Great party favors for 3 year olds? Reader Q+A

by Kate Etue | Party Ideas

If you could do a post on cool favor ideas, that’d be great!  My daughter’s third birthday is coming up this fall, and I like to get children’s party favors for 3 year olds that won’t be thrown away when the guests get home! -CMP reader...

The 5 best double strollers from our favorite baby gear pros. (And a sneak peek at the newest ones coming out!)

by Esther Chen | Baby

File under problems I never thought I’d have: Agonizing over double strollers. With a 17-month-old in tow and a brand new baby, I’ve been feeling the pressure to pick the perfect ride. If I was still in New York where my primary means of transportation...

The best train table for kids with plenty of storage? Reader Q & A

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

There are so many train tables out there! Can you help let me know what’s the best choices? Storage is an important factor for me.   Looking more like a low coffee table than a cartoon-colored train table, I love Pottery Barn Kids’ Caroline Activity...

Gender neutral crib bedding ideas? Reader Q + A

by Liz Gumbinner | Baby

Hi Cool Mom Picks! I’m looking for some cute gender neutral crib bedding ideas for my surprise baby who will be here soon. I like modern design and bold patterns but I’m open to other ideas. Can you help? Thanks, Julie   First of all, congrats Julie!...

Best gifts for 8-year-old boys: ideas that will get a big “wow.” Reader Q & A

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

What are the best gifts for an 8-year-old boy? I’m looking for a big gift, in the $50-$100 range. —CMP reader, via Twitter   Oh, you mean the kind of gift that makes a child pause while unwrapping, shout out with glee, and rush over to give you a big hug? Well,...

Book log for kids? Reader Q&A

by Christina Refford | Books for Kids

Do you have a recommendation for a good “Books I’ve Read” journal or notebook for kids? -Suzanne, via FacebookBook logs or journals are a great way to give kids tangible pride in all the reading they’ve done, as well as a place to look back to...

Birthday party ideas for a 4 year old with a garden theme? Reader Q&A

by Christina Refford | Party Ideas

I am planning a garden-themed 4th birthday party for my daughter in a few weeks. I need some creative inspiration! So far, we’re going to have the kids each plant something in a pot to take home .. And that’s all. I need ideas for other things –...

Comfy mom shoes that don’t look like mom shoes? Answers from a stylist.

by Cool Mom Team | Tips + Tricks

Q: I need some new ideas for cool comfy mom shoes so I’m not in my gym sneakers every day this summer but still can run around all day. Help! -Erin LThere are so many great options for busy moms these days. Your instinct is right: keep your gym sneakers in the...

DIY teacher gifts from the class? Reader Q+A

by Christina Refford | DIY

Help! We are trying to come up with an end of year DIY teacher gift from the whole classroom for our kindergarten teacher. Something every kid can participate in but won’t require too much work from the parents. I know Cool Mom Picks will have great ideas. Thank...

First Communion Gift Ideas? Reader Q&A

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

My 8 year old niece is about to celebrate her First Communion, and I don’t have any good gift ideas. Can you help? Thanks, Sarah I don’t remember much about my First Communion oh-so-many-years-ago, but I think my relatives gave me cards with a few dollars...