Bendaroos - I'm sold. For real.

Because I'm skeptical of anything that yells AS SEEN ON TV! at me, I admit my initial thought was oh no...what kind of toxic garbage are those pipe cleaner looking Bendaroos (warning - loud sound when you click over) made out of? The ans…

Because I'm skeptical of anything that yells AS SEEN ON TV! at me, I admit my initial thought was oh no...what kind of toxic garbage are those pipe cleaner looking Bendaroos (warning - loud sound when you click over) made out of?

The answer? Strings covered in wax. Oh sorry, that's magical wax.

My nearly four year-old has gone nutty for these things over the past week, twisting them and bending them and torturing our cats with them just a wee bit. At her age she can make the basic butterflies and lollipops in the instruction guide with my help, while older kids can go nuts with more complex designs. And all the while you don't have to worry about poisonous stuff in your kids hands, or a major mess on yours. -Liz

Snag your own Bendaroos kids' craft sticks at Bendaroosfun.com

Congratulations to lucky Bendaroos winner ML!

More in KidsView all picks →

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…

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

Back-to-school season doesn't have to be all backpacks, supply lists, and new sneakers. Sometimes the best way to mark a new school year is with something that feels a little more fun—and a lot less practical. Enter Build-A-Bear , where …

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Back-to-school shopping has a funny way of turning into a negotiation. Parents want shoes that are comfortable and durable. Kids want the pair everyone will notice in the hallway. Luckily, Shiekh makes it a little easier to keep everyone…