Everything is awesome with the new Lego Movie sets

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

Oh you knew I’d go there with the headline, didn’t you? What can I say, just as I said in my Lego Movie review, the song has been stuck in my head for life. Another thing you probably knew: the Lego Movie sets were not long to follow the huge success of...

Fun tooth fairy traditions to help celebrate a first lost tooth. (Sniff.)

by Cool Mom Team | Party Ideas

If your child is about to lose a first tooth–or maybe getting ready to lose a second or third–there are so many wonderful tooth fairy traditions you can create besides the old tooth-for-cash swap. Some are old, some new, some crafty, some high tech.  So on...

Smart toys for girls that defy the pink aisle. In other words, no princesses, ballerinas or “fashionistas,” whatever career that is.

by Liz Gumbinner | Toys + Playthings

This week at Toy Fair, I must say a progressive mama like me had a much harder time than expected scoping out smart toys for girls that defy the pink aisle. In other words, the girl dolls and figures were wearing something beyond princess garb or sparkly pink lace...

The Lego Movie Review – A real block buster.

by Liz Gumbinner | Entertainment + Media

As the cultural discussion continues about building toys for girls and gender specific toy aisles, let me start by saying that my girls have been talking non-stop about The Lego Movie since they first saw a preview for it months ago. They are fans of everything...

Black Wagon’s first ever toy sale starts now. As in right now. Don’t miss it!

by Kate Etue | Toys + Playthings

Cool. Cheap. And your kids will like, oh, everything. Doesn’t get better than that, right? Then check out this weekend’s huge sale at Black Wagon starting today. It’s one of our favorite go-to sites for apparel and toys for babies and kids. The toys...

Getting the party started thanks to Soleil Moon Frye

by Liz Gumbinner | Books for Adults

If you’re looking to amp your your kids’ birthday parties this year with a little more DIY, I feel you. While I’m not a huge crafter by any means, there’s something really gratifying about putting together goodie bags yourself around some crazy...

12 awesome toys you can actually make from cardboard boxes. (Because we all know the best part of the gift is often what it comes in.)

by Liz Gumbinner | DIY

With all the empty cardboard boxes that may still be around your house post-holiday, don’t throw them out! Take a lesson from my kids, who have never seen an empty box they didn’t turn into a playhouse, a race car, or a doll cradle. Since we all know the...

Personalized paper dolls: Coolest gift in the world. Ever.

by Stephanie Slate | DIY

Little kids can be tougher to buy gifts for than it might seem. Either they want absolutely everything, or they can’t think of one thing they want. Which is why I’m flipping out over the personalized paper dolls from Sandy Ford Design. What are they?...

Celebrating Movember when you’re too young to grow a ‘stache

by Delilah S. Dawson | Kid Style

I look forward to Movember every year because my Viking husband looks deliciously scruffy while supporting men’s health awareness with a beard. But if you’ve got a mustache-loving kid in your life who can’t even sprout a few chin hairs, here are some...

Tired of sheets draped across your dining room table? 3 beautiful indoor play tents that will save the day.

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

My kids have always loved having a cozy, private nook to call their own. While a sheet draped over the dining room table can do the trick, I would prefer something that doesn’t interfere with every meal. Instead, check out some cool-looking play tents that are...