Cool Mom Picks - Battery-Free Fun. Is It Even Possible?

Saturday 11 November

Battery-Free Fun. Is It Even Possible?

Battery: It's one of the first words kids learn, right after "NO!" and "MINE!" and "GIMME!" If a toy moves or makes noise or has any potential for fun whatsoever, then certainly it requires batteries.

Or does it?

Perhaps all some toys need are a little sunlight, like these solar-powered wooden helicopters available at Plastica. Place one in a patch of sunshine and watch the propeller spin. Sadly, it doesn't actually lift off, but kids and adults alike will be fascinated to see solar energy in action.

An energy-efficient and environmentally-sound toy - amen! Now here's hoping it will be a small step in helping the next generation break free of fossil fuels. Or at the very least, end our dependence on Duracell. -Julie

[via mightygoods]

Find More: Toys and Other Playthings

sales, whoo!

- Save 20% on some of our favorite layette essentials at New For Baby with code GMH through 8/1

- Select gift sets of the all natural lotions and oils from Baby Bear Shop are now 20% off

- Eeeeverything is 20% off at Twig through 7/16 including already discount items. Poke around for amazing women and kidswear, home accessories, toys, and other goodies

- Eco-friendly awesomeness awaits you at Nubius Organics, all 20% off with code ECO20 through 7/6

- Take 20% off Organic Style's entire baby collection through July. The discount is applied automatically at checkout if you shop through this link.

- Get 20% off everything at The Polkdot Platypus with code SUMMER20 all week long.

- All jewelry from artist Peggy Li is now 20% off with code JULY08 through 7/15

- Chittypulga is doing a whopping 20-50% off every single thing in their kids clothing department, PLUS use code SPLURGE08 for 10% off all purchases in July, plus free shipping on $100+

- The skater/surfer-inspired spring and summer boys wear at Georgie World (which we love) is up to 40% off for a limited time.

- All shoes and kids clothes at The Pajama Squid are a whopping 30% off through the end of July. Run!

- Tea Collection, the globally inspired children's clothing company, is having its semi-annual online clearance sale to make room for its fall collection.

- Here's an amazing one for you: Serena and Lily is offering $250 off their beautiful cribs and dressers made through partnerships with Morigeau Lepine and NettoCollectioin! Just enter code CRIB250 at checkout through 9/1.

- Use coupon code SUMMER08 at checkout for a 20% discout at Kate's Caring Gifts through 7/10.

- Our fav jewelry stop Blend Creations has a great summer sale going on. Use code CMP10 and get an extra 10% off on purchases over $50 through July 6th

- Code SCHOOLSOUT gets you free shipping on spring styles from Oeuf

- Use code CMPSUMMER for 10% off your order on summer party invites at Paper Shouts through 8/15.

Ask Cool Mom Picks

I was wondering if you have any 'cool picks' of kindergarten or early school memory (K-6) books. I have googled and just havent found the perfect thing. -Amy

Ask Cmp Placeholder

Kudos on being super prepared for Back to School, Amy. We have to say that the School Years journals are definitely a great way to go. Plus, they remind us of what we had when we were kids.

For something that's not necessarily school specific but will allow your boys to keep up with all their year long experiences, including school, check out the This is Me Journal.

Got a gift dilemma? A shopping conundrum? Write to CMP at info@coolmompicks.com.

Here's Something Cool

Lucky Bay Area parents can hit the Renegade Craft Fair's first foray to the West Coast on July 12-13. Buy some awesome stuff for us, will you?

From a global postcard project to a crafting challenge including a T-shirt design competition, 350.org is hosting a variety of fun and educational activities to promote climate change awareness: 350 is the most important number on the planet!

CMP-fave kids performer Uncle Rock has just announced his summer tour line up and parents in NYC, Woodstock, Albany and Northhampton are extra lucky. Check his site for the entire calendar.

We looove Princess Katie and Racer Steve, and if you're around NYC July 6 you get to see them in concert. Lucky you, lucky your kids. Even luckier? They are doing a live concert DVD-shoot on July 13th. Details and advance-tickets at princessracer.com

BabyLegs is inserting golden tickets, Willie Wonka style, into random pairs of BabyLegs through July 15. Stock up and you could win awesome prizes including a trip to Seattle!