by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
When the kids ask to fingerpaint, I conjure up visions of them covered in gelatinous, who-knows-what goo which doesn’t make me too eager to indulge them in their favorite medium. But, when they come calling with puppy-dog eyes and promises to clean up after...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
When my son was younger, he’d shuffle around the house balancing a stack of his favorite books in his overloaded arms. I was thrilled to have raised a mini bibliophile, but after seeing countless board books tumbling onto his little toes, we both could have used...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
When I find myself packing our bags for a beach side vacation, I always look for ways to cut back on the number of space-hogging things we’re taking. With the SandSac they can bring their sand pail and shovel without taking up too much precious luggage space. No...
by Julie | Toys + Playthings
Craft kits are perfect for moms lacking that creativity gene, but then there are moms like me who combine both lack of creativity with an aversion to clutter. Our kids happily create, but then we wonder what to do with the (precious and unique but totally useless)...
by Cool Mom Team | Toys + Playthings
Well it’s about time my favorite local Brooklyn toy store, Acorn toys, went digital. Not that I was complaining before, mind you, but now everyone I know can check out the gorgeous selection of handmade toys and other special gifts for kids. And maybe get some...
by Cool Mom Team | Toys + Playthings
I am always impressed by those upcycle crafters who look at what most of us would send off to Salvation Army and see the potential for something fabulous and new. Or in the case of Australian artist and mom of four Leah, creating dozens of adorable plush scottie dogs...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
Last spring, I recommended my family’s two favorite children’s scooters, the Mini Micro Kickboard and the Skoooch, based on extensive testing by three scooter-fanatic kids. During this past year, these children continued to grow as they are wont to do, so...
by Mir | Toys + Playthings
This little wooden giraffe toy set spotted at the adorable shop My Sweet Muffin is a perfect marriage of toddler toys. First, you have the giraffe on wheels, which is adorable. Next, you have a set of domino-shaped pieces suitable for stacking or other imaginative...
by Cool Mom Team | Toys + Playthings
I must say, despite the CPSA I still remain most confident by mass produced toys when they’re made in Europe. The standards are consistently high, and the products seem made to last more than one kid. Or more than one month as the case often is. Plus, the French...
by Cool Mom Team | Toys + Playthings
We’re on tooth number three here and I’m desperate to offer any type of teething relief I can to my poor grouchy baby. At the top of my arsenal of soothers: the Dress Me Up Organic Teething Bonbon found at CMP fave Kai Kids.These mom-made teething cloths...
by Cool Mom Team | Toys + Playthings
Now that the weather is nice, I kill some time during those dreaded post-nap-pre-bed hours at our neighborhood playground, which sadly consists of two swings, a terribly neglected sandbox, and a very scary spider web jungle gym. As a fun alternative, I sometimes send...
by Cool Mom Team | Toys + Playthings
As a former therapist educator, I spent many a class period educating students about how there are no bad emotions. But as a parent of a preschooler, that concept, along with feelings in general, are a bit more difficult to explain — as any parent who’s...
