by Caroline Siegrist | Toys + Playthings
I’ve been really encouraged by Barbie’s new Inspiring Women Series, which celebrates women trailblazers throughout history. And I was especially excited to see that they’ve chosen Ida B. Wells as their next historic figure  to expose to a new...
by Liz Gumbinner | Holiday Picks, Toys + Playthings
I want to be cynical, because you know, Barbie, but something moves me about the new Barbie Inspiring Women set of collector’s dolls that I stumbled on last night as I browsed the Target site. To think that in my childhood, Barbie was…well, Barbie, and now...
by Liz Gumbinner | Doing Good, Toys + Playthings
If the Barbie #ThankYouHeroes initiative isn’t the epitome of our times, in the best possible way, I don’t know what is. Barbie has added all kinds of famous role models to their collection in recent years, and now they’re honoring some global women...
by Liz Gumbinner | Thinking : Parent, Toys + Playthings
When I read the news last night that Mattel is launching Creatable World, the first gender neutral doll and accessories to put kids in charge of their own play experience I teared up. In part because of the tag line, “All Welcome.” In part because I know...
by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings
The limited edition, totally collectible, geektastic collaboration between Barbie x Star Wars is coming soon, so start saving those Creds. Shipping exclusively from Amazon around November 18, you’ll find 3 Barbie figures, including Barbie R2-D2, Barbie Leia, and...
by Kate Etue | Toys + Playthings
If you’re like me, you might be struggling to find a meaningful, inspiring doll choice for your kids on the shelves of the toy aisle in your closest big box store. But when I heard about the new collection of Worldgirls dolls, I got excited. This is the kind of...
by Cool Mom Staff | Baby, Toys + Playthings
For years, we’ve written about the joy and beauty and specialness of baby dolls as gifts for our kids, from newborns to toddlers, even our school-aged kids. A doll can be a cherished best friend, a bedtime comfort, a travel companion, a tea party guest, and...
by Liz Gumbinner | Thinking : Parent, Toys + Playthings
Could Mattel be developing a Barbie same sex wedding set? Well, yeah. They could. And they might. And I am here for it. We’ve been writing for so long that in all things — especially for our kids — diversity matters. Inclusiveness matters....
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
If a dollhouse is on your kids’ holiday wish lists, don’t forget to include some dollhouse dolls so that they can get right to the business of playing (while you clean up wrapping paper). But unlike dollhouses which come in lots of different styles, from...
by Liz Gumbinner | Holiday Picks, Toys + Playthings
I just received a news alert that our strong, feisty, beloved SCOTUS Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, fell and fractured three ribs last night. It’s happened before (she evidently “did not skip a beat” during that time, according to the court because,...
We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds. Whether you found us from appearances on the TODAY Show, from a Google search, or from a friend, we're so glad you're here.
