Modern Nativity scenes you won’t mind the children touching

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

When you consider that most nativity sets include a couple of sheep, some people, an angel, and a stable, is it any wonder that most kids can’t wait to get their hands on them? But after my three were finished playing with the set I had growing up, I understood...

6 tech picks you won’t want to miss this week

by Cool Mom Team | Cool Tech

Unless you’re willing to pay for overnight shipping, the clock is counting down for Santa’s little tech helpers. Here are several of our favorite picks from the last week, many of which would make fantastic presents. Hint, hint! 1. With one brilliant...

Holiday gift tags that make a difference in the lives of hungry kids

by Kirsten | Doing Good

One goal that my husband and I have set for our family this holiday season is to give back as much as we possibly can. I think we’re all feeling it a bit this year. That’s why I love products like these holiday gift tags, which look great and do great...

One of the most important presents you could ever give: clean water

by Lexi Petronis | Doing Good

As wonderful as it is to unwrap gifts during the holidays, it’s even more wonderful to give gifts that can’t be wrapped in the first place. Especially this one–because it will also be appreciated for a lifetime. Cool Mom Picks has always loved the...

All-inclusive craft kits from Lullubee: just add fun

by Kirsten | DIY

Both of my kids are craft junkies. Like, major craft crazies. They could create arts and crafts all day, every day. I’m constantly rummaging through drawers and closets, trying to figure out what I could I use to create a “handmade” craft. Which...

Great gift books for every little reader on your holiday list, because we still think they make the best gifts of all

by Cool Mom Team | Books for Kids

Even in the sea of toys piled high under our Christmas tree, my kids are always excited to receive books as holiday gifts. Always. And I admit, I’m pretty happy too. They’re gifts that all my kids will enjoy at one time or another, and perhaps even their...

The perfect gift for the kid whose power is super-coloring

by Lexi Petronis | Toys + Playthings

If you–like me–have a little one who has become so devoted to all things “super” that you have to call breakfast “super-Cheerios” and explain that bedtime is the only way to recharge super-batteries, then I guarantee this is a truly...

11 awesome handmade gifts you don’t need a design degree to create

by Christina Refford | DIY

After spending a few minutes on Pinterest at this time of the year, I start to feel seriously inadequate in the crafting arena. I don’t mind stretching a little bit to make something awesome, but I’d rather not lose my mind in the process.  If you too get...

Top tips and picks for travel with kids to help you all arrive safe and sane

by Cool Mom Team | Family Travel, Tips + Tricks

One of our readers’ most common questions: what are your best tips for surviving travel with kids? We’re here to oblige! So we’ve rounded up our tried-and-true favorite picks for keeping junior travelers in great spirits. From day trip to 12-hour...

How to make a holiday mug gift more special. (You weren’t just going to give a mug, right?)

by Liz Gumbinner | Kitchen + Dining

While yes, mugs make good fallback holiday gifts for teachers and coaches and colleagues and your mother-in-law, on their own they’re not necessarily…special. (Although we did find one in our 2012 Holiday Gift Guide in the gifts under $16 category...