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? (Seriously, a love of food must be a requisite for procreation. I've yet to see otherwise.)[don't miss an exclusive limited time discount for Cool Mom Picks readers after the jump!]
Comments: 0 | Find More: Food and Drink, For the Menfolk, Helpful Services
Organic kids pajamas that might bring more pleasant dreams
Why my kids have an obsession with sleepwear and pajamas I'm not entirely sure, but yep, obsessed pretty much sums it up. Over the years, I've learned to invest a little more in their pjs because I find the cheap stuff stretches and loses elasticity and pills and generally doesn't hold up for long at all. Especially considering how often my kids want to wear them.Comments: 0 | Find More: Baby Clothes, Cool Clothes for Boys, Kids Clothing, Organics, Tweens + Big Kids
4 ways to use technology for social good. Good!
This post is sponsored by Chase -- a strong supporter of the 100,000 Jobs Mission, a program that helps find jobs for veterans of the US armed forces. Learn more here:
As if I needed yet another reason to love technology, it's worked wonders in opening up opportunities for busy parents like me who want to support the causes we care about, but don't always have the time. As much as we value hands-on charitable work, between working and chasing after four kids, our bandwidth rapidly disappears.
I'm looking forward to supporting my own favorite causes through hands-on volunteering soon, but until then, I'm so thankful to that technology presents me with some other options. I hope they'll inspire you to help give back to the causes that mean the most to you, too.
1. Donate online, of course
We have a lot of charities we love, not surprisingly. And they all offer an online platform for you to offer your monetary support. You can make a secure, tax-free deductible cash donation with just a couple of clicks, or get a little more creative, like giving a Kiva loan to a worthy individual in another country starting a business.
One of the most valuable things you can do for a charity is to participate in a guaranteed monthly gift program too--sort of like auto bill pay, only for donations. Sign up online and the money comes right out of your bank account or credit card each month, so they not only get a steady stream of funds that they need, you spread out your payments so you don't have to give one big chunk when December rolls around.
2. Go shopping!
These days, you'll find no shortage of businesses, many of which we've featured on Cool Mom Picks, that donate a percentage of your purchase price to causes ranging from support for women and families halfway around the globe, to donations to your kids' own school. As long as you're shopping anyway, why not seek out online companies with a charitable mission that aligns with your own?
3. Recycle your old gadgets
As a military spouse, I know how difficult it can be to stay connected to deployed and TDY family members. That's why I love the idea of donating old phones and gadgets to non-profits like Cell Phones for Soldiers, who works to provide military personnel with cost-free methods to communicate with their family. It's a nice thing to think about, especially with Memorial Day around the corner.
You can also donate your gadgets to women's shelters or to schools, who can then trade them in for cash or much-needed supplies.
4. Start a movement! You can do it!
We're continually amazed at how effective a simple online petition can make a difference. Sites like Change.org allow anyone from elementary school kids to global women to mobilize support and effect change in their own community or the world. The success stories are pretty amazing, and yours could be next .-Kristen
We love how our sponsor Chase is using technology for social good, specifically with the 100,000 Jobs Mission, which aims to do by connecting companies with veterans. Their aim is employ 100,000 veterans by the year 2020.
[Photo at top: Computers in Schools Uganda, IICD]
Comments: 0 | Find More: Causes and General Do-Gooding
Custom birthday books for kids that are beyond adorable
I love the look on kids' faces when they open a book and see their names in the pages of the story. So in celebration of the biggest day of all---their birthday!---here are a couple beautifully illustrated books that will make the birthday boy or girl feel even more special.[don't miss two great limited time discounts after the jump!]
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Taking tangrams to new places: Your walls
I've seen enough tangram activities in my kids' math books to know that they are supposed to be great at fostering an early understanding of geometry, spatial reasoning, and design. But eh, my kids just think they are fun and make neat pictures. So when we had the chance to play with some tangrams with a twist, I knew they'd be so much more willing to try them out. (Wish they were so eager to do their math lessons.)
{Keep reading for your chance to win a set for you--and sets for the school of your choice!}
Comments: 1 | Find More: Art+Decor (Sounds Fancy), Toys and Other Playthings, Tweens + Big Kids
Personalized Gifts for Dad - 2012 Father's Day Gift Guide
For the dad who's serious about his drinks, custom blended whisky lets you mix and match from seven blends, and top it off with a handmade personalized label. Or grab a gift card and he can create his very own. ($ varies from Whiskey Blender)
If Daddy's sentimental, customize this archival quality favorite things poster with some of his favorite things: Consider places he's traveled, funny phrases from the kids, or his favorite quotes. (archival prints $110+, non archival from $15)
This personalized key chain is a thoughtful gift--at a fantastic price! Anchor it with "dad" or a monogram plus up to 30 characters around the perimeter. ($32 at hannah design, 10% off with code "COOLMOM10")
Is Daddy an investment banker? Score! The huge selection of bespoke dress shirts from Alexander West can be beautifully customized from fabrics down to the last detail, and you can even add a monogram. ($120+ at Alexander West)
Will a custom leather iPad sleeve or laptop case keep the kids' hands off Daddy's iPad? No guarantee--but it's still a great gift. Choose the leather style, color and more, then top it off with a beautiful engraved name or monogram. ($85+ from Chapin Leather, Free shipping in the continental U.S. with code "COOLDAD" through 6/1)
We'd imagine the king of the grill would be more happy with a personalized steak branding iron than a royal scepter. Protection of one's meat is extremely primal, or so we're told. ($49.95 from Texas Irons)
Your favorite photo of dad and the kids will be even more special when it's turned into a custom photo canvas, ready for hanging. ($89 at Studio Jones)
Thanks to our sponsor Dove Men+Care which celebrates men who are comfortable in their own skin, and make their families a priority. (We love that!)
Find out more about the excellent (and very nice smelling) Dove Men+Care products online at DoveMenCare.com, or follow them on Twitter or Facebook for great offers and info.
EXTRA COOL: WIN IT! We're so excited to give away one Cool Mom Picks Father's Day Gift Basket valued at $500!
1.Dozen necktie cookies from Bees Knees Creative 2.Gift card towards minimalist mens cap from Fairends 3. Custom silver key fob from Julian + Co 4. Recycled sailcloth dopp kit 5. SlantShack Jerky sampler 6. Man Vs Wild DVD, Season Six 7. Dove Men+Care collection including Clean Defense Body and Face Wash, Fresh Awake Body andFace Wash, and Aqua Impact Deodorant 8. Dad's Playbook: Wisdom for Fathers 9. Jawbox Jambone Smart Speaker
TO ENTER: Like this post or share on Facebook, then email contests@coolmompicks.com with the link to your FB post (or a screen shot) with FATHERS DAY in the subject line. You may enter once for each post in our Father's Day series for a total of 6 entries, per person. For full details on our contests click here. US only please, final winner will be drawn on or around Father's Day 2012. Good luck!
Comments: 0 | Find More: Father's Day Gifts, For the Menfolk
Homemade popsicle recipes for the new Zoku Single Pop Maker
Memorial Day is this weekend, which in my world means the beginning of popsicle season. It's hard to talk diy popsicles without talking the Zoku pop maker, so it's a good thing they've given us something new to talk about! This summer, you can indulge in the new single Zoku pop maker which makes a frozen popsicle in just seven minutes. You can make up to three pops in a row before the unit needs to be put back in the freezer.
Even better: The Single comes in five bright colors so that each kiddo can choose their own. Because nothing brings out sibling rivalry like popsicles.
Comments: 0 | Find More: Doodads and Random Bits of Coolness, Food and Drink, Recipes We Love
Twin baby gifts that are two of a k1nd.
Looking for a cool twin baby gift? Move over, Baby A and Baby B. You, too, Thing 1 and Thing 2. We found a clever new way to proudly proclaim your twin status on your chest.
Comments: 0 | Find More: Baby Clothes, Kids Clothing
Polos meet t-shirts in these clever shirts for boys
My son's drawers are full of two kinds of shirts: casual tees and dressier polos, and absolutely nothing in between. That's why I'm digging new-to-us apparel that's perfect for doing double wardrobe duty. Comments: 0 | Find More: Cool Clothes for Boys, Kids Clothing
Join the Culture club for good karma
Love bright prints, colorful toys, and cottons that will really breathe this summer, since they were crafted to withstand the sweltering heat of Africa?[don't miss a terrific offer after the jump--for both you, and others in need]
Comments: 2 | Find More: Baby Clothes, Causes and General Do-Gooding
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