6 ways to entertain kids in restaurants without (gasp) pulling out a screen.

by PJ Feinstein | Tips + Tricks, Toys + Playthings

The very first thing my son does when we sit down to eat at a restaurant (well, after ordering both ice water and milk) is ask for my iPhone. I’ll admit that I’m often tempted to hand it over because it’s such an easy way to keep him entertained while we’re...

11 of our very favorite travel toys and books for kids to help make those miles pass quickly

by Christina Refford | Family Travel, Toys + Playthings

If Spring Break or Easter has you heading out by plane, train, or automobile, you may be wondering how to keep your kids happily occupied beyond the iPad, as you travel from Point A to Point B. And since we all know how hard it is to hear “are we there...

The Easter Bunny is coming to town. And he’s naked. For now.

by Liz Gumbinner | DIY, Easter Gifts

This is the time we start thinking Easter for you all, and as always, we love finding special little treats for the Easter baskets that aren’t necessarily your typical drugstore-shelf chocolate bunny. So I think this Easter Bunny painting kit is just perfect,...

The 2014 Martha Stewart American Made award finalists: A few of our favorite shops worth voting for

by Christina Refford | Doing Good

We are thrilled that Martha Stewart is again shining a spotlight on those gifted American makers who brings us so many gorgeous items to decorate our homes, dress our babies, and beautify our lives through the 2014 American Made awards. And now it’s time for you...

5 edible finger paint recipes for artists who find their work delicious

by Christina Refford | DIY

My nephew isn’t quite a year old yet, but his artistic parents sense that he is ready to express himself through finger paints–probably because of the messes he makes when left alone with a bowl of cereal. And while real paint isn’t a great idea for...

11 totally cool Sugru ideas

by Stephanie Slate | DIY

So, if someone told you there was a product that might totally change your life in the coolest of ways, you’d be interested, right? Me too. And when I noticed a friend raving about Sugru on her Facebook page, I had to learn more. So, in the name of research, I...

Art and science merge beautifully for kids with Chemistry Crayon Labels

by Delilah S. Dawson | DIY

When I was a kid, we called the deep purple crayon plain ol’ Violet. Then it was Purple Mountains’ Majesty. Now it can be Titanium (III) Ti3+(aq). Because these Chemistry Crayon Labels turn that 64-count box of childhood’s favorite art medium into a...

16 of the most adorable Easter basket gift ideas for kids: It’s raining bunnies and chicks!

by Christina Refford | Easter Gifts

Make your kids’ Easter baskets a hundred times more adorable by adding some playful chicks and bunnies to your list of Easter basket gift ideas for kids–of course along with some of our favorite Easter candy and Easter-themed gifts. Our recos are almost...

Clever, creative storage solutions for 10 tricky storage problems from LEGOs to jewelry.

by Kate Etue | Storage + Organization

Now that my house is overflowing with too many toys (thanks to very generous grandparents), it’s time for some serious storage solutions. I’m desperate for some organization for all those Rainbow Loom bands, LEGO pieces and  American Girl doll clothes,...

Best gifts for 8-year-old boys: ideas that will get a big “wow.” Reader Q & A

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

What are the best gifts for an 8-year-old boy? I’m looking for a big gift, in the $50-$100 range. —CMP reader, via Twitter   Oh, you mean the kind of gift that makes a child pause while unwrapping, shout out with glee, and rush over to give you a big hug? Well,...