puzzles Archives | Cool Mom Picks

3 clever new puzzle and activity books for kids, to keep hands busy and minds sharp

For some kids, picking up a book is pure torture in the summer. For others, well..it’s not totally out of the question, provided it’s a puzzle or activity book. So if you’re looking for some new screen-free, paperback fun for the kids, here are a few...

4.2 million women’s marchers in one glorious 500-piece puzzle

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

I’ve always loved the artful, fun kids’ toys and gifts from eeBoo, and now I’ve got one more reason to love them: The 500 piece Women March! puzzle that’s coming out in spring of this year. Prolific illustrator Jennifer Orkin Lewis (you may...

Over 20 of the best bunny gifts for Easter, whether you’ve got toddlers or tweens

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

Ready for Easter? We weren’t either until we started searching the web for ideas, and got excited when we found so many totally adorable bunny gifts for Easter out there! And there’s no chocolate, Peeps, or jelly beans in this bunch — not that...

Immerse your kids in Chinese culture without the super long plane ride

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

We love finding new ways to teach our kids about the big, diverse world that extends far beyond the boundaries of their neighborhood and town. And while nothing can replace actually going to the countries themselves, playsets like this one from Whole Wide World...

7 unique nativity sets for families with young kids. So basically, not glass.

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

Now that it’s officially December, I will soon unpack and set up my childhood nativity set, even if our holidays are largely secular nowadays. However after three kids who turned my nativity into a sort of dollhouse toy each year, it’s time for me to...

Four of the best multiple-solution puzzles for kids. Because there’s no one right way to play.

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

If you’re still puzzled (yes, I went there) over what to get some of the kids on your list, keep reading. Whether it is a small wooden puzzle for little hands to manipulate, or something larger and more complex that gets the entire family involved, a well-made...

The best gifts for a 4 year old? Tons of fantastic ideas.

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

Buying a special gift for a four-year-old is so much fun since this is the age that kids really start to show their preferences and interests. Plus, they aren’t sticking every little piece into their mouths (phew) and can play independently for a lot more time...

History wasn’t always fun and games. Except when it is.

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

I’ve come to understand that for tweens, creating a love of history is often about making it as salacious and entertaining as possible. The British creators of Horrible Histories have nailed that genre, with a successful series of illustrated Horrible Histories...

The Odd One Out: A welcome twist on the classic find-it book

by Kate Etue | Books for Kids

Thanks to a recommendation from our friends at Zoobean, I recently discovered a new book my kids are obsessing over. The Odd One Out: A Spotting Book by Britta Teckentrup puts a modern twist on the classic kids find-it book. You know, those books where they’re...

Happy National Puzzle Day! 8 irresistible puzzles for toddlers that make fabulous little gifts

by Shari | Toys + Playthings

Just in case you didn’t know, it’s National Puzzle Day. And we like puzzles! So I’ve put together 8 of the most creative jigsaws, blocks, stackers, wooden, handmade, felt and letter puzzles for toddlers that are perfect for kids just starting to get...