy eggs are geeking them out too. But I have to say, I love pretty floral E…
If the new spring season also means a new baby in your family, don't miss these 10 sweet first Easter gifts we've found at some of our favorite indie shops and makers this year. From keepsake ornaments to baby wraps so cute you won't be …
Are you ready for Easter yet? It's coming soon. And we're here for you! I've spent hours browsing my favorite indie shops for the coolest bunny gifts for Easter and I've found 15 of the most adorable ideas for kids' Easter baskets. Pick …
Personalized gifts have always been one of our favorite ways to celebrate a loved one, because it turns whatever you're giving into a special keepsake. Over the years, we've seen that personalized keychains are consistently one of our mo…
When Kristen and Liz started Cool Mom Picks, their desire was to highlight cool, indie shops that make innovative products with fresh ideas for kids and families. A decade later, that's still our driving passion, and the chic handmade ba…
Recently, I had the joy of attending the annual Martha Stewart American Made event , or what I think of as Cool Mom Picks gift guide central. Truly, it's always a joy to discover amazing new makers and other small businesses (a few are o…
The first-ever gift I gave my daughter was a beautiful handmade doll I found on Etsy, and ever since then I've had a thing for gifting my kids one-of-a-kind dolls . Of course, she has her fair share (and then some) of American Girl every…
The thermostat may not reflect it where I live just yet, but tomorrow is officially the first day of fall. And though I likely won't touch a sweater until November, I'm still finding ways to make it feel like autumn with scented candles,…
If you're feeling a bit #clambitious about that bucket of shells you and your kids collected on your beach vacation, we've got good news for you. Here, we've rounded up some of our favorite seashell art projects for those summer finds, g…
As a child, I long believed that dreamcatchers capture your nightmares in their web to keep sleep sweet and worry-free. As an adult, they still have a nostalgic pull on me. Plus, they're really gorgeous. I recently found some truly fanta…
Of course your love don't cost a thing and the handmade cards and heartfelt DIY gifts always go straight to the heart. But if you're looking for a Father's Day gift under $25 that makes a big splash with a smaller budget, we've found som…