Kate Etue, Author at Cool Mom Picks

7 wonderful I Voted stickers for those not voting at the polls this year

One of the proudest badges of participation in our democracy that we can wear is the little I Voted sticker after we walk away from the polls on Election Day. But this year, so many more of us are casting absentee ballots, voting by mail (which is safe!) or dropping...

We found 5 great trick-or-treat signs for candy, for a safe and socially distant Halloween

by Kate Etue | DIY, Tips + Tricks

We’ve had quite a few readers ask for some trick-or-treat-signs for candy to help keep a socially distanced Halloween. This is a time that we may want to hand out candy but uh, maybe in a less-contact way. And hey, we found some great ones, most of them...

What you can and CAN’T wear to the polls: Don’t get turned away on Election Day!

by Kate Etue | Tips + Tricks

I’m in several politically-minded Facebook groups, and lately, the women there have been asking what everyone is planning to wear to the polls this year so we can identify each other. Some said they’ll be in all blue, others will be wearing their RBG...

Get (temporarily) inked to vote.

by Kate Etue | Doing Good

Political activism is something we talk about all the time here because, as Kristen so aptly said in a fantastic thread on our Instagram, “Parenting is politics is values is life.” We have been and will be doing everything we can this year to make sure...

The best laptop sleeves for kids: The features to consider before you buy.

by Kate Etue | Back to School Shopping

Laptop sleeves may not an item that’s generally on your back to school shopping list, especially if you have younger kids. But then, this back to school season isn’t like any other. Whether kids are embarking on hybrid options that require them to go to...

Our favorite Patagonia fall jackets for the family let you shop your values. At least if your values include standing up for the planet.

by Kate Etue | Doing Good, Fashion, Kid Fashion

You may have seen the news this week about the new labels in Patagonia shorts. Just four words appear on the underside of the labels: Vote the a**holes out. This isn’t just cheeky resistance; Patagonia is a company that’s always stood up for the...

20 fun, educational board games that totally count as homeschool time: Math, science, geography and more

by Kate Etue | Toys + Playthings

If you don’t think of family board games as an educational opportunity to supplement your kids’ learning, well put away the Cards Against Humanity (ha) and check out these suggestions! To be clear, as a homeschooling mom, I’m a big fan of actual...

7 cool face mask accessories for kids, to help them keep their masks to themselves

by Kate Etue | Back to School Shopping, Health, Fitness + Wellbeing, Tips + Tricks

The past few weeks, my Instagram feed is full of my friends’ adorable kids in their back-to-school outfits… complete with fresh, new face masks.I’m so proud of these kids for being responsible about in-person schooling, and for parents for insisting...

10 books kids and teens should read before they become movies and TV series in 2020.

by Kate Etue | Books for Kids, Entertainment + Media

This year, even though we haven’t been able to go to actual movie theaters, we’re still seeing plenty of great movies from home. Yay for film companies adapting! And yay for me spending less than $50 to get everyone popcorn! If you’re big on reading...

These 3 great children’s books help introduce your kids to Kamala Harris

by Kate Etue | Books for Kids

It’s official: Kamala Harris is Joe Biden’s pick for Democratic VP candidate and (speaking for all of us here, honestly), we couldn’t be more excited about this historic choice. While many of our kids are already fans of hers, a lot of children who...

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds.

Trivia: It was called Cool Mom Sh*t for the first two days. (Yeah, we rethought that.)

We had no idea our site would grow to become a major lifestyle network, that we'd end up sharing our finds with the TODAY Show and Martha Stewart, that we'd be able to make a real difference for so many small businesses and women-run companies, or that we'd end up with an incredible community of the coolest readers on the planet. (If we do say so ourselves).

We still love what we do every single day. And we're so glad you're here.