Back in 2006 when I approached Liz with this silly idea for a website called… wait for it… Cool Mom Shit, we both wanted to support mom-run businesses and the community of small makers and artisans that were making cool stuff for kids.
(Probably a good idea that we changed our site’s name a few days later, huh.)
We also thought we could offer help to busy parents who don’t have time to scour the web themselves, maybe even help them feel a little cooler, more stylish, more organized, more connected. And hopefully, they’d laugh a little while they were here too.
We never would have imagined what we — two bloggers and new moms with no business plan, no real goals, no investment money, no “review blogs” to model after — could end up doing
If you had said that one day we’d be frequenting shows like the TODAY Show, CNN and Nightline; that we’d be cited as a favorite website by the very magazines we’ve admired for years; that we’d get to interview celebrities from Hugh Jackman to Anna Quindlen to Drew Barrymore; that Liz would co-host a baby fashion show with Martha Stewart; that Kristen would get to walk the red carpet with Ethan Hawke (!); that we’d add a dedicated tech channel and food channel; that we’d get to host our own parenting podcast; and that we’d have more people reading our site than just our moms and a few friends…we never would have believed it.
Ten. Wow. We’re a tween. (Insert eyeroll here, we guess.)
Our first post, February 22, 2006. Not sure if we should laugh or cry.
What an amazing 10 years it’s been. And we’re still having fun!
But the truth is, the press and the celebrity meetings and all that schmancy stuff aside, there are a few things that we love even more.
The first is that we still get to wake up every morning and love what we do and who we do it with. We are so grateful to have a truly amazing staff of editors (Stacie! Christina! Kate! Nicole!), fabulous writers, and other essential people (Hi Lisa and Kari!), and we couldn’t do it without any of them. If you can’t tell from their writing, they are all smart, funny, thoughtful, kind, and the types of people we are honored to have in our lives in any capacity.
But we’ve always said that most rewarding part of our jobs, above anything else, is getting emails from our readers and from the small businesses we set out to help in the first place, that simply say thank you.
That makes it all worth it.
To say we are honored to be here, celebrating our 10th birthday, is a huge understatement.
So.
Since you all allow us to do what we love, we want to thank you! Â (Yes, it’s our birthday but we’re giving the gifts to you.) Â We’ve got a seriously phenomenal 10th birthday giveaway courtesy of one of our favorite picks from over the years, FashionABLE. And ten of you are going to win!
You’ve seen so many of their items on our site since discovering them in 2012, because we truly love everything the organization stands for — they support women in need at home and abroad in life-transforming ways, by offering the kinds of special, stylish accessories we’re proud to own ourselves.
They’ve been amazing supporters of ours as well, and we are so grateful that they’ve offered up ten of the most popular products we’ve ever featured on our site, the stunning Mamuye Leather Totes. Yep, ten.
Each lucky winner will each get to pick a favorite color tote, too. Whoo!
Congrats to all the lucky winners! THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED
And hey, whether it’s your first time here (in which case, welcome) or you’ve been with us from the early days, we cannot thank you enough for your amazing support. Anyone ever tell you you’re cool? Well, it’s true.
-Kristen + Liz
It’s funny to go back through my saved posts in my Feedly app and see how many were Cool Mom Picks items that I wanted to keep a record of so I could buy the item when needed. One of my favorites has been the S’well water bottles, but I also love the Plae shoes and the Mitera line of maternity clothes.
I love your podcast! There are so many fantastic things I’ve found through CMP but hearing you on the podcast is really special and fun.
My favorite thing I discovered at CMP are Blabla Dolls. They are super soft, unique, and both of my kids love them!
The most recent lifesaver you all shared was the unroll me app. My inbox is sooooo much happier.
Oh, wow. So many things! Survival of the Hippest @superdumb necklace is probably my all-time fave, though. And Montessorium apps.
Tocca Bocca. I’m sure I would have found the apps eventually – but you guys were the first in my sphere to talk about them. Total game changer in the mom/kid app world. (Thank you!)
I discovered you via your podcast and love listening while I drive my oldest to and from school. I found a lot of fun, and well received, gifts through your holiday gift guide–thanks!
Thank you for turning me on to so many cool products: T-We Tea, Personalized rock posters, and Serving dishes printed with heirloom recipes!
So many things! I have actually purchased a lot of things that I have come across in reading your blog but the most recent item I have thought was pretty neat is the Crayola box of crayons that you can personalize and choose colors for. My sons have a 64-count box of crayons and I was helping them pick out some colors for a project last week and every single blue crayon was dull 🙂 It would be nice to get a box with more blue crayons (or all blue!). Very cool find!
The Q Collection organic sheets you featured back in 2010 or so. We had already painted the room gray and decided on a largely red/yellow animal theme but were at a loss for where to find sheets that would tie everything together. Those sheets were so serendipitously perfect that I’ve been a loyal follower ever since!
Here’s the original link:
https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2010/11/06/organic-crib-bedding-for-wild-at-heart/
Thank you!
Toca Boca. Those apps nearly saved my life.
I love the personalized Star Wars family prints! I’m waiting until our anniversary to surprise my husband!
Would it be cheating to say my favorite is the bag you are giving away?! After reading about it here, I ordered the dark brown one about 1.5 years ago and have carried it nearly daily. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it and it has held up beautifully! I would LOVE to have the lighter color next!
My favorite thing has been your Pinterest boards! I also love your podcast and holiday gift guides. Keep it up ladies and thanks!
Plae shoes!
Pirasta coloring posters! So cool!
So many things! Tons of gift ideas. Emily McDowell. Star Wars print for my brother. Still trying to find Unicorn Tears in Oregon ??
When I first found your podcast, I binge listened. You two are so fun to listen to! There is always something- today I was racking my brain for all the new mamas I could send your 29 tips to, so much truth! Thank you for what you do!
I can’t pick just one thing! Although I have found so many ‘cool’ products from your site (it makes gift giving so fun!), I really enjoy the posts recommending apps. Endless Reader is a huge favorite around here and one of my favorite apps for kids.
i love so many Etsy vendors you’ve featured. I’ve returned to Sima G over the years to by many things. Also, love all the perosnallzed items you find for grandparent gifts for the holidays!
Your site is my go to when I need to buy any technology items. You helped me choose my first smartphone and so much advise on how to use it. I have purchased gifts for my nieces and nephews from reading your blog. People will ask me how did you come across this and I tell them Cool Mom. I love when my teenager ask me “how do you know about this technology item”
I have 3 grandsons and check your site everyday! My oldest is getting the Brand New Noise recorder for his birthday!!! Keep up the good work!!
I discovered one of my fav kids’ clothing brands, Polar O. Pyret, on your site. Thanks and keep up the good work!
(I’m also an email subscriber!)
S’well water bottles and the tocca bocca app. Among countless others. But those are two that have been lifesavers for us!
I discovered how awesome it is to ride roller coasters with Kristen and her daughter as a dragon flies overhead and we eat The Gray Stuff in Fantasyland? BECAUSE I LOVE YOU GUYS!! Happy Birthday, CMP!
I love the tech picks and always get so many ideas when holidays roll around. Thanks!!
1. Love the cool https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2016/02/09/free-printable-valentines-day-gift-wrap/ Printable valentines gift wrap idea! I love the matchstick design! Super cute!
2. Done.
3. Done.
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6. Done. https://twitter.com/sweetmatcha/status/702202076235964416
7. Done. https://twitter.com/sweetmatcha/status/702202762365444097
8. Done. https://twitter.com/sweetmatcha/status/702203812942106624
I’ve always loved the holiday gift guides. So helpful!
pinhole press memory game – bought a set for my nephew for christmas!
Soooo many things! My 8-year-old has become a budding fashion designer and rock band leader via the various Tocca Boca apps, we adore the personalized Ollalieberry plates and other accessories, and we’ve eached settled on our favorite lunch bags and backpacks from your yearly lineups (SkipHop, dabbawalla, and Beatrix being favorites). I look forward to all the gift guides to discover new wonderful indie shops on Etsy and elsewhere. (Thrilled to see Bamboletta dolls make it onto CMP recently too!)
Because I deal with spilled yogurt and trying to teach the ever impossible sharing with my 2yo and 4yo daily, I’ve grown to appreciate the tech gadgets you guys highlight to ease my life and make me fee so much cooler and hip than the mom I’ve grown to become.
Happy 10th Birthday! What an achievement! My all time favorite discovery have to be the Collegien slippers! So adorable and practical!
I can’t even count the number of things that I’ve seen on coolmompicks and gone on to pick up. Most recently, I bought an osmo. I saw it highlighted more than once and waited until I had the extra $$$ but I originally saw it here. 🙂
Happy 10! CMP and my son are both 10 and I have loved watching both of you grow, and the Podcast is great too. (So fun to have you driving with me!) So many cool indy things you have introduced me to, one is the signature blanket from Two Tinas for my second baby boy.
Hard to pick just one- your yearly Holiday Gift Guides are save me every year. Ha! The MIL gifts are great, bc who actually knows what to get their MIL. My husband loved the Makers Cupcakes last year and I will eventually try the carry on cocktail kit.
I love the Warhol Converse. I appreciate the recommendation for kid apps. I am always reading the Tech articles.
Thanks!
I stumbled upon Cool Mom Picks when searching for kids clothing made in the USA! And then found so much great info and neat products via the site.
l discovered Kiwi Crate (and later, Doodle Crate). It has been great for our crafty daughter and her not so crafty mom:)
I love the Hearts for Hearts Rahel doll that you helped me discover!
so much! Tattly tattoos stands out as one.
I love Tips + Tricks! My favorite tips are decluttering/organizing, beauty, and grocery shopping/healthy eating. Thank you so much for not only offering such a lovely giveaway, but also for introducing me to such a wonderful company.
A product that I discovered on Cool Mom Picks and love are the baby tights by June and January.
Beatrix NY backpacks and the face plates for kids to decorate using their food. My daughter adores her backpack and the faceplate has made dinner time a lot easier on us.
I’m actually new to your site but just checked out your Ultimate Birthday Party Gift Guide 2015 and love the Personalized name wooden blocks in your first birthday section! Our little guy is only 6 weeks but I can’t wait until he’s old enough to play with blocks like these!
Do I have to pick just one favorite?! … As first-time parents, we trusted all your opinions and reviews to help us make good choices for just about anything regarding our baby daughter (she grew up with you!) Now we’ve moved on from baby gear to all things electronic … minecraft help … app suggestions … how to stay safe online … and the list goes on. Not to mention the cool, non-hoochie clothes suggestions. You also put us in touch with Branch Basics and we love cleaning with these products … did I really just type that?! We love it all! Thank you and Happy Birthday Cool Mom Picks!
I discovered Little Passports years ago through you guys!
I am so glad you guys recommended The Boy Who Lost His Name personalized books. My son loves his!! And I CANNOT WAIT to get a unicorn pooping rainbows scarf for my daughter!!
I still remember discovering Robot Turtle (board game) through your site and thinking it was the best idea ever!
It’s hard to list just one thing that I have loved, that I have learned by being a regular CMP reader the past 8 years. You have shared so many awesome ideas and links and toys and clothes!! I will say that I loved Red 21 Boys, which you first clued me in to. I’m sad that they are no longer around today, but I scored lots of great clothes for my son over the years, thanks to you! Happy 10th!!
plenty of reasons to love you gals but the one thing I actually purchased…shittens!!
Thank you for always being there when I need you the most…whether it be a great birthday gift, an educational app for the kiddos, or a quick meal to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters! Here’s to another 10…. xoxo
Is it okay to say that one of my favorite discoveries was just made yesterday? I love your post on Tommy Hilfiger’s adaptive clothing for kids with special needs. I never thought about the idea of adaptive clothing, and to be introduced to it because a major designer is taking the time to create these items was pretty awesome! Thanks for the eye-opener.
I just read the baby sitter social media policy article. It was great. Definitely something to think about as other kids/tweens/teens are in your home taking care of your kids.
Congrats! I’ve loved your site for so very long – thank you for all the hard work 🙂 I’ve bought many many many things thru your recommendations and cannot pick just one – how about the most recent? NuForce earbuds, hands down wonderful…..
I live for your posts & updates & cool family finds! The app finds, the Friday fives, the DIY printables, the awesome recipes & best thing is that you remember that we moms need cool stuff too, so the jewelry & fun finds for us are the icing on the cake!
Ten years! Wow, congrats. I am supposed to pick the favorite thing, but it’s really like picking a favorite child, so i can’t do it! But I have loved lots of the items – the big coloring pages, the grammar mugs, the little wooden cars. The list is endless. You guys have wonderful taste and really provide an awesome resource. Keep it up!
Jenn
I still would have read you even if the site name was Cool Mom Shit! I cannot say what my one favorite thing has been, there are so many – love the compilation gift lists at the holidays, all the great app ideas, Little Passports, Unicorn Tears!!!, any/all star wars ideas, I could go on… THANKS ladies – you ROCK!!!
i dont think i ever realized that i must have found your site at the early stages! my daughter will be 11 in July…and I started following along when she was an infant!!! Years ago you plugged Better World Books and I have been using them ever since, it been great! thanks and congratulations to you both!
I have to say, since finding your website a few years back, I have read about many awesome things! However, since my daughter has been on a serious unicorn kick for about a year and a half, the coolest thing I’ve seen on your blog to date has been the Unicorn pooping rainbows scarf! I’m heading to it now to find out how to get it. Thank you for your wonderful page!
I have loved Cool Mom everything for years! shared many of your posts with my sister, sister-in-law and friends. Thanks for keeping us busy moms up to date on the latest tech things, cool websites and life! The latest thing I have used your site for was the awesome Star Wars valentines. I printed a bunch of the free ones off and along with the little people in my life, I created valentine care packages for my daughters friends in college and included the print offs. They all loved them!
Oh my goodness there are so many great nuggets of information in your newsletters. One that comes to mind is the Endless Alphabet app. It’s amazing and my kids love to work on spelling words together so they can watch the definition come to life at the end.
Have found most of my birthday gift ideas from your posts through the last few years. Used almost every Valentine’s Day card idea. And have downloaded a bunch of apps. Toca Hair Salon has been a long-time favorite!
Happy Birthday! I have SO MANY things to credit you for, but two things come immediately to mind: the Lost My Name books (my go-to baby gift now) and the Toca Boca apps.
Having a ten year old…I’ve been along for the whole ride. There have been so many things, but one of my all time favorites was the DYI rubber stamps. My daughter and I still make them!
I have a bad memory, but I like the 5 coolest picks of the week. Its easy to look through them once a week. Interested in the freezer fries, I just might have to try this.
I love, love, love all things CMP 🙂 this Christmas, my daughter received the unicorn horn headband and blankie tails mermaid blanket. I look forward to the emails and am always excited to see them in my inbox. Happy birthday!!
Happy Birthday! I really, really like the gift guides! You make it so easy for me to hunt for something special for my little sweethearts. Thanks!
I love the weekly emails with the top picks of the week! So many great ideas!!
I always love your holiday gift guides and have purchased several items from them.
I’ve found so many useful things on this site! I get two different email subscriptions and read each and every one. I often recommend this site to moms in my Mops group looking for toys, strollers, carriers, etc. My favorite find has been the double stroller recommendations!
First found CMP when looking for diy valentines but your site is now my ‘go to’ spot for gift giving ideas, finding great apps for my kids and making me look like a mom who sometimes has her sh*t together. Thanks for all the advice!
I have so many favorites. Most recently, the d-i-y star wars valentines.
these look pretty awesome: https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2015/08/09/tentsile-tents-portable-treehouses/
thanks for sharing!
The 20 stocking stuffer ideas – 2015. Kids love the reusable hand warmers.
I love looking at your site for gift ideas. The customized mix tape & Walkman cookies made by Manjar were my favorties – I bought them for my husband, and he loved them!
I have gotten so many wonderful tips from CMP over the last 7 years. Fun Star Wars decorations, tooth fairy pillow, apps like Endless Alphabet, others. I like the recent customized Crayola crayons, too!
You introduced me to Emily McDowell and are therefore responsible for my favorite mug and the best Valentine’s Day card I have ever purchased. Thank you!
I love the arts and crafts ideas!
While there has been a plethora of material things – slippers, recipes, toys, & tech – the best from Cool Mom Picks is the intangible…the love, excitement, & awe shared between the giver and receiver of said given gifts and ideal ideas. And feelin’ like the cooliest ain’t bad either! ( not a tweeter or an instagrammer )
Mr. Printables website has been one of the best things I have discovered from reading this site. I love their cone girls!
Also the Tea Collection.
Yes! One of the best things I found on Cool Mom Picks is the Acts of Kindness advent calendar you posted. My daughter loves to give little gifts to non-suspecting people for that amazing feeling of spreading happiness, even in little pieces. Thanks for sharing such goodies, those you can buy and those you can create.
I love that rainbow poop unicorn scarf!
But especially would like entered in the ten year contest!’
I have recommended your site to lots of new moms!!
Also? I did ALLLLL of your instructions above!!
I’ve discovered so many great ideas from CMP, Tech, and Eats. Most recently, the rainbow pooping unicorn cracked me up—I know some friends who will be getting one as a gift…. Spawned is great, too. I just recommended it to yet another friend this week. Happy 10th Birthday!
I had too many faves, so I had to go with my most recent one…your SPAWNED PODCAST! I just discovered podcast-land and you are my “go to” podcast when I’m cleaning the casa. (I might have to repeat a few just to get the house done.) But, seriously…I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Thanks for all the great posts over the years! Congratulations on a decade of awesome!
My favorite thing…Your Podcast! Thanks you’re doing a great job.
I just found your site via Design Mom, so I looked at a few of your categories and enjoyed the “11 Creative Painting Projects for Kids…Using Bubblewrap”. Cool ideas for my granddaughters!
Love pinning cool mom picks and tech. My favorite is the olloclip for the iPhone.
My favorite is moon in the Luna sparkle bib. My grandchildren loved it.
I love everything. It is my first and last place for gift shopping!
Thank You
congrats on 10! i’ve found many awesome things on your site but have used the genet scarf more than anything else this year. love it!
I love the toy buying guides. They’ve helped me out in a pinch for so many birthday and holiday gifts. Thank you!
So many favorite things! The Montessorium apps were just my latest!