What's that old adage about how spring is coming, and a young girl's thoughts turn to mermaids? Oh right, that's not an adage. Still, my girls seem to be extra interested in them these days, and I'm happy to see so many cropping up that …
7Long ago, before everything had a battery, lights, and played annoying music of some kind, kids actually had to power their own toys. And as much as I have an appreciation for power toys in my arsenal of parenting tricks, I just love a …
Around the same time our daffodils appear, the kids drag their big bucket of chalk out onto our driveway to create an elaborate chalk city. And while I love that we all get out into the fresh air, have you ever tried to help draw a road …
I'm on a mission to find a birthday present for one of the smartest, sweetest, most wonderful little guys I know. That's never an easy task. But Creative Kidstuff has made the process much simpler with a special new section on its websit…
When designing a kid's bedroom, it's always important to find functional yet fun pieces to fill their space. Kids are attracted to color and texture; my son's own favorite chair was the most colorful yet ugly thing that you've have ever …
As a Hispanic mother, I know first-hand how difficult it is to find children's products that celebrate our culture without being cheesy. Sure, it's easy enough to find products for Spanish learners in the US, but there's more to growing …
I am an absolute sucker for handmade dolls and dress up clothes. It really makes dramatic play a personal and organic experience for kids. So I tend to shy away from synthetic fibers and licensed characters when I can, in favor of someth…
Bunnies seem to be the latest trend in plush toys. And not just because Easter is coming up. Every-time I'm at the store with my kids, my daughter begs for a new stuffed bunny. If only they were all as cute as this handmade one. Let me i…
Just before Christmas, I was at a craft show and bought the sweetest set of wooden play money (yes, wooden bills!) for my kids. Then, I promptly lost the business card for the creators. As luck would have it, last week a Facebook friend …
Our inbox is jammed lately with parents asking for non-caloric Easter gift ideas. As luck would have it, we have quite a few. The latest being the adorable, affordable handmade creations from Etsy's Bossy's Feltworks--and just in time fo…
Have you ever given an infant or toddler a paper book only to have returned to you in one mushy mess? Thanks to Wee Gallery's organic soft book , we found a beautiful solution last year. And now there are 3 modern, colorful new soft book…
When Liz got back from her Disney World trip, she laughed about the ubiquitous turkey leg that seemed to be everywhere. Which is probably why I can't get over the sheer awesomeness of this handmade rattle. Yes, it's a rattle in the shape…
I am a terrible procrastinator when it comes to Easter basket ideas, always shopping for my kids' gifts a few days before the holiday and wishing I had planned ahead for once. But, this year, I've found a few special picks that you'll ne…
If you are looking for a balance bike for your eager-to-ride toddler or preschooler, get ready to weigh your options because in the past, we've found great eco friendly balance bikes made of birch and ones made in a lightweight, long-las…
Ready to put an end to the old question about how one man can defeat 10 ninjas? Well if he's a pirate in the hands of a very good checker player, it's not only possible, it's likely. The pirates vs ninjas checkerboard from Brooklyn artis…
Today is a great day to spend a few moments talking to the kids about our U.S. presidents and their important contributions to society. But with these cool presidential blocks, you can have that conversation all the way to Election Day a…
I spent a good portion of my childhood coloring, drawing and creating and was very proud of what my mother assured me was some serious talent. I can't even imagine how excited I would have been if she then had one of my creations turned …
When it comes to giving Valentines gifts, I'll refrain from saying that my kids are "sweet enough already." But, let's face it: they'll be bombarded with candy hearts, lollipops and other sweets on the 14th. My plan is to find some non-s…
My kids inherited a rocking horse that's all bells and whistles--it whinnies, neighs, clip-clops, and plays some sort of country song. I'm pretty sure it says "yeehaw," too, which doesn't really make sense. It's too much, even for them. …
I am all about empowering girls. Especially when it seems like so many media messages out there do just the opposite. So I'm glad to find some handmade girl power on Etsy. The Super Girl doll is handcrafted goodness to the tune of braide…
Owls are some seriously cool animals. They have big eyes, they're nocturnal, and they "whoo." They're also the requisite cute kids motif of the decade, which you know if you're an avid Cool Mom Picks reader. You know what's cooler than a…
I grew up playing with muñecas de trapo (rag dolls ) so when I saw the new modern doll line by Cool Mom Pick favorite Petit Collage I was instantly smitten. They're just like the dolls I grew up with -- except that, well, they're not exa…
Well of course you all know we already love Martha Stewart Living , but we now have an extra- special thing for the February issue, since you'll find Cool Mom Picks in it. What a huge, huge thrill for us! Check page 30 for our tips from …
Enjoy these, our Editor's top picks of 2011 for toys for babies, tots, and big kids too--all of which we think will keep kids happy for more than a few minutes. That's pretty rare these days. And not a battery compartment in sight! Littl…