by Christina Refford | Party Ideas
While 4th of July is a time to celebrate freedom and the best of America, lately I know so many of us are having a hard time feeling celebratory. It’s hard to feel like waving a flag when many of our rights are under attack right now, including those of us who are...
by Kate Etue | Living, Party Ideas
I’m all about outdoor entertaining in the summertime — especially this year — except the one thing that hasn’t gone away are the mosquitos. Nothing kills a mood quite like your guests all slapping at themselves while trying to talk one another....
by Kate Etue | Tips + Tricks
My family recently celebrated the fourth anniversary of our daughter’s adoption. It’s always a special day for us, in which we try to honor her heritage; we pull out photo albums, eat at a Korean restaurant, and send updates to her adoption workers. But...
by Kate Etue | Party Ideas, Tips + Tricks
New Year’s Eve at home with the kids isn’t a new idea for this year. In general, New Year’s Eve parties for parents are more about trying our very best to stay up till midnight (though 10 PM is more like it) and drinking sparkling cider with our kids...
by Caroline Siegrist | Entertainment + Media
I’m throwing everything into a Mandalorian watch party when season two launches on October 30th (whoo!). because to 2020, we haven’t had many reasons to celebrate. Of course, I’m using the word “party” loosely here — I’ll be...
by Liz Gumbinner | Entertainment + Media, Kids, Party Ideas, Tips + Tricks
It’s official: I’m writing about safe trick-or-treat alternatives after weeks of putting it off. The CDC has even officially recommended against trick-or-treating during COVID-19, at least in the traditional way, and oof. I need some safe  trick-or-treat...
by Christina Refford | Party Ideas, Tips + Tricks
Our Facebook groups have been asking for graduation ideas during Covid-19 and quarantine, and as a mom to a rising senior, and a high school grad last year, my heart goes out to all the 2020 grads. While school kids everywhere have had their lives and routines upended...
by Liz Gumbinner | DIY, Valentine's Day
I really love the idea of kids handing out printable bilingual Valentine’s cards to their classmates. These days, knowing a second language is de rigeuer. (See what I did there?) Lots of our kids are growing up in bilingual households, they have grandparents or...
We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds. Whether you found us from appearances on the TODAY Show, from a Google search, or from a friend, we're so glad you're here.
