Greta Thunberg and youth climate activism: Editors Best of the Year
When we first started this site in 2006, eco-friendly was one of our most popular tags. Parents were concerned about where their products were made, what ingredients were in them, and how they impacted the planet. Then the recession hit. Suddenly no one wanted to pay...
How to create more positive thinking to manifest success this year: 7 great tips | Spawned ep 182
While we know that positive thinking doesn’t cure every problem in life, we do know that positive thinking has proven, science-based effects that impact your life for the better. It helps with lowering stress, keeping you healthier, and providing better coping...
Yes, real Christmas trees are better for the environment than artificial trees. Here are the facts.
Lately, I’ve seen a lot of well-meaning posts from people around my social networks, with comments like, “well I want to protect the environment….that’s why we’re getting a fake Christmas tree this year.” Suddenly I was like crap,...
9 creative, healing, self-care gift ideas that go beyond bath salts and chocolates
Kristen and Liz have talked a lot about self-care and how important it is for parents on their Spawned parenting podcast. I know it’s a big issue for me, and for lots of us. Parenting culture seems to push and push us to do more and more, until...
Homemade mason jar spa gift ideas all with safe, edible ingredients. So easy, and SO appreciated!
I think these DIY mason jar spa gift ideas are just so incredibly perfect for the end of year. Or in this case, the end of the decade. (Whoa!) I mean, is there anyone among us who could not use a little pampering right now? If you can’t afford to gift everyone...
Holiday craziness and stress: Let’s sloooooow things down a little, please? | Spawned ep 174
If you feel like the holiday season came sooner this year — along with the holiday ads, the holiday sales, the Mariah Carey videos, and the holiday pressure, it’s not in your head. There are lots of reasons we’re feeling it more this year, and social...
Introducing Cool Mom Fit, a different kind of fitness community
A few weeks ago, I decided I really needed to start working out again. As a 40-something-year old mom of four kids, I know how important fitness is to my health and wellness. But, I’m also a busy working 40-something-year old mom of four kids, and most of the...
We found the perfect athletic tank for girls, and two other fab new essentials from Yellowberry.
When you’ve got middle and high school aged girls who may be feeling awkward or uncomfortable in their changing bodies, getting into athletic clothes for gym or dance or after school activities that give them a little more confidence is a major major win. And...
1 in 4 kids have an undetected vision problem. Here’s how to save on their eye care now. | Sponsored Message
This is a sponsored message from VSP Individual Vision Plans A lot of family members offer practical gifts that help support our kids in big ways, like school tuition, summer camp, after school activities, and college savings plan donations. And here’s one more...
So we don’t normally get excited about toothbrushes, but…
Is some new toothbrush a thing to get all pumped about? Generally…no. I mean I am a recent devotee of Quip and Quip Kids after reading Kristen’s raving reviews, but now I’ve found a low-tech toothbrush that gets me just as excited about dental...
Aluminum in deodorant and antiperspirant: Health issue or internet rumor?
For a long time I had been hearing about a terrible link between aluminum and deodorant. We have even had writers through the years who have insisted on only using natural deodorants, which, cool. Because we believe in choices. But several years ago, I did my own...Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!
We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, easier, more organized, 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).
But we did.
And we still love what we do every single day.
We're so glad you're here.
Our Podcast. (It’s won awards and everything!)
Doing Good: We’re Supporting…
What are your top questions about kids + tech?
“Please share your tips for setting up a new iPhone for my 12 year old!”
“Help! I need dairy/nut free appetizer ideas to bring to a party.”
Cool Gifts for Everyone. Who Are You Shopping For?
* Coolest Gifts of the Year for Teens + Tweens
* Cool Tech Gifts for Everyone On Your List
* Cool Gifts for Guys Who Have Everything
* Sentimental Grandparent Gifts and Keepsakes
* Our Favorite Gifts That Give Back
* Personalized Gifts You Can Still Get in Time if You Hurry
* Cool Food Gifts to Buy or DIY
* Cool Self-Care Gifts for Women
* The Best Teacher Gifts According to Actual Teachers
* Cool STEM Toys and Gifts for Kids
* Cool Sibling Gifts That Kids Can Share
* Beautiful Handmade Toys for Kids
* Cool Style + Beauty Gifts for Women of Any Age (ahem)
* Ultra-Cool Men's Gift Ideas (For Real)
* Cool Gifts For Tween Girls 9-12
* Cool Gifts For Tween Boys 9-12 (Yes, Girls Will Like Them Too)
* Sweet Personalized Gifts for Grandmas
* Cool Gifts for Couples * Cool Gifts for Star Wars Fans * Meaningful Gifts for Eco-Conscious Kids* Cool Toys + Gifts for One-Year-Olds * DIY Gifts for Favorite Teachers * 50+ Cool Gifts for Adults under $15
Work with us!
