graduation gifts Archives | Cool Mom Picks

17 great high school graduation gift ideas that kids will actually want. Besides cash.

by Liz Gumbinner | Kids, Tech CMP-Style, Tips + Tricks

With high school graduation time here, I’ve been getting so many questions from friends about appropriate high school graduation gift ideas that kids will actually want. So I’ve been asking around, and the answer is most often, “cash.” Followed...

The personalized handbags that are more meaningful than a monogram

by Liz Gumbinner | Fashion

We’ve covered lots of clever personalized gifts that we’ve discovered over the years, and especially personalized gifts for Mother’s Day — with more in the next few weeks, no doubt! And the new-to-us Irvine-based Etsy shop, Fontem, is a new one...

Emily McDowell’s new “fantasy stones” offer self-care through laughter

by Caroline Siegrist | Fashion

Anyone else feeling stressed thee day? Frantically perusing self-care tips, devouring all the Halloween chocolate in the “donate” bag, or diving into every comedy on Netflix? We get it. And we’ve got the gift for you. While I’ve never been one...

The Wonder Woman bracelet we all need right now

by Liz Gumbinner | Fashion

With all of us completely obsessed with Wonder Woman these days — and can you blame us? — I am so glad that our brand partnership director Lisa spotted this awesome Wonder Woman bracelet by Alex and Ani. Because it may have just risen to the top of my...

The cast of Hamilton gets bigger and cuddlier

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

Of our entire 2016 holiday gift guide, by far one of the most popular gift ideas were the genius handmade Hamilton dolls by Christina of Etsy’s Bobeena Shop. What can we say, you all have good taste in artists — and game-changing Broadway musicals. Now...

6 fun, creative ways to give your graduate a cash gift and make it special

by Lexi Petronis | Party Ideas

Now that we’re in the thick of graduation season, it’s time to give our high school and college grads plenty of well-earned congratulations. That’s why we sought out the most fun and creative ways to give cash gifts to grads. Because, reality check:...

10 inspirational art prints for grads that will encourage them to work hard, be kind, and follow their dreams.

by Georgette Gilmore | Art + Decor

I’m a real sucker for a feel good, motivational quote, so I love the idea of giving an inspirational art print as a gift to a recent grad. They can hang it on a wall or prop it up on a desk, and it’ll be a daily reminder to go out there and go get...

When words aren’t enough: A goodbye to Amy Krouse Rosenthal

by Liz Gumbinner | Baby, Books for Kids, Thinking : Parent

It’s always a strange and complex feeling to feel the loss of someone you’ve never actually met, but that’s just what I feel right now, learning of today’s passing of author and mom of three, Amy Krouse Rosenthal. This is one woman who...

Beyond Oh The Places You’ll Go: 8 inspirational books for graduation gifts that become keepsakes

by Kate Etue | Books for Kids

While there are so many graduation gift ideas that we could give to our accomplished kids, friends and relatives, we especially love the idea of giving a special, inspirational book for graduation gifts. Especially when it delivers messages of empowerment, adventure,...

Keepsake jewelry under $75 that makes a meaningful gift for your favorite grad.

by Kristen Chase | Fashion

‘Tis the season for graduations, whether you’ve got a new college graduate in the family, a niece or nephew graduating from high school, or like me, a sixth grader moving up to middle school. Sniff. While so many of us are looking for just the...