Made in China? Absolutely.

When it comes to buying gifts for my friend's kids, I really try hard to find unique items that no one else would think of, but aren't so obscure that the poor kid has to ask his parents what the heck it is. Enter the Dumpling Dynasty Ex…

Made in China? Absolutely.

When it comes to buying gifts for my friend's kids, I really try hard to find unique items that no one else would think of, but aren't so obscure that the poor kid has to ask his parents what the heck it is.

Enter the Dumpling Dynasty Explorer Kit, one of a slew of super cool new Wu & Wu products from illustrator Fiona Hewitt and Asian kitsch expert, Andy Tainton. The funky retro-Chinese tin is filled to the brim with cool goodies like a magnifying glass, flashlight, knot-tying guide, metal compass, and notebook -- all of which are sure to pique the interest of the lucky gift recipient, boy or girl. 

Chinese? Sure. But it's still totally lacking in batteries, loud sounds, and plastic. -Kristen

Congratulations to Wu & Wu Explorer Kit winner, Emmie F!

More in KidsView all picks →

shannon hale princess in black book and author

Q&A with children’s book author Shannon Hale

Shannon Hale is the bestselling author behind The Princess in Black series. It's a favorite early chapter book series for kids ages 5–8 and boys love it as much as girls do. Her newest book, Princess in Black and the Trick or Treating Trouble, comes out just in time for Halloween. We talked with her about it as part of our Q&A author series and asked about a few of her favorite things too.

Explore Build-a-Bear

Some Not-So-Spooky Fun this Halloween

How can Build-A-Bear be used for Halloween costumes? Let kids create a spooky Build-A-Bear sidekick to incorporate into their costume, which can help the costume be enjoyed beyond Halloween.

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Cool Mom Picks readers, we are so excited to launch a new series for you. We are obsessed book lovers over here at the CMP headquarters, and we have a particular soft spot for children's books (even though we're moving our kids into coll…