by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
What are the best gifts for an 8-year-old boy? I’m looking for a big gift, in the $50-$100 range. —CMP reader, via Twitter Oh, you mean the kind of gift that makes a child pause while unwrapping, shout out with glee, and rush over to give you a big hug? Well,...
by Christina Refford | Entertainment + Media
If Santa is bringing a new MP3 player or you’d love to wrap up a few new cool kids’ music CDs to give your little listeners, here are four cool new releases, by some of our very-favorite kindie artists: Recess Monkey, Charlie Hope, Mister G, and Latin...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Books for Kids
We wanted to find the best books for kids in 2013, but over 1350 books are published every week! It’s easy to miss a story your kids would love. So we’ve rounded up 15 of the best round-ups on the internet from all kinds of writers, editors and bloggers,...
by Jeana | Baby, Kid Style
I’m a sucker for cute packaging. Pair that with an even cuter baby outfit and you’ve got one adorable gift idea for any baby in your life who’s too young for chocolate Santas just yet. Jammies Prêt-à-Porter is an all-in-one gift for a stylish baby,...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Baby, Kid Style
I still remember how frustrating it was when the adults on Sesame Street couldn’t see fuzzy, lovable Snuffy, and Big Bird always got in trouble for whatever trouble that big, clumsy critter caused. Boy, was I glad I didn’t have an imaginary friend — or a...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Toys + Playthings
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. But do you know Reba? You should. She’s a great gift for the little person in your life who likes handmade wooden toys on wheels. Reba the Wooden Reindeer comes to you from Imagination Kids, a mom-and-pop Etsy...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Toys + Playthings
It’s alive! And it’s adorable. And you don’t need any pesky lightning to bring it to life. In fact, all you need are a few eye stalks, some munchy teeth, and possibly some adorable chevrons and stripes, because of course monsters come in chevrons and...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Toys + Playthings
I don’t mean to be a traitor to my generation, but Barbie has always made me a little uncomfortable, with her unrealistic proportions and the way her vet uniform is shorter than my negligees. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to a new doll...
by Liz Gumbinner | Entertainment + Media
As an avowed musical geek, I’m so thrilled about tonight’s daring production of the The Sound of Music Live on NBC. Yes, live. I’ve got the inner track and the word is that Carrie Underwood is simply brilliant as Maria, if you can forgive her for...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Toys + Playthings
We love shattering negative stereotypes, and that means the beloved card game Old Maid is in vital need of a reboot. Enter Bold Maid, a beautifully designed, mod-style card game in which whoever ends up with the Bold Maid … wins! Artist and illustrator Jane Burns has...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
Whether your toddler is ready for their first balance bike or you have a mini speedster on your holiday list, a ride-on toy makes an awesome “big gift” for either Hanukkah or Christmas. As the inadvertent ride-on-toy expert at Cool Mom Picks (what with...
by Christina Refford | Books for Kids
Reading The Night Before Christmas is a holiday staple in our house, though this new personalized Night Before Christmas book for kids that stars one special child throughout the pages is sure to be the new Christmas favorite for years to come. Best of all? Though the...