The best homeschooling resources right now for newbies: ELA, science, math, and social studies home learning.
With all the school closures right now, we know so many of you are looking for the best homeschooling resources. (Like, a lot of you!) We hear you! So first, I suggest you read my post on a homeschooling mom’s tips for teaching your kids at home during school...
The most reassuring, helpful, and detailed expert tips for talking to kids about Coronavirus and managing their concerns | Spawned Special Episode 193
As the COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak has increased, and life as we know it seems to be changing by the second beyond our control, parents are really struggling. A lot. I knew right away we needed to have a conversation with Dr. Ken Ginsburg, pediatrician and...
Outstanding videos and resources to teach our kids about the Holocaust on Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Today marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Holocaust Memorial Day. It’s particularly poignant this year, with the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau Death Camp. The sad truth is, the older we all get, the more the survivors and...
Brain Pickings introduces Art Pickings, featuring the most incredible artwork for children’s rooms and beyond.
Those of you who are also fans of Maria Popova’s Brain Pickings may know that it’s one of our own favorite sites too. We include their list of favorite children’s books on our own annual lists of the best children’s books lists of the year....
Why it might be time for you to break up with your phone | Spawned Episode 156
Is your phone ruling your life? Does your brain need a break? During our recent conversation with Catherine Price, science journalist and author of How To Break Up With Your Phone, we learned the science behind why our phones are so enticing, and how we can...
10 super easy, totally free ways to help support your favorite independent publishers + keep that content free for you!
It’s hard out there for an independent publisher. But here we are, like we have been for the past 13 (whoa!) years, putting out out stories, offering tips, and uncovering cool finds that we really hope our readers enjoy — all while making sure it remains...
Comparing 4 prom dress rental sites to save you time, money, and dressing room meltdowns
We all know that buying a prom dress can be an exhausting and expensive process, but after learning about these prom dress rental sites, I’m convinced it really doesn’t have to be. These rental sites all let you browse online, select a dress to borrow for...
Can astrology help you find more direction in life? It can when you look at it this way. | Spawned episode 148
Whether you’re a skeptic, an astrology devotee, or just curious about the science behind it, we had the most fascinating chat with Mimi Truong, a life coach, trained lawyer by background…and an astrologer. She combines strategic coaching expertise with her...
The US Negro Nurses of WWII | Women’s History Month Stories to share with your kids.
I believe if Women’s History Month gives you an opportunity to learn even even one single new story about important women in history who you didn’t know before — and then share that story with your kids — then that would be fantastic. So I...Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!
We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, easier, more organized, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds.
Trivia: It was called Cool Mom Sh*t for the first two days. (Yeah, we rethought that.)
We had no idea our site would grow to become a major lifestyle network, that we'd end up sharing our finds with the TODAY Show and Martha Stewart, that we'd be able to make a real difference for so many small businesses and women-run companies, or that we'd end up with an incredible community of the coolest readers on the planet. (If we do say so ourselves).
But we did.
And we still love what we do every single day.
We're so glad you're here.
Our Podcast. (It’s won awards and everything!)
Coronavirus Support + At-Home Learning Help for Families
* An ongoing list of the most trusted Coronavirus websites and resources
* Expert tips for talking to your kids. Very reassuring!
* What to buy beyond toilet paper and canned food
* Pantry-stocking tips from someone who's trained her whole life for this
* The best ways to clean and disinfect your phones and gadgets
* Safety tips for orderinng take-out and delivery right now
* 15 awesome podcasts to keep kids engaged
* 7 gym alternatives keeping us sane
* Homeschooling 101: Tips for newbies
* How to create a homeschool schedule that works for you
Doing Good: We’re Supporting…
What are your top questions about kids + tech?
“Please share your tips for setting up a new iPhone for my 12 year old!”
“Help! I need dairy/nut free appetizer ideas to bring to a party.”
Cool Gifts for Everyone. Who Are You Shopping For?
* Coolest Gifts of the Year for Teens + Tweens
* Cool Tech Gifts for Everyone On Your List
* Cool Gifts for Guys Who Have Everything
* Sentimental Grandparent Gifts and Keepsakes
* Our Favorite Gifts That Give Back
* Personalized Gifts You Can Still Get in Time if You Hurry
* Cool Food Gifts to Buy or DIY
* Cool Self-Care Gifts for Women
* The Best Teacher Gifts According to Actual Teachers
* Cool STEM Toys and Gifts for Kids
* Cool Sibling Gifts That Kids Can Share
* Beautiful Handmade Toys for Kids
* Cool Style + Beauty Gifts for Women of Any Age (ahem)
* Ultra-Cool Men's Gift Ideas (For Real)
* Cool Gifts For Tween Girls 9-12
* Cool Gifts For Tween Boys 9-12 (Yes, Girls Will Like Them Too)
* Sweet Personalized Gifts for Grandmas
* Cool Gifts for Couples * Cool Gifts for Star Wars Fans * Meaningful Gifts for Eco-Conscious Kids* Cool Toys + Gifts for One-Year-Olds * DIY Gifts for Favorite Teachers * 50+ Cool Gifts for Adults under $15
Work with us!
