Summer camp backpacks with serious standout style

by Christina Refford | School Gear

The first summer I sent my son to day camp, I tried to cram his lunch, towel, bathing suit, rain jacket, and various other doodads into his cute little preschool backpack. Epic mommy fail. This summer, we are ready with a standout backpack. It’s got plenty of...

Rock this summer on the radio with Sirius XM’s Kids Place Live

by Stephanie Mayers | Entertainment + Media

I am a pretty big fan of SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live for many reasons, but mostly because it is hands-down the best media outlet providing today’s family music makers the national exposure they deserve. The station brings the best in kindie rock and...

A kids’ world as cheerful as your kids (or one can hope)

by Pilar | Kid Style

Putting together a nursery or little kid’s room can be a challenge if you’re going for a certain retro-mod Scandinavian rainbow look. I mean, there is nothing out there that fits that exact description. Or wait, maybe there is.   The relaunch of...

A celebration of motherhood firsts: 7 smart tips for the first picnic with kids

by Cool Mom Team | Baby, Kid Style, Tips + Tricks

This post is part of a monthly series with our Baby Shower Gift Guide sponsor, babyGap, on our tips for celebrating motherhood firsts. And there are lots! The official start of summer is just around the corner and that means time for playgrounds, parks, and that very...

Sewn Natural: handmade girls dresses that can clear away the May showers

by Liz Gumbinner | Kid Style

I’ve always loved peppering my daughters’ wardrobes with just a few special handmade pieces from indie artists, from Courtney Chu to Ses Petites Mains and Baby Bean. Not only do they freshen up an otherwise ordinary wardrobe of leggings, tunics and tees, I...

7 of the coolest swim trunks for boys. Bring it, summer!

by Kristen Chase | Kid Style

Our neighborhood pool opens at the end of this week (whoo!), so I’m busy tracking down stylish, swim trunks for my son that will last us all summer long. While last week we found some great swimsuits for girls, for those of you with a boy like me, here are some...

A whole new kind of personalized gift from the kids from Hiho Batik

by Kristen Chase | Kid Style

I’ve been a longtime fan of the fun, spirited kids clothing by Hiho Batik since back when we started Cool Mom Picks. (Yes, even before the Obama girls were photographed wearing their tees.)  But I think I might love them even more now that I discovered...

The best poetry books for kids: make some time for a little rhyme

by Delilah S. Dawson | Books for Kids

What can I say? My kids just love poetry. Maybe it’s because my singing voice sounds like a goat gargling, and maybe it’s because they can always convince me to read just one more poem. There’s also the possibility that poetry is a beautiful,...

The best age-appropriate bikini swimsuits for little girls. As in, no, they don’t need to dress like teenagers.

by Liz Gumbinner | Baby, Kid Style

If I fall on my sword for one thing every year, it’s that retailers need to provide us with more appropriately modest two-piece swimsuits for our daughters. Last year was a tough year, with triangle bikini tops making the rounds. This year looks more promising!...

The genius idea for packing wine on your picnic

by Liz Gumbinner | Kids

While there’s something to be said for sipping wine out of those big red keg cups in the summer, I admit I always feel a little fancy when my Albarino is an actual wine glass. Unfortunately, if you’re picnicking, glass isn’t going to cut it. So to...

The prettiest coloring book in the world

by Stephanie Slate | Books for Kids

First thing each morning my kids usually plop themselves down at our kitchen table and proceed to sketch, color, and print until they’re practically late for school. I love how focused they are on their little projects. I also love that it gives my husband and I...

Keeping them busy all summer long with fun kids’ games and crafts

by Kristen Chase | Toys + Playthings

Summer break starts in two weeks down here in Atlanta (yes, two weeks!), so I’m already stocking up on cool kids’ games and activities to keep my kids occupied.   My go-to stop on the web: mom-owned Cattiwampus, where I always find a few keepers I...