Gen Z for Equity: This teen’s small business is taking a stand against racism
If your kids’ book covers or school folders are looking a little plain this early in the school year, take a look at the cool social justice stickers we’ve just discovered from new, teen-led Etsy shop Gen Z for Equity. The stickers were all designed by...
5 fabulous boots and booties for fall 2022, and their affordable Target dupes
Back to school for my kids means back to boots for me. Seems fair, right? Take one peek at any fall 2022 shoe trend post at your favorite style magazine and it’s boots, boots, and more boots, which yay! because I have that category covered in my closet. But that...
Setting up a study space at home: How to make it one your kid will actually use
So many parents have learned over the past few years that setting up a study space at home is more important than ever. Maybe you homeschool, maybe your kids just need a dedicated space for homeworkr, or maybe they’ve got virtual tutoring or other...
5 random cool things I’m loving this week: Women-owned small business edition
We first started this site with the mission of discovering cool things — particularly from small businesses and women-run companies — and share them with you all. While we’ve become popular for our gift guides to suit every budget, our tech tips, our...
13 dorm room essentials you might not have considered | Back to School Guide 2022
I’ve become a bit of a pro at picking out dorm room essentials — and separating the must-haves from the nice-to-haves from the not-going-to-haves if I’m paying for it. Having sent two of my three kids off to college already, it’s become clear...
Get all shook up with Kristen’s debut novel, A Thousand Miles to Graceland
To say that I’m thrilled to share that my debut novel, A Thousand Miles to Graceland, is now available for pre-order and hitting stands in January 2023 is an understatement. I’ve been working on this story of fun, heartfelt mother-daughter road trip from...
10 creative ways to give cash or a gift card for graduation, along with your congratulations.
We’re already seeing a lot of searches on our site for ways to celebrate the graduates in our lives, whether that is by throwing a party with special, graduation-themed food, or by using one of the many newer graduation ideas that we still love from the spring...
8 wonderful Mother’s Day gift book ideas to celebrate all she is, and all she loves.
This year, I’ve been on the hunt for Mother’s Day gift books, because even the mom who has everything can always use an inspiring, uplifting, sentimental, or just thoughtful new book. Consider that a Mother’s Day gift book can be for any mom who...
10 simple ways to find more time in a busy day. No magic required.
We would probably all love an extra hour in the day. Or two. Or six. Especially with the busy holiday season upon us right now. But since we’re not magicians and we don’t own a time machine (yet), the only way we’ll be able to find extra time is if...
10 of the best ideas for organizing and displaying kids’ artwork, from DIY tricks to clutter-saving services
Just when I think I have my kids’ artwork organized, more of it appears. So I’m perpetually on the lookout for creative solutions to display my kids’ artwork in a way that makes those watercolor rainbows and handprint turkeys still look polished and...
Spring 2022 nail trends that are cool, not kitschy
I am so excited to share some of the spring 2022 nail trends I’m loving. Because when I decided to share my favorite winter nail trends a few months ago, I’ll be honest — had no idea it would be such a huge hit! Maybe because of all the things that...Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!
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.
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