by Liz Gumbinner | Back to School Shopping, School Gear
When we put together our picks for the coolest backpacks for preschool and kindergarten each year, we think about how exciting it is for little ones to pick what may likely be their very first school gear ever. They seriously geek out over all their  school...
by Liz Gumbinner | Back to School Shopping, Kids
As our kids have gotten older, we know they prefer lunch bags to lunch boxes because it’s so much easier to shove into a backpack–especially when they may or may not have a locker. And of course, it doesn’t look so “little kid” The key is...
by Liz Gumbinner | Back to School Shopping, School Gear
When we look for cool backpacks for teens, it’s not enough for them to just be, you know, cool. As kids head to middle school or high school— especially after a whole year at home more or less (sigh) — they need bigger, sturdier backpacks, better shoulder...
by Liz Gumbinner | Fashion
Last year, a colleague with an “in” in the designer shoe world tipped me off that puffy textured sandals, woven textures and braided straps were going to be hot for spring/summer. I blink and whoa — sure enough, they’ve been flooding the...
by Liz Gumbinner | Style + Beauty
While I’d love to buy a ton of things at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, I try to be smart about it. That means besides one or two things I’ve had my eye on, I stick with items that I already love and need refreshing. Especially when they’re the...
by Liz Gumbinner | Books for Adults, Podcast
I could not be more thrilled to share this wonderful interview with award-winning TV reporter/producer/mom Kate Brookes, author of the upcoming Transister: Raising Twins in a Gender-Bending World. While our conversation is super helpful for parents looking for advice...
by Liz Gumbinner | Books for Adults, Health, Fitness + Wellbeing, Podcast
With U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy introducing new social media guidelines for children in the past few weeks, social media and mental health is all any parent we know is talking about. Especially with summer here. So I immediately reached out to one of my...
by Liz Gumbinner | Kids, Tips + Tricks
We are still celebrating the return to summer camp around here. And I am celebrating the joy of putting together summer camp care packages for my tweens and teens! The chance to run around with friends, swim, be silly, stay up too late, fill up their MadLibs with...
by Liz Gumbinner | Father's Day Gifts
In our 2023Â Father’s Day Gift Guide, we’re excited to share a fantastic selection of our favorite Father’s Day gifts under $20. Because we know that you don’t have to spend a ton to get some amazing Father’s Day gifts. We’ve truly...
by Liz Gumbinner | Kids, Tech CMP-Style, Tips + Tricks
With high school graduation time here, I’ve been getting so many questions from friends about appropriate high school graduation gift ideas that kids will actually want. So I’ve been asking around, and the answer is most often, “cash.” Followed...
We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds. Whether you found us from appearances on the TODAY Show, from a Google search, or from a friend, we're so glad you're here.
