hostess gifts Archives | Cool Mom Picks

24 gifts that give back beautifully to everyone on your list. Because any day can be #GivingTuesday if you make it.

by Liz Gumbinner | Doing Good, Holiday Picks

Each year, we love putting together some of our favorite gifts that give back in substantial and specific ways — not just some undetermined percentage of your purchase going to “charities.” While we definitely share these kinds of gifts that give...

Homemade mason jar spa gift ideas all with safe, edible ingredients. So easy, and SO appreciated!

by Christina Refford | Beauty + Cosmetics, DIY, Health, Fitness + Wellbeing, Holiday Picks

I think these DIY mason jar spa gift ideas are just so incredibly perfect for the end of year. Or in this case, the end of the decade. (Whoa!) I mean, is there anyone among us who could not use a little pampering right now? If you can’t afford to gift everyone...

5 incredible deals on home decor at Zulily right now. It’s holiday entertaining season!

by Liz Gumbinner | Art + Decor, Holiday Picks, Kitchen + Dining

If you’re looking to score some deals right now without dealing with the Black Friday madness, our partner Zulily.Is a great option. You’ll find thousands of products up to 70% off including an entire home & garden category. If you’re freshening...

The best list of last-minute holiday gift ideas that let you skip the $$$ shipping

by Liz Gumbinner | Holiday Picks

I totally get the last-minute holiday gift problem. Believe me! I mean, we may have started amassing ideas for our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide in, like…February, but hey, we’re busy moms. And we’re busy shopping for you sometimes at the expense of our...

The ultimate Chrismukkah gift: Found it!

by Liz Gumbinner | Holiday Picks

The other night, at my annual apartment building Christmas party — that’s the NYC version of a block party, by the way — a neighbor asked, “so who here gets Chinese food and sees a movie on Christmas?” Basically, everyone raised a hand....

7 funny holiday hostess gifts, because more laughter please!

by Lexi Petronis | Holiday Picks

Who could use the gift of laughter during the holidays — especially these holidays, at the end of a very stressful year? Everyone, that’s who. That’s why I love the idea of getting my friends funny holiday hostess holiday gifts for all my upcoming...

10 surprising holiday gifts you can find at Cracker Barrel — all 30% off!

by Kristen Chase | Holiday Picks

We’re road-trip regulars at Cracker Barrel, with its gigantic menu, clean bathrooms, and super fun general store — which always makes for a fun way to stretch our legs before we cram our big family back in the car again. So I’m pretty excited to...

The 125 Collection: Candles that illuminate how dope you are

by Georgette Gilmore | Holiday Picks, Living

Inspirational? Check. Sassy? Check. Funny AF? You bet. The 125 Collection candles cover all the bases. I’m so happy to discover these 100% natural, premium scented soy candles that were created by two entrepreneurial women in Harlem, NYC. (On 125th Street, get...

10 extra awesome Thanksgiving hostess gifts under $30 to make you extra welcome

by Georgette Gilmore | Holiday Picks, Kitchen + Dining

While most of us want to know what we can cook, bake, or otherwise whip up when we head out for Thanksgiving dinner, sometimes there’s a host or hostess who gives you the old, “just bring yourself!” But since we know you should never show up at a...

Exquisite gifts that give back from a shop you need to bookmark, stat.

by Ellyn Exley Dvorkin | Baby, Kid Fashion, Style + Beauty

I am so glad to have discovered Shopping For A Change because hey, I love to shop. Even more so when I can feel good knowing my purchases really make a difference for people in need. Every gorgeous item you’ll find at this online shop from housewares to jewelry...

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

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.)

We had no idea our site would grow to become a major lifestyle network, that we'd end up sharing our finds with the TODAY Show and Martha Stewart, that we'd be able to make a real difference for so many small businesses and women-run companies, or that we'd end up with an incredible community of the coolest readers on the planet. (If we do say so ourselves).