Cool Mom Picks - Big Brands Doing Cool Things

Saturday 26 July

Make My Own Monster: No Sewing Required

In theory, I do love those make-your-own-doll kits, but even with the craftiest of kids (and moms) at the helm, they still scream "homemade" a little louder than you're hoping for at times. (Oops...there goes Teddy's eye.) ... [More]

Thursday 26 June

Big Brands Doing Cool Things: Aurora's Eco-Plush Animals

Mostly we're fans of handmade plush around here, but we also understand that not everyone wants to spend $85 on a penguin hand-knit from recycled sweaters then hand-stuffed with locally harvested cotton. ... [More]

Wednesday 25 June

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A 300K: Cool Mom--and Cool Dad--Approved

I can say without exaggeration that our apartment has been overrun by the most obnoxiously adorable everything in the world for Liz to consider for review. She recently caught my attention, however, with an e-mail from Sony about a new camera. I like cameras. I like new things. I can only imagine I'd like a new camera. ... [More]

Sunday 08 June

Big Brands Doing Cool Things: The Eco TV from Phillips

Let's face it, what most guys are really hoping for for Father's Day is that big screen TV. I know my own sigOth's wish list includes a vast array of expensive electronic toys for boys. Like really expensive. Like the kind that require a trip to Circuit City with the Platinum Card. ... [More]

sales, whoo!

- NEST Materity & Baby is currently have an end of summer sale (up to 40% off items from NEST by Swanky, Fleurville, JSchatz, MDMoms, Pedipeds, Kate Quinn Organics and more!)

- There's so much gorgeousness on sale at Nonchalant Mom at up to 50% off right now, it's crazy not to pop by and take a peek.

- Save 10% at the very cool BlueSky Rocket through 9/30 with code BACKTOSCHOOL

- Check out Joyababy's great summer sale and 30% off their fantastic diaper clutches!

- Slick Sugar is having a sale: grab the rockin' goods before it is too late. Plus, use code SAVE30 at checkout to save 30% on all regularly-priced items as well!

-Amazon's doing an amaaaaazing promo for new moms: Shop your registry through 9/30 and get six months of free Seventh Generation diapers! Click over for all the details.

-Moxie Kids still has reduced prices on the most hip, trendy and fabulous Summer items.

-Serena and Lily is having a craaaazy first-ever site-wide sale: up to 50% off through the end of August.

Ask Cool Mom Picks

I need some gender neutral birthday gifts for 3-4 year olds to stock up on for the year. Any ideas under $10? -Tara

Ask Cmp Placeholder

Wow Tara, you're testing us!

Back to Basics Toys lets you sort by price and age - We found a classic Slinky, a fun Richard Scarry book, and a rubber horseshoe set, or for $12.99 there's a Viewmaster set - awesome!

A few others sites to check out: Kangarooboo (use code CMP5 for an extra 5% off), Fred Flare, and One Good Bumblebee.

And you know what's cool and generally under $10? Mr. Potato Head.

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

Here's Something Cool

Our friend Designmom is hosting a slew (like 165 +) of silent auctions to benefit momblogger NieNie who, along with her husband, sustained severe burns as a result of a small plane crash. All proceeds will help to support their four children as well as contribute to their lengthy treatment.

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Club Med is inviting kids to win their family a free vacation by submitting a dance to "Dance in the Sun" by September 15. Watch this instructional video or visit Club Med Crazy Signs for complete rules.

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Sesame Street has totally redone their website including over 3000 videos and 400 games. Which means we can plop our kids in front of the computer now instead of the TV and feel way better about it. Nice job, Sesame Workshop!

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Attention lucky Portland moms! Make sure to check out the Green Sprouts Fest on September 13 at Peninsula Park. Great way to check out eco-friendly options for kids and the whole family.

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LA area moms: On 9/10, hit the Rich Lil Pishers event for some mama pampering, plus designer baby duds shopping at up to 70% off retail. Click for the juicy details.

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The Responsibility Project website may have a humongo corporate backer, but it's got some excellent content too, like a series of short films made by very high quality directors that's worth watching with older kids.

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"It's about freaking time!" says CMP co-editor Kristen chase in reference to Congress's new bill to ban phthalates from US toys. Read all about it in her article on Eco Child's Play

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Want to check out your favorite bloggers dishing on cool home decor for families? Check out Linden Street's Home Style Guide which just launched. This week, you'll be privy to one of Dooce's favorite etsy shops, and learn what campy piece of art CMP co-editor Liz used to decorate her daughter's bedroom.

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