We're always on the lookout for wonderful wooden, eco-friendly kids' toys as an alternative to the plastic stuff that seems to be eating up the toy store aisles more and more each year. Etsy is always a great place to turn , and this won…
We have always had a fondness for wooden toys for babies. There's something so satisfying about them in every way, and they really hold up as heirlooms years later--I've got my own from 8 years ago that still look amazing on a shelf, and…
I swear I am not Alarmist Mom. I did not plug every outlet when my kids were toddlers and my jeans were the only pacifier sterilizer I owned. But one thing I knew is that I didn't want my kids sucking on keys, knowing that real keys may …
featured partner If you're looking for a list of the Best Toys for Kids , we've found a great one featuring tons of the smaller brands we love, curated by the indie retailers who actually sell them and interact with parents and other cus…
I can totally justify buying new things to decorate my kids' rooms if they're useful. And we're all huge fans of bins for storage . That's why I'm completely falling over these adorable Japanese storage solutions from an awesome online s…
We're big fans of supporting fair trade at Cool Mom Picks, and it's always fun to find new artisans whose creations we adore. Personally, I love buying fair trade items because responsible purchases make me feel even better about shoppin…
We love it when reeeeeally wonderful things go on sale ...especially when we've been eyeing them for months. Naturally, we want to share the joy with our readers, and this fantastic opportunity is one we'd hate for you to miss. The gorge…
Ah, summer. It's amazing what extra time you find when you're not shuttling the kids back and forth to a zillion activities and games. We've been playing a lot of board games at our house--and some of our favorites come from a great comp…
We're big fans of the clever, charming designs over at 3 Sprouts. I mean, have you seen their adorable warthog hoodie towels and their fun walrus bathtub storage caddy ? Too. Cute. Well, 3 Sprouts has combined modern and playful once aga…
Last summer, after my kids saw some little beach bums flinging skimboards into the surf, they couldn't wait to try the sport themselves. Uh, I'm not sure their tailbones will ever be the same. Let's just say that skimboarding is not easy…
I don't know what it's like in your neck of the woods, but here it's got to be the hottest summer on record. But how many hours can you realistically keep the kids locked in the AC or cooling down in the pool? So we are mighty big fans o…
Q: Hi! Do you have any suggestions for rubber ducks for the bath or any teething toys that don't have paint that can come off when my 10 month old chews on them? He loves the feel of rubber toys but we worry about the paint that comes of…
If you love the idea of toys that represent kids of all sorts , we think you'll dig the way one of our favorite indie companies is Kickstarting some even more fun mix-and-match block sets. And the higher-level rewards might just blow you…
Every so often, it's fun to see how the rich and famous live, especially those with kids. Should you have a spare 10, 20, or 50k lying around , check out these unbelievable kids playhouses. Or hey, if you buy one yourself? Invite us over…
I have to say that one of my proud parent moments is realizing my girls aren't afraid of bugs or worms or things they see in the garden . Of course I can't take credit for it at all (thanks, grandparents!) but nonetheless, I love encoura…
And here I get all excited when my six-year-old puts together a LEGO Lord of the Rings set and only asks for my help twice. Recently opened, artist Nathan Sawaya's solo show Art of the Brick features unbelievable creations all created ou…
Though my kids' bin of play food has been a source of countless hours of play , from "grocery store" to "let's make mommy breakfast," I can't say the food (which includes an orange hot dog and floppy slice of pizza) is all that inspired.…
I dream of taking the kids to Paris, strolling past little cafes, and gazing at La Tour Eiffel. On this Bastille Day those dreams are still just that--le sigh. But I've discovered the cutest handmade play set that will have visions of cr…
We can pick our friends, our noses, but not our families. But thanks to this kit? We can pick exactly what the fam looks like and what they're wearing. Including ninja relatives. Here's what I love so much about this DIY Fair Trade Woode…
If you love showering your children with all-natural goodness in a rainbow of colors, you'll love this veritable smorgasbord of vibrant veggies, scrumptuous sushi, and fruit fit for a king. Just don't let them eat it. Because it's all ha…
I am absolutely fascinated with these posters, which bring classic toys to life in new...or old ways really, by use of vintage patent drawings. The Slinky Poster from art collective Oliver Gal might be my favorite, with it's 40's-era tex…
Despite all the water play of the season, summertime means extra bathtime for my kids to wash off the grimy residue of the day's sunscreen, sweat, and sand. To keep the kids company, long-time favorite Corolle offers plenty of dolls for …
We bet you've at least once bought a set of alphabet blocks as a new baby gift. But buying a set of alphabet blocks that a new baby can enjoy all the way into adulthood? Now that's a really cool gift for a baby born into a home full of, …
Can you help me with a gift for a 9 year old girl? She likes Star Wars...among other things. Thanks! - Jaime via Twitter Ooh, fun one, Jaime. 9 year old girls, like other tweens, can be tough if you don't know them--so many different per…