It's like Miss America for crafters, and you're a judge. But there's no Miss Congeniality. This one's all about looks, and you only get one vote. Actually, it's the competition for Martha Stewart's annual Holiday Craft Fair at her compan…
I'm kind of in love with anything vintage, especially when it comes to toys. We always joke that generations of children somehow made it through life without dolls that walked, talked, or did the cha-cha, and ours can too, darn it. And g…
While plastic toys tend to fall a bit lower on my own personal shopping list, I wouldn't complain one bit if the brand spankin' never seen before holiday themed toys from B. Toys just happened to fall out of Santa's sack (or Grandma's pu…
As December nears, my house is ready to to become a big, kid-friendly fun house of colored blinky lights and tinsel. With three kids, I know what to expect and have given in to All Things Christmas. Except I've just seen the most beautif…
I'm not sure which is cooler, the actual lyziwraps reusable gift bags that I just discovered, or the story behind them. They were originally designed by an 8th Grader, for an innovation competition, who was trying to find a way to decrea…
It's soooo haaaaard to open my inbox and find an email inviting me to sample a new artisanal chocolate bar. Really, it's right up there with letters from Nigerian Princes and notices about my "Paypol Account," but you know. I am so devot…
I love surprises. Especially ones that arrive at my door wrapped in a hot pink box. It's not for the kids, not for my husband, but all for me . That's just what Birchbox is all about--subscribe and you'll get a box of high-end cosmetic s…
We are what you'd call foodies at my place, despite my sigOth absolutely hating that term. Whatever it means when your pantry is filled with lots of little jars, and you tend to have more kinds of mustards in your fridge than most superm…
Every month, each of the CMP contributors pick our favorite pick of the month and write a quick blurb on it for our monthly newsletter . Out of dozens of amazing posts in September, four of us nearly had a cage match over who got to sque…
It's been a tough year, mamas. We all know it. But we also know how absolutely incredible and giving and generous this here community of parents always is for those in need. While our holiday gift guide has a whole category of terrific c…
Every December, I take stock of the state of our coloring, drawing and painting supplies and weed out the lost-caps, tiny crayon bits and crusty paints so they can be replaced. It's a great tradition that both keeps us organized, and pre…
I learned long ago that the best way for my son to learn about "boring" things was to find creative ways to teach him . Although I personally am fascinated by Modern Art, he could probably not be able to withstand an extended visit to th…
Seeing the kids make a beeline for their stockings is a favorite moment on Christmas morning. But, even though this is their first taste of Santa for the day, "he" can't afford to spend a small fortune on their stockings. So I thought I'…
Every year it becomes a challenge as to how to make my daughter's artistic talent into an awesome holiday gift. This holiday season's winner is the design your own chocolates from Rogue Confections which I had the chance to taste test at…
We at Cool Mom Picks may be great at finding stuff, but that doesn't mean we're so great at remembering to actually buy it ourselves in a timely manner. With an uncompleted shopping list that includes a newborn, a few toddlers, some kids…
I've long been a fan of the wooden, pedal-less early rider bikes which get kids more confident and more able to ride a real bicycle than anything I ever had back in the Stone Age. But the prices? Holy heck. And by heck, you know - I don'…
I'm always on the lookout for great holiday gifts for my babysitters and sisters-in-law and girlfriends; just some small, fun treat to remind them how much they mean to me. This year, I'm in love with CrazyLibellule's Crazy Sticks -- sol…
I've already shared my love for SwapMamas here, the great location for moms to meet up and swap their gently used items. But for the holidays, they're adding a dash of Etsy and going positively medieval: You can check out the Handmade Ma…
I still remain firmly in the camp that believes that My First Christmas onesies are a total waste of your hard-earned cash. And I'm not being a Scrooge, I swear - I just prefer to get a little more longevity out of my kids' clothing than…
The ordinary rubber duck received a needed makeover a few years back, when BUD luxury rubber ducks started invading bathtubs. Funky and fun, they didn't just look cool, these Australian born duckies ditched the phthalates long before any…
My husband and I are having our first born, a girl, next year. I want to get him something Daddy related for Christmas this year that is sentimental but not cheesy. . . Any ideas? -E Congratulations! We love this question and there are s…
Every year I try to find a creative way to decorate my holiday gift packages with something other than the typical curly ribbon and shiny bow. This year, I'm going with small ornaments, and I love this cute felt Reindeer ornament from Lo…
I haven't yet tasted the Organic Dark Chocolate Snowmen from Sjaak's , but I'm really hoping they are as good as I hear they are because they look like such a fun last minute holiday gift . Especially for a vegan on your list. But I'd im…
I don't do much overseas traveling. Okay, none, really. And I can't even blame my kids, since I barely did it before they were born, either. A passionate desire for a reduced carbon footprint or sheer laziness? I'll let you decide. But, …