by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
We love balance bikes here at Cool Mom Picks because they do such a great job of teaching young kids how to get around safely on two wheels. I was sold on them after learning the hard way how challenging it is to wean a fearful child off of training wheels (oy, my...
by Cool Mom Team | Family Travel
It’s officially the season for travel (whoo!) and whether you’re planing it, driving, or taking the subway uptown for a picnic in the park, we’re all for getting out with the kids. A top question from our readers is always “but what do I...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
Whether your toddler is ready for their first balance bike or you have a mini speedster on your holiday list, a ride-on toy makes an awesome “big gift” for either Hanukkah or Christmas. As the inadvertent ride-on-toy expert at Cool Mom Picks (what with...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
Last summer, after my kids saw some little beach bums flinging skimboards into the surf, they couldn’t wait to try the sport themselves. Uh, I’m not sure their tailbones will ever be the same. Let’s just say that skimboarding is not easy. But this...
by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings
Every so often, it’s fun to see how the rich and famous live, especially those with kids. Should you have a spare 10, 20, or 50k lying around, check out these unbelievable kids playhouses. Or hey, if you buy one yourself? Invite us over! Related: 7 cool playroom...
by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings
I have to say that one of my proud parent moments is realizing my girls aren’t afraid of bugs or worms or things they see in the garden. Of course I can’t take credit for it at all (thanks, grandparents!) but nonetheless, I love encouraging their affection...
by Liz Gumbinner | Party Ideas
Sometimes kids with summer birthdays (ahem–mine) feel a little ripped off because their friends are out of town. I love the idea of a summer camp themed party right in your own local park or backyard. It’s a great way to make the party special, even with a...
by Stephanie Slate | Living
With patio season finally here, my thoughts turn to warm summer days lounging in the backyard, sipping margaritas while the kids play cooperatively in the sandbox. Sure, the last part is but an impossible dream, but there’s nothing to stop me from making the...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
It only takes about 3/4″ of snow to get my kids begging to go to the sledding hill in town. They used to bang a big plastic sled up and down the hills, arguing over whose turn it is to lug the awkward thing back to the top, but this winter they have something...
by Cool Mom Team | Editors Best of the Year
We love nothing more than finding toys for kids that are handmade, or at least, don’t require an on and off switch and 300 batteries. Instead, our favorite toys of 2012 are all powered by the imaginations and little hands of kids. Liz LEGO Friends As one of the...
