At Cool Mom Picks we definitely love all these awesome companies springing up that allow kids to create their own stuffed animals, monsters, or mutant alien hybrid creatures. But if you're on a tight budget , you must head directly for C…
There is nothing quite like the feeling of having everything you need in your purse. Tissues? Check. Crayons? Check. Emergency first aid for all aiments both real and imagined? Check. That's why I am a huge fan of the Plein de Vie On-the…
Once I discovered muslin swaddling blankets, my flannel ones all became changing pad liners. But as the cool weather approaches, there is something wonderfully comforting about wrapping your sweet baby in softness and warmth. With fall h…
It doesn't seem fair that kids can now have a nicer pretend kitchen than my real one. Then again, mine does run on more than just imagination. Our friends at Natural Pod has just debuted two heirloom quality wooden play kitchens that the…
If you're looking for something more eco than a plastic trick or treat bag this year, of course you could paint a pillow case like we like did in the good old days (my parents were green and didn't even know it!) or reuse a shopping bag …
We're always looking out for multicultural dolls, toys and gifts for kids , but so many of them sort of run out of inspiration after the whole "let's do a multiculural doll, toy and gift" part. Besitos Designs , however nails it. The con…
Apparently the upcoming Presidential election is a hot topic at the local elementary school, so I've become a little more careful when spouting off, lest my words be repeated at recess: Well, MY mom says... Thank goodness Linda Ellerbee …
I love Halloween, but prefer it when all the decor falls into to the realm of tasteful instead of "ohmigosh, did you see that crazy thing?" That's one reason I want Details soft felt Halloween hair clips at The Silly Wagon which are full…
Thaddeus Rex's latest CD, Shakin' in Chicago , is for parents and kids who have moved beyond sugar-sweet versions of You Are My Sunshine. (Read: all of us). T. Rex has a unique voice and rocks the acoustic guitar in a way that reminded m…
Does a baby girl need a faux fur vest like the one from France's Jean Bourget? Of course not. But would it totally make your day every time you dressed her in it? Absolutely. Especially when holiday card photo time rolls around and you w…
It's really nice to see a different kind of illustrator lend her talents to childrens clothes--one that seems more suited to a Caldecott winning book than a local flea market with the table between the funnel cakes and the guy with the b…
We're so pleased to announce the birth of CMP editor Kristen Chase's daughter, a.k.a. Baby #3, a.k.a. the beautiful Margot Laine. (Loving the name!) She weighs in at 7 lbs, 15 oz, and an even 20". And she shares a birthday with both John…
When I first received the package of beautifully-decorated Halloween cookies from Fancypants Bakery, I thought they were just too cute to eat. Five minutes later, with mouth full of shortbread, I changed my mind. And they were just as go…
Giving the gift of bibliophilia just became effortless--certainly more effortless than spelling bibliophilia. Left to my own devices, I'd pick an assortment of books for a kid and wrap it up and call it good. GiftLit definitely makes it …
I love the story behind Mookimoo : A seasoned US Coast Guard couple has a baby and six weeks later, she has to go back to work so he turns stay-at-home-dad. He slowly grows into the role managing diaper explosions and feeding routines li…
When planning my firstborn's nursery a few years ago, I did what many before me have done: I looked at a dozen uninspiring paint chips in muted shades of yellow, sage and ecru, and even contemplated a "theme." Eek. If only I had known ab…
I will admit, there are times I am envious of my girls' use of diaper wipes instead of regular old TP. What? It's refreshingly indulgent! But of course, wipes aren't flushable, they're expensive, they're terrible for the planet, and...we…
Not that Yom Kippur is a Hallmark holiday or anything, but oh, how I am sending this Yom Kippur e-card out today to all my friends and observant family. It, along with a whole slew of other atonement-themed cards (seriously), comes court…
I can't believe I'm already starting to bookmark holiday gifts but yep, that's just what I'm doing. And right in time, I discover Happy Chickadee , an online shop featuring absolutely wonderful clothing, accessories, toys, and gear for (…
My husband gives me gift cards for a special occasions with the excuse that I'm just way too picky. Most of the time, I roll my eyes at him, however, had he given me one to 1154 Lill Studio , I would say he was a very smart man. We're al…
It is just so very O Henry that I've got a job giving me access to the cutest barrettes on the planet, and a little girl who refuses to wear them. Even so, when we opened up the package from Little Chirpy Bird and examined designer Cindy…
Look, it can be really hard to suss out which mainstream household cleaners and personal items are better for you and your family than others. Unless you're willing to just beat your laundry on some river rocks and brush your teeth with …
We go the whole nine yards on Halloween, which this year has me running around town for a child-sized red wig and face paint. But considering my daughter's extremely sensitive skin, I'm reluctant to just grab cheapo store brand face pain…
If How to Traumatize Your Children had been available when I remarried, I totally would've bought it as a wedding present for my husband. I think it would've been a fitting welcome to (step)parenthood for him, and I also plan to give it …
