Celebrate good times. Like, uh, the first day of school.

by Cool Mom Team | Random Coolness

With my kids rapidly becoming tired of our regular summer activities, I can’t be more excited for the start of school. Or at least, that’s the story I’m going with. So to celebrate your kiddo’s first day back (you know, other than the sound of...

School lunch packing made easy

by Cool Mom Team | Random Coolness

Back when I used to pack my own lunches for work, I can’t tell you the number of times I lost or tossed (oops!) perfectly good silverware. And now that I’m in charge of my daughter’s noontime meals, I’m afraid the apple doesn’t fall far...

Environmentally friendly school fundraiser? Reader Q&A

by Christina Refford | Doing Good

I’m trying to find a good elementary school fundraiser for my daughter’s school to change things up a bit in the coming school year. I’d love to do one that doesn’t involve that ubiquitous cookie dough or wrapping paper….and would be...

Crumpler does kids’ backpacks and cool moms everywhere go Yay!

by Mir | School Gear

You probably already know Crumpler for their sturdy, stylish bags for adults. Or at least you should. But now they’ve gone and shrunk two of their favorites down to kid-size and it’s definitely worth a look.The Baby Pea preschool backpack is for the...

Bringing back the lost art of potholder weaving. One bored kid at a time.

by Stephanie Slate | Toys + Playthings

I know you totally made little woven potholders when you were a kid. Or maybe you didn’t. But I did. And loved it. so I loved discovering that Blueberry Forest Toys sells inexpensive potholder looms that look remarkably similar to the one I used to use.Perhaps...

School uniform help? – Reader Q&A

by Cool Mom Team | Tips + Tricks

My daughters attend a school that requires uniforms: Khaki pants and navy blue shirts.  They can wear any solid navy top — no logos or words, and no polos.  Any creative suggestions for some cute tunics, or tees, cardigans? -ShannonI admit I’m a...

Packing school lunches gets more fun. And more eco-friendly.

by Susan | School Gear

I pack school lunches for my kids every day. I don’t mind actually making the lunches; it’s the packaging that gets me, all those little plastic bags bound for the trash, stored in a garish character tie-in lunchbox. That part is depressing.CMP has brought...

Backpacks and lunch boxes and monograms oh my.

by Cool Mom Team | School Gear

So okay, we’ve been fawning over Dante Beatrix way too much lately. First it was their fabulous eco-backpacks made out of 100% recycled bottles which now come in little kid sizes. Then it was their adorable wheelie bags for kids. Next up it was their super cute...

Big yellow school bus

by Christina Refford | Toys + Playthings

Of all the things my homeschooled kids miss about not going “back to school” in the traditional sense, it’s not having a daily ride on a school bus that ranks at the top. And now that they’ve caught site of this handmade Painted School Bus...

Kids’ playhouses that make your backyard the most coveted real estate on the block

by Cool Mom Team | Toys + Playthings

This city mom has a dream, and it includes a second bathroom, a third bedroom, and some actual outdoor space that isn’t owned by the city parks department. If I were to magically come across this dream townhouse (which also should, by the way, be precisely...