The Last Giveaway of 2007...

We would like nothing more than to give you (yes, you) a $250 gift certificate to The Silly Wagon that you can spend all sorts of wonderful toys, chic baby and kids clothes, artwork and gifts for mama. All you... ... [More]

Editors' Best of 2007: Duds & Shoes

BABY CLOTHESKristen: Maybe it's because my husband and I are both avid guitar players, or because it's one of the most amazing shirts I've ever seen. But either way, Damestarbaby's handsewn guitar tee has won my heart.    Liz: The cozy sweatshirt-styled... ... [More]

Editors' Best of 2007: Stationery & Announcements

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTSKristen: I have to pick Bird and Banner's completely handmade custom invites and announcements. Their personal touch is the next best thing to making all 100 announcements yourself.    Liz: For totally custom, designed just-for-you announcements, the portfolio at Pink Dot... ... [More]

Editors' Best of 2007: Blankets & Baby Accessories

Kristen: The blanket we have from Ellabalou is a favorite of both my children. In fact, I should probably grab a second one and make my life incredibly easier.

Liz: Hooray for Martha of Blankets by Martha, who makes funky lovies with ribbon tags all over them that babies love--all handmade in the US from non-crappy fabrics.

Editors' Picks of 2007: Reads & Tunes

Kristen: Thanks to Taro Gomi's Scribbles book, I've gotten many an uninterrupted shower and bathroom break. That's almost priceless. Liz: Joanne Dugan's 123-NYC counting book goes all the way up to 20 for a change.

Feliz Blahbeblah

  From our families to yours.  Ahna Holder stocking photo via Arte Bebe. ... ... [More]

Editors' Best of 2007: Baubles & Bags

BAGSKristen and Liz: We agree! The gorgeous handcrafted faux leather bags from Crystalyn Kae are original, stylish, practical and way more appealing than some purse with big corporate logos all over it.    JEWELRYKristen: I'm definitely hoping for a necklace from Blend Creations' new... ... [More]

Editors' Best of 2007: Art & Decor

Kristen: My son's walls are decked out in Avalisa art and we both couldn't be happier. Her modern designs and custom color combos were a no-brainer. Liz: Ida Pearle's custom alphabet prints are so charming, they're fast becoming my go-to new baby gift ... [More]

Editors' Picks of 2007: The Coolest of Cool Mom Picks

We know we're not supposed to have favorites, at least when it comes to our kids. But when it comes to our kids' stuff...well, some things we love just a teeny bit more.So this past week, while you've been wrapping... ... [More]

Editors' Best of 2007: Dolls & Toys

DOLLSKristen: I'm still hoping that Santa will bring my daughter a Bamboletta doll. I'm not sure who will love it more -- me or her. Liz: The limited edition mod Gina dolls at Craftsbury Kids are more for older girls... ... [More]

An Amazing Gift for Any Kid: Values

It's important for me that my kids grow up understanding the concepts of charity and benevolence, and that the season season isn't only about what's under the tree. ... [More]

The Anti-Bling Pacifier

With all the scary news lately (toxins and plastics and pthalates, oh my) I'm starting to look at everything that goes into ... [More]

Solid as a Clock

Thanks to frequent military moves and furnished rentals, my daughter's baby room decor was an eclectic mix of favorite items and gifts. Which is a nice way of saying that it had no style whatsoever. ... [More]

Stroking the Kid's Ego With the Printed Word

In African folklore the aardvark is much admired for its diligence. This is a completely appropriate characteristic for the Aardvark Adventure Stories namesake, ... [More]

No Designer Fabric is Too Good for My Kid's Poopy Butt

Lately, I've got a new baby gift plan. Along with something the mama's requested from her big baby superstore registry, I like to surprise her with something handmade and gorgeous and still essential. ... [More]

Merry Christmas to All and To All, Free Legally Dowloaded Music

With all my gift budget tapped, I tried to save some cashola by searching the (extremely picked through) Christmas music offerings at the library. Bad call.
... [More]

Paying it Forward (and Jewelry Too)

As the year draws to a close, we hope you're looking for a few well-deserving organizations to which to bequeath a few tax-deductible dollars. Not that there's any lack of such dot-orgs in the world, but we thought we'd add a really cool one to the list: Trickle Up. ... [More]

My Blanket is Smarter Than Yours

Calculating the formula for the seasonally correct baby blanket is almost as complicated as the quadratic equation. Do you get a winter baby a heavy blanket that can only be used for a few months, or do you give her something that she can use later, even though the new mom might stash it away somewhere and then totally forget about it? ... [More]

Good Vibrations

With my son working on teeth numbers 7 and 8, I'm desperate to find anything that will keep him chewing on something other than me. You think I'm kidding. But with all the research on the effects of some plastics out there, it's tough to do better than a frozen bagel. ... [More]

Shopping With an Eye Towards Warmer Days

I'm definitely in the "One for you...one for me..." camp when I'm holiday shopping, much to the annoyance of the sigOth who says he can never get me something without me having bought it for myself first. ... [More]

It's a Bird. It's a Train...

We've got our first ever two-child plane trip coming up and I'd be lying if I told you I wasn't a little nervous. I figure if I can pack enough fun stuff to keep the two year-old entertained, maybe I can actually suck down a cocktail and relax. ... [More]

When You Just Have to Give In To the Cuteness

Maybe it was all those bad seasonal sweaters we grew up wearing in the 70s and 80s that somehow inflitrated our consciousness, but sometimes we just can't help ourselves - we must must have a snowman-emblazoned onesie for the kid this winter. ... [More]

Not Late, Just Picky

I technically don't yet have a Christmas dress for her. I've been waiting for just the right dress to call to me. Except there's only one week left. Whoops. Fear not you "picky" mamas; when you see the dresses by NoKo, you'll be very glad that you waited. ... [More]

Lightweight Bags, Heavyweight Fashion

Lord knows I love me some leather diaper bags, but as great they look, they're heavy. Jimeale has devised a fashionably fabulous solution. ... [More]

The Newest Teething Solution: Mushrooms

Continually asked for safe teething toys by parents, we're always quick to suggest Sophie Giraffe, Vulli's European fave for decades. But now the company has transitioned from the animal kingdom to the vegetable garden. ... [More]

Cute Bear ISO Good Home. Fingers Will Do.

All I can say about Cheryl A Smith is that she's a nut. A crazy, creative, crafting nut. ... [More]

New, and In No Need of Improvements

It's been said that babies are a marketer's dream - if only they could make purchases themselves. Which is why I'm quietly chuckling over the new New! onesies from new mom/pop run shop, Huddy Buddy ... [More]

Estrogen Surges: Preserve the Memory

So I always thought estrogen was exclusively about raging hormones, hot flashes, and that lovely monthly visitor that comes knocking at the most inopportune times. ... [More]

Attention: Lazy Gift Card Redeemers

Not to look a gift (card) horse in the mouth, but I when I get one I often forget to use it in time. I guess it's people like me who account for the $8 billion in gift cards that gets wasted each year. Yikes.
... [More]

A Little Separation Between Your Kid and the Dining Room Table is Never a Bad Thing

Just because my daughter can feed herself does not mean she actually gets all the food in her mouth. Hence our love affair with Bibbitybop's Placemats. ... [More]

Going Soft

After having two babies, I am a certified blanket snob. There's just no reason to settle for a mildly soft blanket when there are so many amazing ones to pick from. Take this simple yet gorgeous velour blanket from Satsuma... ... [More]

Better You Than Me, Sister

Even having gone through two mostly uneventful pregnancies (I know, don't hate on me), I'm happy now to be back in my regular jeans and regular shoes with not one ounce of lower back pain--and no forthcoming labor and delivery. ... [More]

Personal Cards (Even When They're Not Personalized)

If there's anything that made me more weepy than is customary during those first few days after having my son, it was the kind cards and notes of congratulations that people sent me. ... [More]

I Feel Pretty. Even at 35 Weeks.

The very new label, Bao Bei Maternity, is full of fabulous - from the colors to the styles to the soft fabrics and impeccable construction. ... [More]

The Three Little Kittens Would Never Lose These

Even though snow isn't exactly headed to my part of Atlanta any time soon, that doesn't mean my kids don't need mittens. Chilly little fingers occur with or without the white stuff. ... [More]

The Best PR That Wool Could Ask For

American parents tend to have this hang-up with wool. Maybe generations of itchy grandma sweaters have made us skittish about the fabric but the truth is wool, especially for babies, can be amazing if used properly. ... [More]

Contrary to Popular Belief, Moms Do Have a Few Brain Cells Left

After months spent in OB offices browsing parenting magazines that ran the gamut from mindless fun to downright annoying, I had no idea that there was something out there for moms that was actually (gasp) literary. ... [More]

Like You Needed Another Reason to Shop

As if your credit card doesn't get enough of a workout with daily visits to Cool Mom Picks, we've got more great excuses to pull out the plastic - thanks to some extra fabulous and CMP exclusive sales. If your kids are in... ... [More]

Über-Hoodie

With December weather fluctuating between mildly cold to oddly warm, toddler-sized layering pieces are a mom's best friend. On my own wish list: A Random Nicole hoodie. ... [More]

Awkward Family Dinners No More

If you're looking for a way to get everyone chatting--or just want a way to divert your uncle who always goes off about those damn Congressmen/ weathermen/ killer African bees, fear not. We've found two awesome solutions. ... [More]

Ooohhhh....Glassy.

I'm all about necklaces these days. If I grab one piece of jewelry before I race out of the house (late, as always) it's going to be a necklace. ... [More]

Killing Two New Year's Resolutions With One Fashionable Stone

I know that the time for New Year's resolutions which I mostly end up breaking are still a few weeks away. First on my list, making a better commitment to eco-ing up my place.

Ponytail Moms, Be Not Ashamed

As an avid ponytail wearer, I'm always left with a conundrum when it comes to winter hats. Do I just suck it up and deal with hat head? ... [More]

Giving New Definition to The Soft Shape Sorter

From the Cradle to The Cradle (tm)

There are more "mom" websites and social networking sites popping up than we can shake a BPA-free baby bottle at. And who can blame them? We are collectively awesome and so everyone wants us to grace them with our virtual presence. ... [More]

32 Degrees Out? How Did That Happen?

I am definitely not the together mom that has the warm stroller blanket out and ready to go for the first cold-weather day. And so here it is, December, and I'm still looking for a great blanket ... [More]

Giveaway: $250 Gift Certificate from the Silly Wagon

Boy, did you pick a great month to start subscribing to the free, and yet oh so valuable CMP monthly newsletter. (Since, you know, you were totally about to do just that.)
... [More]

Clean Up Those Toys, Young Lady

If you live in a little-ish place like I do, toy space is a commodity. Of course that doesn't stop the trucks and books and dolls and crayons from accumulating (God bless the grandparents) so we always look for furniture that serves more than one purpose. ... [More]

When Drawing On Purses is Perfectly Okay

I've decided to capitalize on my daughter's prolific talent this year and turn her artwork into gifts for the entire family. For a very special grandmom (I'm talking super special), that means a clutch from LA-based Scribble Couture. ... [More]

Moving On From Macaroni Necklaces

My older daughter and I have finally reached the point where we can do crafts together that involve more than just dry pasta and pipe cleaners. ... [More]

Art You Can Walk On

I have been in love with Lisa Masterson's artwork for so long I could hang it on my walls, my ceiling, lean it against my furniture, and rub it all over my body. But walking on it? Something I hadn't considered. ... [More]

Ordering French Fries Isn't Actually Speaking French

Bilingual educational tools are all the rage in the US these days and The Cool Mom Picks editors have certainly come across our share of DVDs, CDs, books and other tools to get kids speaking everything from Spanish to...well, not Sanskrit. Yet. ... [More]

A Very Merry Binky To You

Neither of my kids took a binky, which was frustrating until recently, now that I see friends trying to coax their toddlers' pacifiers out of their mouths to give to Santa or The Binky Elf. (Who knew?) ... [More]

The Perfect Gift for All Your Flaky Friends

Before kids, I used to custom select the perfect little whatever for every gal on my Christmas list. After kids? So not happening. But that doesn't mean I'm going to stick them all with impersonal gift cards and call it a day either. ... [More]

Genius Baby Clothes. Really.

We parents often have no problem sticking our kids in clothes that proclaim cutie or sweetie-pie or (gak) future model. But when it comes to proclaiming their obvious genetically-determined intellectual superiority, we often stop short. ... [More]

Put Yo Baby on Yo Hip

I can't tell you how much the pouch sling saved my life during the first five months of my son's life-- especially when I wanted to nurse in public. But carrying him in it now at ten months is a bit of a struggle. ... [More]

Pot Luck-y

The Perfect Combination

Aside from the terribly unoriginal "two of something gift, I had absolutely no idea what to get my friends' twin girls -- until I found the handmade PB & J necklace at the charmingly named Violet Gumdrops. ... [More]

No Bells, No Whistles

When I was a kid, we didn't have any animatronic plush animals with voice chips or virtual reality video games. We played with sticks and rocks and we liked it! ... [More]

Mommy's Little Headbanger

If there's one thing that I've learned about being a mom in 2007 it's that I have layette options. Lots of them. Just ask baby bearers from the good old nineties about trying to find a Vivenne Westwood-style onesie or socks that didn't have cutesie pink bows on them. ... [More]

A Super Eco-Conscious Pick, Even for the Super-Eco Conscious

While I do my part to recycle and use cloth grocery bags, I am definitely killing a few trees (okay, maybe more than a few) with my oodles of Christmas cards this year. Oh how my  eco-conscience disapproves. ... [More]

Hungarian Beauty: Beyond Zsa Zsa

As moms, we all know that personal hygiene isn't what it used to be in our pre-baby days. Needless to say, regular pedicures and bi-monthly facials are a thing of the past for me. ... [More]

I'd Like To Buy a Vowel

Calling all word freaks who happen to dig cool jewelry: We've just found a loquacious charmer which speaks volumes about your percipience. ... [More]

The Best Wrapped Package of All

So we swore we weren't covering any cutesie Christmas onesies this year. No Baby's First Christmas shirts, no Jingle Bells jingly caps, no Bwing Me Pwesents Santa bib. (Eek) ... [More]

Crankypants Makes Us Not So Cranky

Handknit baby stuff, as we've seen, runs on a remarkably broad continuum from treacly, scratchy grandma styles to painfully amateur designs that look sized for dolls. With three legs. ... [More]

Watch the Birdie

Piggy banks? Isn't that like sooooo every year since 1582? For a fresher take on penny-saving I'm loving the idea of trading piggies for birdies.
... [More]

Dieter-in-the-Box

Spurred on by one of our favorite readers seeking a not made-in-China Jack in the Box for her daughter this holiday, we went on a mad internet quest to help a mama out. ... [More]

Tutus for Even the Tutu Wary

As my toddler grows old enough to express clothing preferences, I'm a little less averse to frilly tutu kind of stuff and a little more into making her happy. (Don't make me admit it in public.) ... [More]

A Clutch That Has Absolutely Nothing to Do With Diapers

The only clutch I own these days is the kind that holds diapers and wipes. But when I stumbled on the leather Mail Clutch from Toronto designer Cha Cha, I started booking a babysitter for New Year's Eve, like, yesterday. ... [More]

When Not Just Any Old Stocking Will Do

Considering I grew up with a gorgeous handmade felt stocking given to me by my godmother, it's not in me to settle for some $18.99 mass-produced one for my own kids. And so I've searched high and low to find the perfect Christmas stockings this year. ... [More]

My Baby Wrote Me a Letter

Now that my older daughter is reading and writing, I'm eager to share my love of personal correspondence with her. But then, I'm not ready to spend the cash on the fancy monogrammed stuff for her just yet. ... [More]

Wait, So Moms Breastfeed in the Winter Too?

We've seen our fair share of nursing cover-ups 'round these parts. The interesting thing is, designers seem seem worried about keeping their pieces lightweight--as if a baby didn't just come out of a 98.6 degree environment. ... [More]

Gift Wrap Without the Guilt

If you've been around the web anytime in the last few weeks you'd know there are eco gift guides galore. But I always have to snicker at the idea of some biodegradable hemp-based lipstick (or whatever) beautifully gift wrapped in one-time use paper. ... [More]

Baby's First Vanity Plate

The latest hilarious, totally unnecessary, but absolutely fun item out for the parent who has everything: BabiePlates, customized European-style license plate for your carriage or stroller. ... [More]

Hair Clips That Make the Other Hair Clips a Little Envious

In our house, stocking stuffers weren't the cheap crappy things you didn't feel like wrapping, but rather the really nice (and sometimes expensive) loot that just so happened to fit in our stockings. ... [More]

Mommy Likes the Leather

Having just picked up the sad, scattered remains of a beaded ring just now destroyed by my brute of a 6 month-old, I forgot how tough babies can be on mommy's baubles. ... [More]