Holiday Picks Archives | Cool Mom Tech

6 + ways kids can celebrate a virtual Valentine’s Day safely using tech

by Christina Refford | Holiday Picks, Kids

Valentine’s Day is the next holiday, after Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, that will be affected by our new socially distant lifestyle. No sprinkle-laden, heart-shaped cookies in class. No gaudily decorated shoeboxes sent to school. No handing...

8 of the best STEM and geeky subscription boxes for all your favorite people

by Christina Refford | Holiday Picks

I’ve got some good news and some bad news about subscription box gifts this holiday: The good news is that there are tons of subscription boxes out there that you can order in time to gift for Christmas for just about anyone left on your list. The bad news is...

Download Apple’s free Make Your Holiday booklet and give your kids 20+ fun, creative projects to keep them busy all month.

by Liz Gumbinner | DIY, Holiday Picks, Kids

I am not exaggerating when I say that I cried after watching a presentation about Apple’s new, totally free, Make Your Holiday at-home family program. Our kids have been through so much, and whenever I think of all the companies that have stepped up to offer...

How to take better holiday photos: 6 fantastic online photo tutorials to make your holidays merrier and brighter. (But not too bright – just the right white balance.)

by Kate Etue | Holiday Picks, Photo Apps, Photography, Tips and Tricks

Every parent wants to know how to take better pictures, especially around Christmas. A few years ago I received the completely awesome gift of a DSLR camera, but I admit I haven’t entirely learned how to use it properly. I’ve taken thousands of pictures...

12 practical tech gifts that are still pretty darn awesome | Holiday Gift Guide 2019

by Liz Gumbinner | Around the House, Gear, Holiday Picks, Holiday Tech Gifts

There are some folks on our lists who love tech gifts, but prefer the more practical tech gifts to the gaming systems or the entertainment consoles. Or hey, maybe they love both but just have some specific needs this year. If that’s the case, I’ve got you...

10 of the coolest tech toys and gifts for tweens and big kids | Holiday Tech Guide 2019

by Cool Mom Staff | Holiday Picks, Holiday Tech Gifts, Tech Toys and Random Fun

Next up in our Holiday Tech Guide 2019, we’re sharing the coolest tech toys and gifts for tweens and big kids. We know that they can be tricky to shop for, so we’ve done the research for you (not to mention asked our own tweens and big kids their honest...

4 clever ways to track Santa this Christmas Eve (or, you know, now!)

by Kate Etue | Holiday Picks

Parents, the vague promise that Santa will come sometime while your kids are asleep just isn’t working anymore. Our kids are too tech savvy. So, for those who are anxious to track Santa’s every move this Christmas Eve, we’ve found three cool sites...

This cool gadget takes your essential oil obsession to a high-tech level

by Kristen Chase | Holiday Picks

We know lots of folks are super into essential oils these days, and there are no shortage of cool wearables and gadgets (like these essential oil jewelry, for one) to help you take your oils with you. Well, beyond wearing it on your pulse points, that is. A new way we...

9 smart home holiday gifts in every price range, from affordable to incredible | Tech Holiday Gift Guide 2018

by Cool Mom Staff | Holiday Picks, Holiday Tech Gifts

If you really want to make someone’s holiday this year, consider splurging on one of these hot smart home holiday gifts that will functionally make their lives so much easier. From smart home assistants that can turn on the coffee maker and warm up the house...

10 stylish tech gifts for the techie with impeccable taste | Tech Holiday Gift Guide 2018

by Cool Mom Staff | Holiday Picks, Holiday Tech Gifts

For our next Tech Holiday Gift Guide, we’re sharing our favorite stylish tech gifts. Admittedly, they’re some of our favorites to give, and receive. Hint hint. We’ve rounded up 10 stylish tech gifts that are perfect for someone who loves designer...

10 cool holiday tech toys for tweens and big kids | Tech Holiday Gift Guide 2018

by Cool Mom Staff | Holiday Picks, Holiday Tech Gifts, Tech Toys and Random Fun

Next up in our Holiday Tech Gift Guide 2018, we’re featuring cool tech toys for tweens and big kids. Hey, we know first-hand how hard older kids can be to shop for, but having consulted with them we’re pretty sure these tech toys, gifts and gadgets will...

12 delightfully geeky gifts under $20 | Tech Holiday Gift Guide 2018

by Cool Mom Staff | Holiday Picks, Holiday Tech Gifts

If you’re like us and have an abundance of geeks to buy for this holiday season, you’ll appreciate these awesome, affordable geeky gifts under $20 for the holidays. Whether they’re into Star Wars, Stranger Things, Dr. Who, or just losing themselves...

NEW: The podcast that helps you be a savvier digital parent in under 15 minutes a week

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Tech in 2010 to help make our increasingly digital lives easier, more organized, more meaningful, and more fun, however old your kids may be.

We love that it's grown to become the go-to source for millions of parents who want commonsense info about tech delivered with a smile.

We even have the privilege of sharing our tips + tricks with The TODAY Show, CNN, HLN, GMA, Nightline, newspapers and magazines around the country, and our favorite -- regular parents who stop us at PTA meetings and ask us how old kids need to be to get a smartphone, and whether they really need to panic about Snapchat.

(Answer: It's complicated.)

We're so glad you're here! And we hope we can help you too.