8 wonderful children’s books about neurodiversity that we—and our special needs kids—love
And as the mom of a daughter with autism and as a children’s book lover, I’ve wanted to highlight some incredible children’s books about neurodiversity that represent kids just like her. If you’re a frequent reader here, you know it’s...
11 excellent new children’s books for Black History Month – and the rest of the year too
February may be Black History Month, which is a great opportunity to share some of our favorite new books about Black history for kids. But honestly, we are always looking for smart, educational, and enlightening children’s books about and by Black Americans for...
The best children’s books of 2021: All the award-winners to read in 2022
While there have been plenty of downsides to 2021, one really wonderful upside are all the fantastic children’s books and YA lit that has come out this year. After compiling the best books of 2020 last year, I decided to put down my phone and read a lot more....
12 creative gift ideas for the man who has everything. Or…does he? | Holiday Gifts 2021
If you need to find a creative gift for the man who has everything it requires just a little more thought. Fortunately, we’re here to help! Is there anything better than surprising someone we love with a gift they didn’t even know they wanted? We know it...
10 fun, educational indoor activities for preschoolers and young kids, for when you’re stuck inside
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Google Kids Space. As the weather gets colder and snow days are on the horizon, so comes the realization that you now have to find educational activities for your preschoolers or young kids, to help keep them busy—and ideally,...
A new children’s picture book with a beautiful message we all need to hear right now
This is a sponsored post on behalf of mineditionUS We’re only now coming to understand how to help our kids process the hardship and loss they’ve experienced these past couple of years. We’ve always turned to children’s books as a tool for...
12 wonderful Dolly Parton gifts for the Dolly fans in your life. (A.K.A. everyone we know.)
It goes without saying that I will always love Dolly Parton, so naturally I was drawn to these amazing Dolly Parton gifts. If you haven’t listened to the Dolly Parton’s America podcast yet, let me assure you that people of all stripes, plaids, and paisleys...
Spectacular Sisters is the perfect gift for a favorite sister in your life
As one of three sisters, I was naturally excited to get my hands on Spectacular Sisters: Amazing Stories of Ssters from Around the World, by Aura Lewis. I’ve been having so much fun revisiting some of my favorite sister stories, while also learning about some...
Why it’s important to talk to your kids about religion (even if you’re not religious): 3 books to help guide your conversation
As a full-time religious studies professor for the past fifteen years, I’ve lost track of how many fellow parents have asked for recommendations when their kids started asking questions about religion. While evangelical Christians and other religious “insiders” tend...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.)
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We still love what we do every single day. And we're so glad you're here.
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