So once you've gotten the hand sanitizer, the tissue boxes, and everything else on that classroom shopping list , it's time to have a little fun with some colorful school supplies! We always recommend getting a little goodie or two for t…
It seems like our annual Back to School Guide gets earlier each year, because hey - we're here for you, parents! Whether you're already scrambling to get those school shopping lists covered or you've got a good month left to track down t…
Of all the toys that have passed through the hands of my three kids over the past dozen or so years, there is no question that LEGO bricks have been the most enduring and versatile. From their first little plastic bucket of mixed bricks,…
When we asked teachers what they thought made the best teacher gifts a couple of years ago, an overwhelming number of them said a personal note from their students was the one thing that really made their day. Yes, gift cards, classroom …
We could not be more excited that famed Japanese author-illustrator, Taro Gomi (you know him, the author behind the widely popular Everyone Poops ), recently released a new boxed set called Growing Together. We think it's the perfect gif…
When I receive a book with the subtitle, The ABC's of What We Wear I admit I'm thinking oh great, another "boys like transportation, girls like fashion" book. But it turns out I am utterly charmed by Maria Carluccio's D is for Dress-Up ,…
If you're already a fan of Molly Idle's other popular children's picture books, Flora and the Penguin and Flora and the Flamingo , then you're in for a treat with the brand new Flora and the Peacocks . It's part wordless picture book, pa…
With a hint of spring in the air, it's time to take stock of the cool ride-on toys out there so that our kids can stop hibernating with their handhelds and enjoy the great outdoors instead by pedaling, gliding and zooming around our side…
While I'm not sure I'm ready for my house to look like it exploded in hearts, Valentine's Day is coming sooner than you think. And since my kids' own language of love is craft projects, I've been looking for some easy Valentine's Day cra…
As someone living in Massachusetts, I've always gotten the appeal of having a great playhouse for kids. For many of us, our kids' primary playtime through the winter will take place indoors where it isn't 20 degrees and icy. So if you're…
The weather outside may finally have us shaking in our boots, but I'm feeling kind of warm inside just looking at the cutest handmade winter fleece hats for babies and toddlers from Mrs PTB on Etsy. They'll almost make you want to leave …
What a treat it is to put together our list of the best children's books of 2015. Not that it's easy; we've collectively read hundreds of great kids' books this year -- from cute, sweet board books, to excellent picture books for early r…
H i Cool Mom Picks! Can you put to gether some unique holiday gift ideas for creative kids that go beyond the same craft kits I see everywhere? Thanks so much! Ooh, I love this question. We know that all kids have creativity in them, so …
We've mentioned before that only 3% of children's books feature characters of color , and there are even fewer that feature kids with special needs. This makes me really sad for the millions of kids out there who want to open up a book a…
If there is one gift we always hope our kids get unwrap this holiday, it's an art toy or craft kit , or something that encourages and help develops their artistic sides. For us, toys that build on children's natural creativity are as imp…
Since the first November it launched several years ago, even long before American Express started sponsoring and championing the campaign, we've been staunch advocates for Small Business Saturday. And we're still thrilled to mark on our …
If you could use a little help picking out toys for the kids on your list this holiday, we're about to make things a lot easier for you with a mini holiday toy gift guide, starting with the best educational toys for kids. This is the fir…
If your kids are like mine and Kristen's, they started counting down to Halloween...oh, November 1 of last year. Now that they're in full Halloween commando mode, I've been looking for some easy crafts to distract them from asking me for…
As we start to get excited for Halloween around here -- as in, endless costume discussions considering my girls have a new idea every 17 minutes or so -- I've been distracting them with Halloween crafts projects, front door decor request…
Hey, Cool Mom Picks: Any good recommendations for a waterproof winter jacket for my preschooler? I'm starting to realize it's probably going to get cold on the East Coast fast! Thanks! - Leah, via the Cool Mom Picks Facebook page UPDATE:…
We imagine a whole lot of parents out there are starting to plan some amazing Star Wars birthday parties and are going to be looking for some creative, cool ideas. After all, in just a few months, Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens will be…
If you've got a construction themed party on the brain, well first, you have to check out the awesome DIY dumptruck cake idea we included in our post on how to 18 easy cake decorating ideas for a store-bought cake. Then, you have to sign…
It's that time of year that we're all digging up all sorts of easy Halloween craft ideas for kids to share with you. And yet I've said it before (and I'm sure I'll say it again): I'm not a very crafty mom. I hardly ever have the urge to …
Our kids are all officially back to school this week -- whoo! -- but that also means that some of us now have bored preschoolers at home part of the time, missing their big siblings. They don't want to miss out on the excitement their bi…