Cool Mom Picks Collections

cool mom picks collections

Curated picks from the Cool Mom Picks editors

Teacher Appreciation Gifts

As we near the end of the school year, remember all of your kids' amazing teachers with a little something that lets them know how important they really are.

7 easy DIY craft ideas for National Teacher Appreciation Day or end of year teacher gifts

With the end of the school year looming (cue the screams of delighted children everywhere), it's time to start thinking of ways to thank the tireless, wonderful, and inspiring teachers in our kids' lives.

DIY teacher gifts from the class? Reader Q+A

Help! We are trying to come up with an end of year DIY teacher gift from the whole classroom for our kindergarten teacher.

If you can read this, make sure you thank a teacher this week

Though we sooooo appreciate our kids' teachers every day of the school year, we make a special effort to thank those special ones during Teacher Appreciation Week, which happens to be right now.

A teacher necklace that beats an apple

With three involved-in-everything kids, there is no way I can spend more than a few dollars on teacher thank-you gifts, even for their favorites. So I now approach my fellow parents to pool our dollars together for one nicer item.

Great DIY gifts for Teacher Appreciation Week earn you an A for effort

Teacher Appreciation Week starts today, but don't worry; you have all week to help your kids do one of these great (and mostly free!) projects. Just make sure you turn it in on time.

Retirement gift for teacher? Reader Q&A

I need to find a retirement gift for my daughter's first grade teacher. I saw your teacher gift suggestions post and thought they were great, and wondered if you had any ideas for a retirement gift. -Amy

If you can read this, thank a teacher. Like, today.

It's National Teacher Appreciation Week, meaning free pedicures and lattes should be raining down on all those lovely people who take care of our kids' precious minds throughout the school year. So, don't hold back: Tell a teacher how much you appreciate all the hard work they do.

You can never thank a teacher enough (really)

Looking for a gift that's Just Right for your child's teacher? A wee gift that says "We appreciate everything you do!" without getting too personal?

Teacher gifts: Better than buying the teacher a pony

Every year I tell my children's teachers thank you, and every year it feels inadequate. Often when I write notes to go with various teacher gifts, I write, You totally deserve a pony, but I thought this would make less of a mess.

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Picks to make your Memorial Day memorable

Memorial Day is right around the corner to usher in the unofficial start of summer! Here are some picks for your outdoor celebration.

Cool patriotic kids' shirts beyond the red, white, and blue

With a husband in the Air Force Reserves, you can bet that Memorial Day means more to us than the unofficial start of summer and a long lazy weekend. And while in years past I deck the kids out in red, white, and blue, this year I've got the coolest t-shirts that pay a little homage to exactly what my husband does when he goes off to work.

Patriotic printables for your summer picnic

After I hit our local Memorial Day parade, I plan to do a whole lot of nothing but eat, drink and spend a few moments thanking those brave men and women who gave everything so I could live in this wackily lovable country. But before I enjoy some food and drink with the family, I plan to spend a few moments with my printer grabbing a few summer decorations for our picnic table.

Cuter than the average pic-a-nic basket

I don't care if Toronto hasn't quite gotten the spring memo yet-- I'm already dreaming about park visits and picnic lunches. And when I spotted this adorable insulated picnic lunch bag at ModCloth, I fell in love.

Hey kids - Go play outside!

Here in Atlanta the weather has been nice since the beginning of March, which means my kids have already exhausted two boxes of sidewalk chalk. When I spied this book of outdoor activities for kids at the Mom 2.0 Summit last week, I knew I had to pick it up.

The picnic blanket you'll actually use... I promise

I'm always kind of envious of those other more-prepared-than-I-am moms. You know the ones: They have an extra sippy cup when one falls on the ground, they carry Band-Aids everywhere, and they're never without an extra snack or two.

It's Memorial Day - get out the linen!

Memorial Day is here which means goodbye wool, hello breezy, beautiful linen. Even when it comes to your kids' playthings.

Picnic Week: Built NYC's Neoprene Six-Pack Tote

My memories of picnicking as a child include my poor dad struggling to carry a giant plastic cooler weighing approximately 100 pounds to our picnic site. He'd heave the monstrous beast onto a picnic table and then go sit down to mop the sweat off his brow. Fun start to the day!

Picnic Week: The Diaper Dude Blanket

Life's a picnic, or so the saying goes, until you try to take three kids on one. Just when I need them all to carry something, they all decide it is too heavy, they are too tired, and where are we stopping?

Picnic Week: The Mod Bento Lunchbox

I'm tired of unpacking a picnic lunch and finding that the sandwiches have been squished or the plastic containers have spilled their contents all over the inside of the cooler. Next time, I am putting things in the colorful, streamlined bento lunch box from LA's Plastica boutique.

Picnic Week: Cool Handmade Napkins and Eco-Tableware

While in the great outdoors, someone once said, Take Only Memories, Leave Only Footprints, which is really a polite way of saying, Don't You Dare Throw That Cup On The Ground, Bucko. If only everyone heeded this, my picnics in the park would not be marred by the errant soda can or piece of litter. So we suggest you do your part the next time you decide to dine al fresco by packing beautiful cloth napkins and colorful plates, cups and cutlery that's meant to come back home with you.

Cool Mom Picks and Cookie Magazine Do Picnics: The Picnic Tote from Hable Construction

Every time I meander through the West Village, I have to make a detour up Perry Street to see what's new at Hable Construction. They just seem to get the combo of modern textiles with practical design every single time. So it's no surprise that their picnic tote is the one the CMP editors are coveting the most this year.

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Let's get ready to swim!

If you're as ready for pool and beach season as we are, then you'll love our favorite swimwear picks for kids and moms.

7 of the coolest swim trunks for boys. Bring it, summer!

Our neighborhood pool opens at the end of this week (whoo!), so I'm busy tracking down stylish, swim trunks for my son that will last us all summer long. While last week we found some great swimsuits for girls, for those of you with a boy like me, here are some of my favorite picks for the upcoming pool days and beach trips in your near future.

The best age-appropriate bikini swimsuits for little girls. As in, no, they don't need to dress like teenagers.

If I fall on my sword for one thing every year, it's that retailers need to provide us with more appropriately modest two-piece swimsuits for our daughters.

UV swimwear to keep our girls (and boys) covered

Here's a cool New Zealand brand that knows a little something about cool swimwear for boys and girls that has nothing to do with premature sex appeal and everything to do with actual swimming. (Weird, right?)

What snow? Think swim! Tea Collection debuts girls' swimwear line

Despite the current snowpocalypse conditions on the East Coast, groundhogs across the country insist that warm weather is just around the corner. So we've decided to think positive and dream of sunny days ahead.

And now, all the cute kids' swimsuits go on sale

So of course as soon as we're stocked up on swimsuits for my girls for the summer, we start seeing the very same ones on sale.

The cutest beach robes for your little beach bums

Now that our neighborhood pool is open, my kids and I practically live there, Which that means I'm willing to spend more on good quality towels and swimsuits--a lesson I learned after going through far too many per kid last summer.

More bathing suits for little girls that are big on style, not skin

I'm so happy to know that our recent post on appropriate swimsuits for little girls was so well-received! Here's another adorable option for you, which I fell in love with when I saw it on my niece this past weekend.

Board shorts for boys go Japanese pop

I'm a sucker for Harajuku-inspired goodness. The colors are so fun, the designs are loud and perfect for kids who are confident and love standing out.

8 girls' bikinis and two-piece swimsuits that are...appropriate.

Last summer, I shopped around for bikinis and two-piece swimsuits for little girls that didn't make them look like teens before their time. Our readers responded so positively, I thought I'd take a browse around this year and see what looks promising.

UV swimwear lets girls play it safe, and adorable, in the sun.

Hooray, it's unofficially summer this week! That mean fun days at the beach, and for parents, the grand hunt for UV swimwear and the perfect sunblock to keep our kids safe.

The Hanna Andersson sale gets us ready for swimsuit season (hooray!)

So I'm clicking around the Hanna Andersson webshop, just seeing what's what for spring, because I love how durable their clothes are, especially if you've got multiple kids and are familiar with the phrase "hand-me-down." But hey! As it turns out...big sale!

Cool board shorts for boys - Reader Q&A

I'd love to find some boys' board shorts that don't look like gangster-wear. Can you help? -reader question via Twitter

7 two-piece bathing suits that don't make little girls look like teenage girls

I'll say it: The bathing suit choices for little girls are abhorrent these days--teeny string bikinis, plunging v-necks, high cut briefs, ruching at the "cleavage" presumably to create more of it. It's making me crazy.

Swim trunks for even skinny boys

I fell in love with the sturdy, stylish boys clothes from Red 21 Boys last fall, so when I heard they had launched a cruise wear line, it was perfect timing.

The long of board shorts

With summer officially underway, I am busy getting my beach bag stocked so I can run off to the pool at a moment's notice. Along with towels, my unfashionable floppy hat and tons of sunscreen, I'm going to be including the new UV Board Shorts from Baby Banz for my son.

Essential eye protection goes underwater

If you're a longtime Cool Mom Picks reader, then you already know Baby Banz as the quintessential purveyor of eye protection for little ones in the sun--plus we were excited when they started making beachwear. But now, right in time for winter swim lessons, we're happy to learn they've branched out into swim goggles.

Board shorts for girls? Like, totally.

From hour-long swim lessons to screaming leaps over our backyard sprinkler, my daughters will spend much of the summer in their bathing suits. That's why we're turning to the bathing suits from Girls4Sport which are made for active, run-don't-walk toddlers, girls and women.

Girls' bikinis that aren't too itsy bitsy or teeny weeny

It took me a while to get past my weirdness about little girls in bikinis, until I realized that it's actually way easier for diaper changes. But I still prefer bandeau style tops or halters, so I was glad to see that Mama Om has added a few to their collection of designer girls swimsuits this season.

Let's go surfin' now

I may have mentioned once or forty times that our family spends a lot of time in the pool. Which means that we buy bathing suits as part of the new baby layette. Problem is, it's not that easy to find cool swimwear sized for surfer dudes under a year old.

Swimsuits for moms who might have forgotten to do their pilates. All year.

Waaaay back before I had kids, I could get away with wearing any old cute little swimsuit found at my local boutique. But now the thin layer of spandex accompanied by teeny tiny straps just doesn't cut it anymore, so I often turn to a couple of our secret swimwear sources each Summer.

Got goggles? Get Gogglemate.

I love that my older two kids are such enthusiastic swimmers. They're literally in the pool all year long, but that also gives them ample opportunity to complain about how their goggle straps pull their hair.

Sun protection clothing? Almost that time again.

II'll do whatever it takes to help my kids avoid the pain of a sunburn--and avoid me having to listen to them whine about it--but even so, sometimes I forget to reapply sunscreen or miss a spot. My bad.

Throwing in the towel on my old hooded towels

I just checked out one of the designer hooded towels from Tess & Tallulah, and once again I'm smacking myself upside the head and wondering where they were when my babies were cold and wet and drying off with some scratchy, sub-par, threadbare version.

A Reusable Swim Diaper. For Real.

We're year-round pool goers in this family, and the water-worshipping indoctrination starts early. Out of the womb and into the pool, I say. That is, once I've gotten you out of your diaper, out of your clothes, into your swim diaper, and into your suit. Sigh.

Swimwear Season: Don't Panic Just Yet.

Swimsuit shopping has never been one of my favorite outings - not even in the days before I had to reconcile my hot mama ideals with my postpartum realities. The suits that look great on a hanger generally become total fashion don'ts on me

Somewhere on the Toddler Swimwear Continuum Between Innapropriate and Amish

It's bathing suit season and I'm not ready. Not for me (although really, I'm not ready) but for my three year old daughter who, if this year's crop of kids suits are any indication, is supposed to be wearing a string bikini, a flirty tankini that says "hula honey" across the chest, or something with cherries on the nipples.

Hats Off to Plastisock Hats

After last weekend rednecking it up at my mom's house with a toddler pool on the front lawn and my cute naked girls, I realized it was probably time to start thinking sun protection.

Bathing Suits That Don't Advertise Your Momness

There's nothing more painful for me than trying to find a bathing suit that fits my new post-childbearing body along with my style sense. But I recently discovered Poppi Swim and Sport, and now I'm actually excited about getting into the pool this year. And no, I never thought I'd say that.

Swimming with Konfidence

It's Memorial Day - as in the official start of swim season. I know, I know, it's just too hard to choose between trombone for toddlers and, pre-k/ickboxing. But whether you're the type to go overboard on kids' activities or not, I hope you're fitting swim lessons in there somewhere.

The Three Filthiest Words: Bathing Suit Season

If you're like me, childbirth left you with a sorry excuse for a tummy and a profound fear of garments ending in the suffix -ini.

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Father's Day gifts for the best dads out there

Have a dad in your life that you'd like to surprise with something awesome this Father's Day? Look no further! (except to check out our Father's Day Gift Guide for even more ideas!)

Dad's Book of Awesome Projects. Yep, dads are crafty too.

I like to think of myself as a closet crafter, someone who secretly loves DIY projects but can never find the time to do them. Well, now that my kids are almost out of school for the summer, I'm determined to roll up my sleeves with them, and I found just the book to help me do it.

Cooper and Kid: an "awesome box" just for dads.

It was inevitable that with the proliferation of monthly boxes for moms, that someone would come along with a version for dads. And we're pleased to see it has nothing to do with "reminding" dads that they are incapable of cooking or changing diapers; but rather, it's about dads who like to play with their kids.

Father's day gift ideas? 10 questions from readers with lots and lots of answers

Father's Day is only one week away so no wonder we've been fielding so many questions from our readers about last minute gifts for Father's Day!

A Father's Day tie for a cause. Our kind of tie.

If a special dad you know would like a little tie wardrobe upgrade, here's the perfect tie for him. Because it not only looks great, it supports an awesome cause too.

A valet tray - cool Father's day gift idea

At least once a day (sometimes more), my husband is searching for his keys and wallet. And don't even get me started about the piles of change all over my house.

When is a cool tie more than cool tie? When it's a cool Father's Day ecard.

When I think of Father's Day, two things immediately come to mind: ties and cards. Both of which can be awesome, and not trite--provided you know what to look for.

Funny Father's Day cards that actually are

Finding a funny father's day card that has nothing to do with golf, grilling, tools, beer, or leaving the toilet seat up is not an easy task, as I've discovered. And yet--voila.

5 cool personalized key chains for Father's Day

Every time I see my father-in-law, he tells me how much he loves his Father's Day gift from a few years back, a personalized key chain I had made for him from the kids. In fact, I'm pretty sure it's his favorite gift of all time

A Father's Day gift from the kid. Of the kid.

Now let me first tell you, normally, I get a little panicked about Father's Day gift-giving, while consoling myself with the knowledge that, worse comes to worst, my husband always sincerely appreciates a card from the kids. But with this discovery, I'm totally calm--because he's getting personalized cards of the kids

A DIY Father's Day gift, no crafty genes required

As much as I love to give my husband a handmade DIY Father's Day gift from the kids, I'm not the craftiest person in the world.

Marc Jacobs honors kids with two daddies, or two mommies. And we honor Marc Jacobs.

Obviously, we've got Father's Day on the brain lately. Which means we're also thinking about fathers of all kinds. Evidently, Marc Jacobs is in the same place. So we're standing up and applauding this beautiful t-shirt he's created to support an amazing cause.

On Father's Day, just remember the way to a man's heart is not always through his remote control.

While you can expect a lot more ideas for dads in our upcoming Father's Day Gift Guide series, we couldn't wait to share this awesome one for the food loving father in your life. After all, isn't that all of them?

9 Last-minute (but totally great) Father's Day gifts

With Father's day this coming Sunday, we've pulled together some of our favorite last-minute gifts that you can have ready before the big day.

Dad's greatest hits, from his greatest fans

Ask my kids what songs make them think of their dad, and they'll rattle off a bunch of Rock Band tunes--which gives you a hint as to one of their favorite pastimes. Chances are your kids too can name some songs that make them think "dad", and for this Father's Day, I love this inexpensive and personalized gift that puts all those tunes in one place.

Fathers-in-law deserve love (and humor) on Father's Day too.

It's no news that Cool Mom Picks loves cards from Kiki Parry's Alternate Greetings. Her slightly inappropriate and hysterical quips are perfect for those moments when you want your message to be just a little different.

A little father's day gift for all the new dads of the world, no gift wrap required

When we discovered the movie Being Dad last August, Mir gave it an enthusiastic thumbs-up. She loved this look at 40 normal, often funny new dads (no "touchy-feely over-earnestness") and a few experts confessing the real scoop on newborns

Last-minute Father's Day cards that are worthy of the World's Greatest Dad

I'm not exactly a procrastinator, I just tell myself I can always do something tomorrow. As in, I'll go out and get that great Father's Day card tomorrow.

Geek may be a four letter word, but then, so is cool

My husband's favorite childhood memory may involve cracking open his brand new Atari game system and having a marathon Pong session, so it's no surprise that he grew up to be a tad tech-obsessed.

Dear Dad: I found you the perfect book for Father's Day

Stumped for Father's Day? Maybe it's because I'm married to a photographer (though I don't think so), but I'm thinking that if Dear Dad from Chronicle Books doesn't bring a little tear to his eye, he might not actually be human.

Tools for those a little green around the grills

Yes it's kind of a cliche that all dads like barbecuing and therefore all need grill accessories for Father's Day. But at least in my family, all the dads do like barbecuing and need grill accessories for Father's Day, so there.

Possibly the coolest thing to put a drink on, ever.

I'm in love with a set of drink coasters if such a thing is even possible. But when I spotted these handmade director coasters on etsy's Storque blog this morning, my heart started racing, my palms got all sweaty, and I think, my friends, that that is love.

The James Bond wallet for Father's Day

While big kids may be busy at camp in the coming weeks stitching up a leather wallet for Father's Day (and I'm sure it's lovely), I think we can all safely agree that stainless steel is sleeker and tougher.

A Dennis Hopper DVD library - the perfect tribute to two very cool guys for Father's Day

I, like every other cinemaphile out there, was crushed to learn that Dennis Hopper died this weekend. I think I first noticed him--like, really noticed him--when he played the father in Rumbleish but it was Blue Velvet that sold me forever.

Daddy and me shirts for Father's Day - admit it. It's adorable.

Oh stop it you cynics. Most dads--especially the new ones--would be thrilled to spend Father's Day flouting their dadness. So we've tracked down a few of the more clever daddy and me t-shirt sets.

Happy Father's Day, dawg

Not every guy is a jewelry guy but I am in admiration of those funky types who are. Meaning, those men who can pull off the hipster dog tag or chunky ID bracelet thing; not those with the Wookie chest hair and the gold Mr. T chains.

Mini portraits of your minis

The ghosts of bad desk tschokes of Father's Days past still haunt me: Paper weights, coffee mugs, mini voodoo dolls. Sorry Dad! Sometimes you're hard to shop for.

For when a scribble is a heck of a lot more than just a scribble

If you're anything like I am, you've probably got a lot of your kids' precious artwork boxed up and you're saving it for, well, who knows what.

Last minute Father's Day gift ideas. (It's not that you procrastinated, you're just...busy.)

Need a couple of last-minute Father's Day ideas to make tomorrow just a wee bit more special? We've got a few ideas that won't cost you 8 zillion dollars in overnight shipping - or even a trip to the store.

A great gift for the Dad who doesn't have to ask "What's NPR?"

When I saw that NPR had put out a collection of radio stories called NPR Driveway Moments for Dads, I wanted to kiss the radio in gratitude for helping me in my quest for a perfect Father's Day gift.

The key to an awesome Father's Day

While every dad loves the homemade cards and pictures, we always adore services that help turn your child's doodles into something even more special - maybe even something he can carry with him every day?

Father's Day Awesomeness: Choose your own adventure from Giftybox

Every year I struggle with what to get my husband for Father's Day. You'd think that after seven years of parenting together I'd know what would make his day, but the only surefire hit I've found so far is a 12-pack of craft beer. That is, until I checked out the Adventure Box from experience gift purveyor Giftybox.

Dad, You're the Best. Can I Have Five Dollars?

We're a book family for sure - if I'm ever short on a gift idea, a book is always a home run provided it's suited to the recipient. With Father's Day fast approaching (T minus 6 and counting mamas, get on it!) one of the options on my radar...

Following in the Footsteps of Hemingway and that Pretentious Guy at Starbucks

I love the idea of snatching up a Molskine for Father's Day. The little pocket journals famous for having been used by the likes of Picasso and Hemmingway are just perfect for dads and granddads with a lot on their minds - whether they're writers, comedians, architects or just really really anal grocery shoppers.

The Annual Cool Mom Picks Dad Tattoo Tee Reco

Every year we fall in love with the idea of the kids surprising dad in a cool daddy tattoo tee on Father's Day. T

Keyword: Ties That Don't Suck for Father's Day

It's not that we're entirely averse to giving ties for Father's Day, it's just that for dads who wear ties to work, it seems a little...perfunctory. But for the hipster dad that doesn't have to sport the cravat daily, we love the idea of getting him something a little special in the neckwear department.

Boys Get the Grills in the Back

Feminism and other gender equality issues aside, I'm more than happy to relegate the grilling to the sigOth. Men just have some primal need to play with fire, and I'm more than happy to let them. What my man also likes however are kitchen gadgets. Put the two together and you've got Grill Charms.

A Father's Day Gift for the Resident Oenophile

Mother's Day is hardly behind before we scramble for Father's Day gift ideas and I'm loving the idea of personalized wines from the aptly named PersonalWines.com.

Shocking Father's Day Gift Suggestion: Not a Tie

We all know that dads dread bad Father's Day ties and golf shirts just as much as we dread carnations and generic store-brand chocolates. But sometimes, thanks to lack of time and/or brain cells, we grab what we can, sign our kid's name to it and call it a day. (Or is that just me?)

Make it a Double

With all the great frank and funny mom books out there, it's about time someone came up with an equally entertaining daddy alternative. So we were tickled when we found out that Robert Wilder, well-known writer, columnist, and dad of two, had done just that.

Nurture His Inner DJ

Father’s Day is upon us, and why punish Dad with another bottle of Brut (by Faberge) when you can blow his mind with the Sonos digital music system

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Easy riders

Get outside this spring with some great new wheels. . .

KaZAM - a balance bike that thinks about your feet

If you are looking for a balance bike for your eager-to-ride toddler or preschooler, get ready to weigh your options.

A big-kid bike for the toddler who's done with the tricycle

As a 4-year-old, my daughter is at the age where her eyes grow wide at the sight of a kid riding a bicycle. Tricycles are so last year--get the girl a two-wheeler, stat!

We're wishing for Wishbone. The bike, not the salad dressing.

My oldest daughter, now 7, learned how to ride a bike in a matter of minutes thanks to a few months spent on a balance bike beforehand.

Be the talk of the neighborhood with 3 cool new ride-on toys

Our garage is filled with bikes, trikes, scooters and even one Skoooch, but I'm a big believer in "you can never have too many outdoor toys." So, I'm always on the lookout for cool new ride-on, kid-powered things that can hold their attention for at least as long as the latest Wii game.

Best beginner bike? - Reader Q&A

A reader asks: I am totally overwhelmed by bike options for my 3.5-year-old son. He outgrew his tricycle in minutes and now I'm wondering what to get next ... balance bike or a regular bike with training wheels?

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Cool Diaper Bags

Some of our favorite diaper bags that don't scream "diaper bag!"

The new Jonathan Adler diaper bags you'll covet (no baby required!)

Even though I'm only in my second trimester, I'm all about planning, so naturally, I've already bookmarked some of my most coveted diaper bags (thanks to Cool Mom Picks).

Snazzy snakeskin bags that, okay, you can call them diaper bags

The more kids I added to my brood, the more I actually wanted (and needed) a smaller diaper bag.

The hot diaper bags from Timi and Leslie for spring

As someone with a certified handbag addiction, you can bet that I've always been pretty picky about the diaper bags I carry, insisting that I should be able to use it long after my baby was out of diapers.

5 of the most stylish metallic diaper bags

I've been noticing something in the land of designer bags these days. It's flashy. And shiny. And very, very cool. The metallic trend is popping up in handbags everywhere, but that doesn't mean that mamas can't be part of it, too with one of these 5 beautiful diaper bags.

Japanese anime-inspired diaper bags? We say Tokidoki!

Diaper bags are kind of like minivans. They are super practical, but don't exactly scream funky fresh. But this new Tokidoki and Ju Ju Be diaper bag collaboration is like taking your Honda Odyssey and making it a low rider.

Designer diaper bags for fall: fashionable + affordable

As we start heading towards fall, I've got new diaper bags on the brain. (Why should back to school shopping time be just for the kids?) It's been a while since I took a look to see what diaper bag label JP Lizzy has been up to.

7am enfant diaper bags - equal parts style and function

Considering how much we love all the products from 7am enfant, I'm not surprised at all that I'm in love with their new luxury diaper bag. I've seen many a stylish diaper bag that looks fantastic but doesn't exactly hold up to the test of kids and their 400 Cheerios and sippy cups.

The newest designer diaper bag that you'll be carrying long afer the diapers are gone

When I first got a look at the newest designer diaper bag design from CMP fave Mia Bossi, I thought there was just no possible way that it was a diaper bag. But like their other bags we've been drooling over for years now, it is -- and oh my, it's gorgeous

A Petunia Pickle Bottom bag made for all women. No babies required.

We're always fans of Petunia Pickle Bottom bags, thanks to smart design, elegant patterns, and a rugged refusal to succumb to ruination.

Keeping it clean

Sippy cup: check. Snacks: check. Wipes: darn tootin'.

Jonathan Adler Skip Hop Diaper Bags - Maybe the only ones that would make me want to change diapers again.

I'm particularly envious right now of the Jonathan Adler Skip Hop line that launched yesterday. Which is funny, because I do not miss the days of hauling a diaper bag around with me.

The no-fuss diaper bag that we're fussing over

When it comes to diaper bags, fancier isn't always better. Sometimes I just need something simple and classic to get the job done.

Chic new diaper bag alert!

Chic and diaper bag are not two words you see in the same sentence very often, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and declare the new offering from Timi & Leslie just that--chic!

Finally, a cool backpack diaper bag

I have nothing against backpack diaper bags. In fact, with four kids in tow, I completely understand their usefulness. I just haven't yet found one that fits my style.

Diaper bags that go beyond the diaper phase

Having a baby right at the change of season is very dangerous for my wallet because it's far too easy to rationalize a new diaper bag purchase.

Versatile doesn't even begin to describe this diaper bag

Some days, I tend to be a bit of an over-packer. What if the kids get really thirsty and they finish their water bottles? Better pack an extra. What if they have a run-in with a mud puddle? Better pack clean outfits for each of them.

Couture diaper bags without the couture prices

I've owned my fair share of diaper bags, and I've definitely got a sweet spot in my heart for the huge, honkin', very pricey bags that might just fit all your personal belongings and your baby. But by the same token, it's just not feasible for me to lug something like that around, especially with three kids and another on the way.

The Cool Mom Picks bag of the year turns diaper bag

Both Liz and I espoused the greatness of Crystalyn Kae's Soiree bag - so much so that it was our pick for Cool Mom Picks Bag of the Year in 2008

Designer diaper bags get a floral pick-me-up

I was just thinking it's been a while since I saw any fun new diaper bags to get excited over, and then CMP fave Hedvig Bourbon goes and reads my mind and creates well, some fun new diaper bags to get excited over.

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Happy Birthday!

Make sure you enjoy the party as much as the little birthday celebrant by taking out some of the pre-planning stress with these great picks. Just add cake. Lots of cake.

Party on and on with this reusable birthday banner

Does anyone get as grumpy as I do about spending money on birthday party decorations that you use once before they become landfill?

Throw an awesome birthday party for kids without a lick of planning

I'm all about at-home birthday parties for kids. Which is not to say that they don't stress me out, because they totally stress me out.

DIY LEGO gift boxes for LEGOriffic parties

LEGO never goes out of style, so we love this tutorial we just found for making your own LEGO gift boxes.

New! The perfect party decor kits from Minted.com. Now your parties can look like Those Parties without much effort at all.

We've loved the beautiful cards and invitations from Minted.com ever since we discovered them on day one, so it makes perfect, brilliant sense that they'd evolve from cards and invitations, and launch a gorgeous new Party Decor line, also sourced from indie designers.

Party perfection: raise the roof AND raise money for your fave nonprofits

Let's face it: life is crazybusy. So I can totally see why more and more parents are turning to online party-planning services to lighten the load. But we've found one with a little extra do-gooding awesomeness to sweeten the deal.

Color your own cake-venture!

Confession: I once baked a birthday cake so ugly my daughter cried. I'm not kidding. So for those of you without culinary arts degrees, here's one way to make the birthday kid feel special and ensure that the cake will be exactly what she wants.

How do you put together a great kids' birthday party without a design degree and 600 hours of free time?

I confess: I have a love-hate relationship with planning parties for my kids. While picking a theme can be fun, I also find it a little exhausting to sift through website after website looking for cool activities for a superhero party or the perfect decorations for a tween girl's sleepover bash.

A unique party favor for a forest of one's own - The terrarium kit

The start of the school year means once again, the hunt for creative party favors and teacher gifts begins. Well we've brought you cookies in a jar, dreidels in a jar, and pickles in a jar. Now we've got a forest in a jar-- made by your very own kid.

4 of the coolest superhero invitations for your little dreamer

I'm a big fan of superheroes, and therefore, cool superhero invitations. I'm pretty sure your kids are too.

Birthday party ideas for a 4 year old with a garden theme? Reader Q&A

I am planning a garden-themed 4th birthday party for my daughter in a few weeks. I need some creative inspiration! So far, we're going to have the kids each plant something in a pot to take home .. And that's all.

Goody bag gift ideas for kids: ready-made crafty party packs

I haven't thrown that many birthday parties for my kids and it's like I'm already out of goody bag gift ideas. Well now there's just that thing--crafty, eco-friendly, totally fun, and they're affordable too.

Ideas for a child's birthday party? How about some all in one place

Looking for ideas for a child's birthday party can be both fun-- and stressful. When my kids were younger, I confess, I went a little overboard with over-the-top parties causing me to collapse with exhaustion. As I learned, it can be a lot simpler.

Girls' birthday party ideas - Little Red Riding Hood or Alice in Wonderland

Girls birthday party ideas can still be girlie, even if you want to avoid the same old princess theme. Which is why I instantly fell in love with the downloadable, customizable party kits at Creative Little Stars, based around classic storybook themes.

5 beautiful cake stands that take the cake.

If you have your cake and eat it too, what are you left with? A whole lot of pretty is what, so long as you own a fab cake stand.

The perfect cupcake for any party

The standards for kids birthday cakes have gone up a bit since I was a kid, when we just stopped by the Piggly Wiggly and had the teen behind the counter misspell my name between the lumpy sugar roses. Now we want them to be beautiful, unique, delicious, customized, truly exciting, and--the big kicker-- allergen-free.

Food themed birthday parties for kids. AKA No dessert until you finish your milk and cookies.

If you need a break from superheroes and princesses, I've got a fabulous kids birthday party idea, and it's so easy: Food themed birthday parties.

A birthday banner that's quite a hoot

We were so impressed with the gorgeous eco-friendly holiday cards from Night Owl Paper Goods last year that we ordered them for our own CMP contributors. So when I heard they added a few new items to their collection of goodies, I couldn't wait to take a peek.

Planning the perfect Harry Potter Party

When my newly minted 7-year old daughter asked me to throw her a Harry Potter birthday party with only two weeks to plan, I said "absolutely!" And then ran straight to my computer to try to figure out how the heck to pull this off for about eight little girls ranging in age from four to seven.

10 year old birthday party ideas - Reader Q&A

I need ideas for my daughter's 10th birthday..something original and wow.

Easy lies the head that wears a birthday crown

A few years ago I got really ambitious and made birthday crowns for my two children. Flash forward a bit and I've now got a third child and still only two birthday crowns.

A custom storybook invitation for a fairytale of a party

Hey you, Famous Mom. Yes you, the one who held the kiddo's first birthday party at the Beverly Hills Hotel, hired Martha Stewart to make your cakes, and asked the Jonas Brothers to stop by to sing Happy Birthday

Cupcake kits that turn ho-hum cupcakes into a party

As much as I love to eat cupcakes, I feel like I need to apologize for my lack of creativity when I bring them out at a party over a big honking birthday cake with loads of decorations.

Party like it's 1959

I think I've discovered party favor central. And much to my delight, it's not in a mall or a half-abandoned shopping center.

Little blog of big party dreams

My daughter's fourth birthday is coming up, and I spend a good bit of time daydreaming of mastering fondant, hand calligraphing creamy envelopes, and crafting a birthday banner in lovely watercolor washes over newspaper. Ha freakin' ha.

They say it's your birthday!

With Liz's daughter Thalia and my daughter Quinlan celebrating their 5th and 6th birthdays today and tomorrow respectively, I figured it would be fun to highlight some of our favorite birthday picks we've found recently.

Boy's First Birthday Party Ideas - Reader Q&A

I need some great first birthday party ideas and some adorable first birthday party attire for a little boy. Any suggestions? I am a recent follower, but a huge fan! Thanks! -Emilie

An unbirthday worthy of your own Alice (or Jillian or Chloe)

The story of Alice in Wonderland involves a tea party, funny little cakes, a menagerie of characters and lots of adventure. In other words, all the ingredients for a kid-friendly birthday party, as my daughter has recently discovered for herself.

Children's party invitations - now a piece of cake

Is it strange to be excited that an online correspondence site has just introduced children's invitations? Because I am. Downright giddy, in fact.

You've got to keep it decorated

If I had my way, birthday decorations would be limited to a couple of mylar balloons.

Celebrating Green Planet Parties' greening of the party scene

Green Planet PartiesI've planned eighteen birthday parties so far for my three young children and each time, my eco-friendly heart feels a little sick to see the amount of trash left behind after the last guest leaves.

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