kids' toys Archives | Cool Mom Picks

Mattel’s Creatable World and other progress towards gender non-comformity and inclusivity: Editors Best of the Year

by Liz Gumbinner | Editors Best of the Year

it’s time for our annual Top 10 Editors Picks of the Year! To kick things off, I wanted to start with one of the biggest, most positive events that pops out to us as we reflect on 2019: the growing awareness of gender fluidity and gender identity, and the...

The best subscription gifts for kids this year: There’s one for every age, and every interest

by Kate Etue | Holiday Picks, Toys + Playthings

It’s final countdown to the holidays, which means last-minute gift ideas, which means subscription gifts for kids, which are always some of our favorites to give — last minute or not! Wwe know from experience that our kids love to receive boxes in the...

A special needs mom shares 4 great toys for kids with cognitive disabilities.

by Kate Etue | Toys + Playthings

With the holidays coming up, grandparents and friends are naturally asking for ideas for gifts for the kids, but when you are shopping for toys for kids with cognitive disabilities, it can make the gifting a little more challenging. For my daughter, play time is also...

A brilliantly easy way to donate your kids’ plastic toys to children who will really love them.

by Christina Refford | Doing Good, Toys + Playthings

If the picture up top makes you think, Ack! That’s every room of my house, then you’re going to be so happy to learn about Second Chance Toys, an organization that will help you get those no-longer-wanted toys into the hands of kids who really do want them...

Baby Yoda Funko POP! The stocking stuffer we desperately want will be here…not by Christmas.

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

The good news: I finally found the one affordable little gift I know will please every one of my kids. Baby Yoda: The Child Funko POP! figurine, fresh off his Mandalorian boost into meme-of-the-year status, complete with a Lin Manuel approved viral Baby Yoda Hamilton...

5 incredible deals on hot toys at Zulily right now. The holidays are coming!

by Liz Gumbinner | Holiday Picks, Toys + Playthings

If you’re looking to get a head start on holiday shopping — especially toys for all those kids on your list — you can score some truly fantastic deals right now thanks to our partner Zulily. And I can help! This parent-fave online retailer launches...

New LEGO Replay lets you donate your used bricks to kids in need. And it’s so easy!

by Liz Gumbinner | Doing Good, Toys + Playthings

I think you’re going to be as excited about LEGO Replay as I am. Because if your kids are like mine, they’ve accumulated a whoooole lot of LEGO bricks over the years. And there comes a point where maybe they don’t need them. Or at least all of them....

The new UNO Braille deck lets sighted and visually impaired families play together

by Liz Gumbinner | Doing Good, Toys + Playthings

Seems like Mattel is having a heck of a month in terms of innovation in inclusivity. Because they’ve just announced the release of UNO Braille, an UNO deck developed in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind that’s going to allow more...

Mattel launches the first gender-neutral dolls for kids and everything about this is beautiful.

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...

How to get your hands on the new Barbie x Star Wars dolls before they cost a schmillion Galactic Credits

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...