by Cool Mom Staff | 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...
by Roxanna | Holiday Picks
When you think of custom photo gifts, most people probably think of calendars for Grandma–sweet, but a bit predictable. So why not use photos to make gifts for the littlest members of your family too? Kids love to look at faces–especially familiar...
by Stephanie Mayers | DIY
The cooler weather is setting in, so I’m already on the hunt for inside activities that will save my hide come winter. I admit I’m pretty picky about what crafty goodness makes the grade at our house, so when I heard about green 3D puzzles that the kiddos...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Toys + Playthings
I’ll admit it–puzzles don’t normally pique my curiosity. But when you combine a beautiful painting with intricate laser-cut wood pieces that are works of art in themselves, you have me grinning like a Cheshire Cat. Artifact Puzzles is pure...
by Delilah S. Dawson | Toys + Playthings
First, the bad news: when you get all these block animals lined up just right, there will be no fireworks over the Kremlin. The good news: they’re seriously cute and probably won’t obsess you like Tetris. Oh, and your kid can play with them, too....
by Christina Refford | DIY
Before the hamburgers are done, before the sparklers come out, and before it’s dark enough for fireworks, you can take a few minutes to put the United States back together with this easy printable from my favorite new DIY craft site. At Mr. Printables (cute...
by Stephanie Mayers | Toys + Playthings
Puzzles are the new family time favorite of our preschooler who is outgrowing her wooden pegged farm animals for more complex designs. I am happy to indulge her, but I refuse to throw down any more money on unimaginative cartoon character puzzles. I think puzzles can...
by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings
I’ve seen enough tangram activities in my kids’ math books to know that they are supposed to be great at fostering an early understanding of geometry, spatial reasoning, and design. But eh, my kids just think they are fun and make neat pictures. So when we...
by Cool Mom Staff | Random Coolness
If you’re looking for a cool little holiday gift for a cool old school friend, I’m thinking this old school jigsaw puzzle might fit the bill. As in, 33 1/2 RPM old school. The Vinyl Collection Puzzle by Bob’s Your Uncle is so cool for the right...
by Cool Mom Staff | Toys + Playthings
My kids are all puzzle fans, as evidenced by the thousands of cardboard and wooden pieces strewn about my floor at any given time of the day. But we’ve yet to see anything like the new multiple solution shape puzzles from one of our fave kid’s gear and...