The hottest preschool backpacks for back to school

by Cool Mom Team | School Gear

Still looking for the perfect backpack for your preschooler? You’re in luck. Because recently, CMP editor Liz Gumbinner taped a segment for BetterTV on some of the cutest backpacks for younger kids headed to preschool and kindergarten. Our picks, and all of them...

CMP Does Etsy: Not your everyday pencil cases (But maybe they should be)

by Leah | School Gear

We’re so excited to bring you the first of our new weekly Etsy round-ups. Tune in every Wednesday for more delicious handmade goodness. Everyone knows that when you go back to school, it is IMPERATIVE to have the coolest stuff. (Although I believe I had Holly...

Pencil cases for the bookish

by Cool Mom Team | School Gear

I was clicking around etsy this past weekend and discovered this adorable handmade girls’ pencil case that I love for so many reasons. The illustration is beyond precious of course, but the I Heart Books slogan is really the kicker. It comes courtesy of...

Backpacks and lunch boxes and monograms oh my.

by Cool Mom Team | School Gear

So okay, we’ve been fawning over Dante Beatrix way too much lately. First it was their fabulous eco-backpacks made out of 100% recycled bottles which now come in little kid sizes. Then it was their adorable wheelie bags for kids. Next up it was their super cute...

String dolls give you magical powers! Like the power not to buy a new backpack for school this year.

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

These days, not everyone wants (or needs) to spend money on a brand new backpack or lunchbox for the kids each school year. So I like the idea of finding those fun little doodads that help liven up backpacks and make them feel new again.If you’re looking for a...

The Cool Mom Picks Back to School Shopping Guide! It’s here!

by Cool Mom Team | Meta

We know there are still a few beach days in your future, but consider this your gentle reminder that the first day of preschool, kindergarten or beyond is just around the bend. But, don’t worry, we’ve got your back and have put together our third annual...

Recession shopping tip: Last season it was new, this season it’s a sale

by Mir | School Gear

If you’ve been known to lust after designer backpacks and dream of sending your kid back to school in impeccable style, but can’t quite bring yourself to face the designer price tag, I have some great news. Now’s a great time to buy those gorgeous...

Rolling with Dante Beatrix

by Cool Mom Team | Family Travel

We’re already huge fans of the kids’ backpacks from Dante Beatrix as we already revealed (again) this week, so it’s not surprising that they’ve got some new items we’re adding to the must-have-it-NOW-NOW-NOW list. First of all, their new...

Cute preschooler backpacks? – Reader Q&A

by Cool Mom Team | School Gear

Help! I am about to send my 3-year-old off to preschool this year and I am looking for a cute backpack in her size, minus the TV characters. Any suggestions? – JessicaYour preparedness is inspiring, Jessica. I just checked the calendar and my soon-to-be...

A dandy alternative to backpacks for kids

by Cool Mom Team | School Gear

My three year-old has entered that phase I’m lovingly describing as Her Jerk Phase. As in, the movie The Jerk. Remember that scene where Steve Martin says “The ashtray, the paddle thing and the remote control. And these matches. That’s all I need....