CookiesKids.com Blog

Picnic Menu Upgrade

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 00:00:23 -0400

Picnics are a fantastic way to spend treasured time with family and friends, enjoying the fresh air and warm temperatures. We’ve compiled some unique recipes to provide inspiration for your next picnic.

Fried or baked chicken 🍗 is a picnic staple and a perfect place to begin. In sandwich or skewer form, it’s a great option for your picnic menu since it can also be enjoyed cold. Click to view a few unique recipes for this versatile protein… 🐔 🍍 🍈

Spicy Orange and Sesame Chicken Sandwich

Fresh Papaya and Chicken Spring Rolls

Pineapple Mango Tropical Chicken Skewers

Corn is a classic choice for a picnic menu, so here’s a recipe with a zesty upgrade! 🌽

Chile-Lime Corn Wheels

A pair of unique, “bake-ahead” recipes that include savory and sweet flavors for snacking or dessert: 🍅 🍪

Tomato-Manchengo Tartlets

Carrot Cake Cookies

Speaking of snacks, what’s outdoor fun without a delightful trail mix? Trail mix is easy, fast, and a crowd favorite. Try these surprisingly tasty recipes if you need a trail mix upgrade! 🍯 🍫

Honey Sriracha Chex Mix

2 Ingredient Organic Dark Chocolate Trail Mix Energy Bites

If your child’s a picky eater, use creativity to turn mundane food items into delightful treats! Pierce hand cut shapes or balls of fruit with a straw, creating a kid-friendly fruit skewer. 🍡 Mini sandwiches shaped by hand or with a cookie-cutter create sandwich bouquets 🌼 that are perfect for little hands. Click here for even more kid-friendly picnic food ideas.

For an even healthier menu, visit this helpful substitution guide to give all of your recipes a healthy boost!

With the menu covered, make sure that you and your guests are as well by packing sunscreen. ☀ Lastly, every picnicker should try to leave their picnic spot just as perfect for the next visitor, so don’t forget to bring along trash bags. Mother Nature thanks you! 🌏

Fun & Crafty Father’s Day Ideas

Mon, 23 May 2016 09:55:20 -0400

Celebrating Father’s Day this weekend? While expensive gadgets are cool, handmade gifts and thoughtful gestures can be a more welcome surprise. Check out our creative and budget-friendly ideas to make this Father’s Day one to remember…

If you have a grilling expert in your household, a BBQ tool holster is the perfect fit! A basic tool belt can be filled with BBQ essentials like tongs, a spatula, and even a jar of his favorite sauce, collected just for him. Grilling platters are another necessary item for grill masters that kids can custom-paint to create a cherished gift: use ceramic paint on an ovenproof plate, dry it for at least 24 hours, then bake it at 300 degrees for 35 minutes. Kids can make another hand-painted surprise with fabric paint and a tie; decorate, style, or create messages that Dad will want to rock with pride!

Control over the television remote can be a battle at times, so why not give Dad that power for the day? Attach a bow and message to the remote control and present it to Dad. If he already has his cherished spot and control of the TV, create a thoughtful couch potato basket, filled with his favorite treats, comfy slippers, or that new video game that he’s been eyeing. Another basket idea: a “World’s Best ‘Pop’ ” bundle. Fill a container with clever goods like soda “pop,” popcorn, Pop Tarts, and lollipops.

Here’s a fun idea for families that prefer a more artsy approach. To make a cherished keepsake card, trace a child’s hands on colorful paper and decorate it with “I Love You” on one hand and “This Much!” on the other. Cut a separate piece of long paper to attach to both hands and fold accordion-style. Once Dad opens the card, the thoughtful message will unfold.

Sidewalk chalk can also be used to create a large-scale message or drawing. You can either leave it for dad to see, or pose the kids in it and give Dad the photo. Shadow pictures are another unique way to create messages for Dad. Use poster boards or heavy card stock to create a message like “I Love Daddy.”

We hope these ideas inspire a Father’s Day gift that shows Dad the love he truly deserves! For even more ideas, see the links below.

http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/15-easy-diy-fathers-day-gifts-pictures

http://lilluna.com/25-diy-fathers-day-gift-ideas/

http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/what-to-make-for-dad/

http://sometimes-homemade.com/i-love-daddy-shadow-photo/

5 Summer Dressing Tips for Kids

Thu, 12 May 2016 16:03:53 -0400

With summer quickly approaching, it’s important to know how to keep kids cool and safe all season long. Luckily, CookiesKids.com is here to help provide you with some helpful summer dressing tips. Follow along as we share a list of our top 5 summer must-haves for kids…

1. UV Protection Sunglasses

There’s no time like the present to start protecting those little eyes from sun damage. That’s why our Disney sunglasses are the perfect solution. These stylish shades have 100% UV protection and are just what your kids need to keep their eyesight sharp and healthy.

2. Wide-Brimmed Hats

Sunglasses will protect their eyes, but what about their face, ears, scalp, and neck? For full head coverage, find a wide-brimmed hat that will further shield your child from the sun.

3. Breathable Cotton Fabric

The benefits of cotton are extensive – especially when it comes to the summer season. The fact that it’s a breathable fabric, for instance, means that air easily circulates through it to help cool you off when it’s hot. Cotton also has the ability to keep you dry from sweat because its fibers are so absorbent. For these reasons, and many more, cotton is an ideal fabric to wear during those hot summer months. Don’t just take our word for it, though. Test it out with one of our trendy cotton T-shirts!

4. Bathing Suits with UPF Protection

Look for bathing suits and other clothes with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) to keep your child’s skin safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The higher the rating, the stronger the protection. Fortunately, Cookie’s has some great options for you right here.

5. Sturdy Shoes

Flip flops may be your child’s go-to summer footwear, but they barely provide any support. Instead, look for more substantial shoes that are durable and safe for your child’s daily activities. Merrell’s “Hydro Hiker” sandals are a great place to start. This one little upgrade will make your child less likely to get splinters, trip, and stub his/her toes.

Unique Graduation Party Ideas

Tue, 10 May 2016 15:49:40 -0400

Is there a grad in your family or extended family? 🎓 Why not create a fun and inspiring celebration for him or her? Our inexpensive and DIY ideas for décor and food options will make your graduation party the standout event of the season!

Décor can be used to engage guests and offer delightful opportunities for memorable photos. You can easily assemble DIY photo booths with items already at home. Cut cardboard into fun shapes like a mustache, a pair of lips, 💋 or even congratulatory messages. Attach cutouts to popsicle sticks for easy use while posing for photos. A large, empty picture frame can be hung or held by guests as they pose, creating delightful snapshots. 📷

If you want to put the spotlight on your graduate, and have a lot of old photos of them in your collection, try this: pin photos onto a clothesline, highlighting the progression of time and offering a fun glimpse into the graduate’s past. Another idea: create an “Inspiration Wall” with colorful post-it notes, and allow guests to provide words of inspiration or memorable quotes. ✍ A “Keys to Success” jar or wall will also let your guests contribute lessons and advice.

While the menu is usually the graduate’s choice, we’ve come up with some ideal treats that can save you time and money. For smaller children, healthy food options can be tricky. A bag of goldfish crackers tagged to remind them that, “It’s O-Fishally the last day of School!” 🐟 will add welcome fun. Ribbons 🎀 tied around healthy sandwich wraps also create a delightful diploma look. Mini sugar cones 🍦 filled with hand-cut fruit shapes are another healthy compromise. For those who can’t resist a candy treat, 🍬 try labeling a glass jar with “Class Rings” and filling it with a colorful assortment of Ring-Pops. 💍

With these options and countless others, your graduation celebration 🎉 is sure to be a hit! Enjoy this exciting time and savor the memories!

Sources:

http://www.food.com/ideas/graduation-party-ideas-6063?layout=desktop&c=9403

http://www.womansday.com/life/g1526/graduation-party-ideas/?slide=1

https://whiskpaperscissors.wordpress.com/tag/party-food/

Budget-Friendly Warm Weather Birthday Parties for Kids

Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:38:52 -0400

We all want to throw the best warm weather birthday bash for our kids. But, sometimes, budget concerns get in the way. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of awesome spring and summer birthday party ideas that won’t break the bank. Finally, you’ll be excited to throw a party that you know your kid will love!

Since you can’t always count on the weather to hold out, we threw in a few indoor party ideas as well. Just make sure to check the forecast ahead of time to avoid any unexpected downpours. So what are you waiting for? Read on to find out how to throw the best party your kid has ever had!

1. Spa Day

Give your girls the ultimate spa experience! Turn on some relaxing music and form a massage circle where everyone turns to her left (or right) and massages the shoulders of the person in front of them. Next, find an easy facial mask recipe and try it out together. Each person can help by adding an ingredient or by mixing the formula at the end. After your facials, paint each other’s nails all sorts of crazy colors! (To avoid fighting over the best shade, a few girls can always braid each other’s hair during this time, and then switch.) Once everyone’s all primped, have them escape into the glamorous world of Hollywood by watching a classic makeover movie. This is a great time to bring out some delicious hot popcorn and beverages. To make the ultimate party drink, grab some grenadine and a bottle of Sprite to craft your very own Shirley Temples. Top each one off with a delicious Twizzler straw!

2. Game Night

Round up your child’s all-time favorite games to create a game night or casino party. Play interactive games, such as Scene It, Bingo, Apples to Apples, or Catch Phrase, in teams, or create your own casino-style games such as the ones mentioned here. Make sure the winners don’t go home empty-handed, either. Assign a small prize, such as candy, toys, stuffed animals, or gift cards, to each game. Finally, carry the theme throughout the event with game-themed invitations, decorations, and yummy treats for everyone!

3. Backyard Campout

Spend some much-needed time away from those devices and become one with nature! Start with a walk through the neighborhood (kids accompanied by an adult can try a fun and mysterious “trust walk,” a chain of kids holding hands and wearing blindfolds), or go for a short hike at a local park or nature center. (Don’t forget to wear the appropriate footwear!) To make things even more interesting, find out what the park is known for and make an effort to search out these attractions. Once everyone has reached the end, reward them with scrumptious dirt pudding cups. Next, it’s time to build some shelters. If you have tents on hand, help the little ones set those up in the backyard or in the living room. Otherwise, challenge them to build an indoor fort with blankets and sheets. Finish things off with an outdoor cookout, followed by a bonfire with s’mores.

4. Art Studio

Visit your local craft supply store to find a project your child would love to decorate. Picture frames or wooden objects can easily be adorned with stickers, glitter, paint, markers, and rhinestones. Cut up old magazines or newspapers to make collages. Solid-colored T-shirts are ripe for transformation. The possibilities are endless. Just remember to finish things off with a build-your-own sundae bar with sprinkles, M&Ms, whipped cream, and hot fudge. Who said you can’t DIY with food?

5. Sports Theme

If your son or daughter loves playing sports, throw them an outdoor sports party. Play a variety of games, including capture the flag, basketball (or H.O.R.S.E.), volleyball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, or softball. The sky’s the limit. Then, gather everyone around for a picnic full of kid-friendly finger foods, fruit, and hydrating sports drinks.

Surely one of these ideas will interest your child. However, if you’re looking for an idea that requires less planning, consider heading to a local carnival, a miniature golf course, a minor league baseball game, or check out our Pinterest page to further spark your imagination. Best of luck!

Why Art Instruction Matters

Tue, 19 Apr 2016 14:49:09 -0400

You’ve probably heard that the brain consists of two parts. The left hemisphere is typically responsible for logical thinking and linear processes, while the right hemisphere is more concerned with feelings, imagination, and creativity. When a child learns core subjects in school, such as math and history, the left side of the brain is often engaged while the right side is typically neglected. In order for the brain to be efficient, however, both hemispheres must work together. For this reason art is integral to your child’s development.

Art comes in many forms. There’s visual art, which consists of drawing, painting, fiber arts, and photography. The performing arts encompass theater, film, music, and dance. Last, but not least, literary art includes creative writing, essays, and poetry. No matter which route your child takes, it’s the act of engaging in this type of activity that will benefit him or her in the long-run.

At first glance, art might not seem necessary in a child’s life, but the benefits are manifold. For example, art teaches kids to experiment with new ways of thinking instead of just following directions. This type of experimentation and problem-solving has numerous applications in all stages of a person’s life. In addition, art exposes kids to different cultures, which enables them to appreciate diversity. Fine motor skills are also improved when art is introduced at an early age.

Then, there are the unexpected advantages. Believe it or not, art has been known to promote self-esteem, help filter emotions, and increase motivation in students. Furthermore, when art is taught in schools, studies show that student attendance has been known to increase, student dropout rates often decrease, and children are given a better appreciation for learning. Especially with kids spending so much time on their smartphones and tablets these days, it’s more important than ever for the next generation to learn to express themselves creatively.

Is your child getting enough art instruction? If your child’s school doesn’t offer art classes, or you have minimal access to extracurricular activities in the area, encourage your child to express their creative side in the following ways:

Spend family time together exploring different art forms by going to museums, seeing a play, or attending a concert.

Make sure your child has access to craft supplies such as paper, pencils, and crayons.

Always encourage your budding artist by saving his/her artwork. You may even want to hang a few pieces on the refrigerator for all to see.

Regardless of whether or not you consider yourself artistic, consider creating something with your child. This can be as simple as crafting a paper snowflake or working with them to make a handmade birthday card for a family member.

What better way to inspire your kids to be creative than with their very own art smock from Cookie’s?

Sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barbara-ernst-prey/the-value-and-importance-_b_5788116.html

http://www.katyisd.org/dept/finearts/pages/the-importance-of-fine-arts-education-.aspx

http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/music-arts/the-importance-of-art-in-child-development/

Winter Health & Safety Tips

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 13:03:39 -0500

When snow begins to fall, it calls to most children like a flame to a moth, and parents scramble to bundle their kids in as many layers and essential winter accessories as they can before the race to a snowy adventure begins. But since the snowy season also poses risks, we’ve compiled some useful tips for winter health and safety, including some even the most prepared parents may have missed. Read on to find out the best ways to keep your kids safe this winter.

An important starting point is to understand when cold is too cold! The wind-chill factor can cause the temperature to feel much colder than it actually is, and should be considered when checking the weather. A temperature below 20 degrees Fahrenheit is cause for concern and should be off-limits for playtime. Between 20 and 30 degrees, children should take indoor breaks every 20 to 30 minutes (let’s call it the “20/30 Rule”) and add many layers to their outfit. 30 degrees Fahrenheit and higher is the most ideal range for winter play, but even then parents should encourage indoor breaks every 40 minutes or so. If your child is shivering, it’s time for a long break, as shivering is a key sign of potential hypothermia.

A really hot shower feels great after some time outside in the cold, but this can actually be harmful to the skin during winter months; hot water and traditional bar soaps can strip skin of moisture and oils. Consider changing your soap to something with an oatmeal base or a milder soap like castile, and using warm instead of hot water when bathing. Furthermore, sunscreen is important during winter months; the sun can reflect off snow, burning the skin just as easily as the sun in summer.

To combat the spread of colds and flu, teach your child to sneeze and cough into bend of their elbow and encourage frequent hand washing. Everyone can benefit from this tip year-round, but it’s especially important during winter months to help keep you and your little ones healthy.

Need more info? View the links below for more information on winter safety, including tips on frostbite. And if you’re looking for deals on winter outerwear and accessories, check out of social media pages Cookie’s Kids Facebook and Twitter – specials posted daily!

Sources:

https://healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Winter-Safety.aspx

http://www.parenting.com/article/winter-health-guide

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/946337/winter-health-and-safety-tips-for-kids

Is Technology Helping or Hurting Quality Time?

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 13:29:22 -0500

For many families, time spent on technological devices like smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems rack up more hours of attention than person-to-person interactions. This lack of face-time gives good cause for concern. However – plot twist! – some technology can actually help families stay close. Read on to see how.

Critics of technology rail against overuse of our phones and tablets; they argue that relying on technology for emotional intimacy may increase our sense of feeling inundated and empty. Overuse of anything can, of course, have a negative effect on one’s life, and most families should consider monitoring the amount of time spent using technology. Setting a date for your family to spend technology-free time together can help families that would otherwise go off in their own cyber-cocoons.

Great examples of technology-free quality time include board games, outdoor physical activities, and cooking a healthy dinner together. There are countless benefits from cooking dinner together as a family, such as learning healthy eating habits and nurturing the family connection. Even our brains reap the benefits, as time spent face to face talking with family not only strengthens our neural circuitry for human contact, but also helps ease the stress we experience in our daily lives, protecting the medial temporal regions that control emotion and memory.

But can technology itself actually help family time? Sometimes. Video chat programs like Skype are wonderful tools for keeping families connected; for instance, cooking dinner with your family can take on a whole new dimension when you Skype grandparents in for advice on a recipe. Smartphones can be used with affordable projectors for far less the cost of movie theatre tickets for a family, and can be a more leisurely way to enjoy and discuss a film with your loved ones. There are also multi-player game apps available for your smartphone that feature innovative ways to have a board-game-like experience.

Families free to enjoy their own devices and interests online are likely to share content when in the same room. The family cyber-cocoon can be surprisingly interactive and provides a medium for families to know and acknowledge each other’s interests. Sharing in this way is helpful with engaging discussion and exploring topics of concern. Once a balance is made of time and interests, technology can indeed nurture quality time for a family.

Have any family-friendly technology ideas? Share them with us and feel free to browse daily deals on our Cookie’s Kids Facebook and Twitter pages!

Sources:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/gudmundsen/2014/01/05/family-party-apps/4263663/

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/01/fashion/01FAMILY.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/features/family-dinners-are-important

ALL COOKIE’S STORES OPEN REGULAR TIME SUNDAY, JANUARY 24. STAY SAFE!

Sun, 24 Jan 2016 07:37:32 -0500

Social Media Guidelines for Kids

Wed, 13 Jan 2016 00:00:09 -0500

Social media has become a huge part of how kids interact, and it falls to parents to ensure those interactions stay positive. Duties like as monitoring kids and helping them create a healthy balance between social media and daily life may seem daunting, but this blog post will show you how.

The first step? Research. Familiarize yourself with social networks of all kinds. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and SnapChat have earned their reputations as the giants of social media, but you should also look at gaming websites, blogs, chat rooms, and message boards your child may frequent. Age limits and rules of conduct vary greatly, especially on less popular social networks, and parents should consider studying these guidelines in depth. Maintain your literacy regarding privacy rules – they can change whenever the software updates. Read the fine print!

Before you allow your child to sign on to a social network for the first time, have an informal assessment of their knowledge. This will give you a better understanding of where to focus your support. Have a frank discussion about what it means to have an online reputation. Make sure your child understands how their digital footprint can affect their life now and in the future. Tweens and teens alike have limited capacity for self-regulation and will need your guidance as they face the risk of engaging in poor online behavior.

You can use helpful tools like privacy settings and monitoring and filtering software, but sometimes a written parent/child contract can work just as well. You’ll find that as with any other life lessons, simply setting a good example for your child will be their soundest guide, so be more mindful than ever when posting yourself.

If you and your child follow these guidelines, you’ll soon realize the virtues of social media. It lets kids discover opportunities to engage in the community, can lend a hand in shaping a child’s sense of identity, and can help improve communication skills. The expansion of one’s online connections can also build respect and tolerance for others and lead to discourse about global issues. Just remember to establish clear rules and boundaries for your child’s use of social networks, and keep tabs on both your child and the rules of the network.

And, if your child’s ever looking for hot deals on clothing on social media, remember that we post them daily on our Cookie’s Kids Facebook and Twitter pages!

Sources:

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/safe-chat-rooms-and-social-sites-for-kids

http://www.parenting.com/gallery/social-media-monitoring-kids?page=0

http://www.fastcompany.com/3010034/the-truth-about-kids-and-social-media

Supporting Your Introverted Child

Tue, 22 Dec 2015 12:27:16 -0500

Introversion is a personality trait often confused with shyness. An introverted person enjoys time alone. A shy person doesn’t necessarily want to be alone, but is afraid to interact with others. While therapy can help a shy person, it can cause stress in an introvert and lead to problems with self-esteem.

Introverted people are more inward in their thinking and feeling. They expend energy from social interaction, while most extroverts actually gain energy. Introverts become drained by large social settings and require time alone to recharge. Their preference of interacting with the world around them tends to be viewed as anti-social, however introverts are just as socially capable as their extroverted peers.

The trick for parenting an introverted child is to support and honor their personality and not force them into what is considered normal behavior. Because introverts tend to feel overstimulated more easily, they require tools to manage a healthy balance in life. For example, after a full day of school and activities, your child may require immediate time alone once they arrive home. Resist the urge to barrage them with questions and allow them time to process their day. Share your thoughts with your child about what it means to be an introverted person. It’s vital that your child understands that they are every bit as normal as their extroverted peers, and do not need to change.

The holidays are rife with forced social settings, and parents should be sure to assist their child with ways to manage this overstimulation. Be steadfast in your support and work together with your child to create a healthy social balance.

Sources:

http://giftedkids.about.com/od/socialemotionalissues/qt/introvert_trait.htm

http://giftedkids.about.com/od/4/f/introvert_faq.htm

http://psychology.about.com/od/motivation/a/arousal-theory-of-motivation.htm

https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/motivation-12/theories-of-motivation-65/arousal-theory-of-motivation-251-12786/

Thanksgiving Volunteering Opportunities for the Whole Family

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 16:37:13 -0500

Clothing Drive: When the cold and wet weather sets in, some families realize they cannot afford proper winter clothing. Your family can help by participating in a clothing drive. Gently used coats, boots, baby gear, and more can be given new life with a new family. Organizing a drive in your neighborhood is also a great way to meet your neighbors. Put out some hot cider and donuts, meet people, and watch the donations pour in!

Providing Company: The holiday season brings great joy, but it can be a time of loneliness for some. You can help solve this problem by spending time at a local old folk’s home, living facility for developmentally disabled adults, or soup kitchen. Providing pleasant company is one of the easiest things you can do, and it goes a long way in brightening the lives of others.

Create Care Packages: Women and men serving in the military don’t always get the opportunity to come home for the holidays. You can help send a slice of home to them by creating military care packages. What goodies will you send to our service-people overseas? It’s up to you and your family! The USO has in-depth instructions for creating care packages or making other types of donations.

Donate Blood: Blood banks are always in need of life-saving blood and platelet donations. Although not for the faint of heart, donating blood usually takes under an hour, and you can be sure your blood is going to good use. There are donation centers in all 50 states, and a quick internet search will reveal the one closest to you.

Turkey Trot: The athletically inclined family can participate in a turkey trot. A turkey trot is a charity race that aims to raise money to buy thanksgiving meals for people who cannot afford them. It’s a fun way to burn off some of those extra holiday calories while doing good. You don’t have to run; you can walk or just cheer on others.

Total Winter Protection with a Snowsuit

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 16:30:05 -0500

Parents and kids alike love snowsuits. They are a simple, no-fuss way to give your little one all-day warmth and protection from the elements. Sledding, skiing, winter hiking, snowball fights – a snowsuit is the perfect outfit for all these activities. Combine a snowsuit with winter boots and a winter accessory set and your child is basically ready for anything winter has in store. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite snowsuits:

A quilted metallic exterior makes this 1-piece snowsuit from Weatherproof futuristic and cozy.

Wear just the coat or get fully suited for snow with this 2-piece snowsuit from iXterme.

Fancy babies will love this Steve Madden snowsuit. Puffy insulation and a fleece lining up the warmth without subtracting from the glamour.

Cold doesn’t stand a chance against the multitude of warming features in this CB snowsuit.

Staying Warm this Winter – Cookie’s Style!

Fri, 06 Nov 2015 12:39:36 -0500

If you’ve been putting off getting your child outfitted for cold weather, you’re out of excuses. Winter is here and CookiesKids.com is fully stocked with everything kids need to stay warm and happy, all at the best prices online. From high-end ski gear to warm, functional jackets starting at just $16.99, Cookie’s has it.

However, outerwear, even kids’ outerwear, can include a lot of technical features, making it difficult to decide what’s right for your child. This Taste of Cookie’s post takes an in-depth look at outerwear, in the hopes of making buying the right winter gear easy as pumpkin pie.

Every parent knows the importance of a good winter jacket. If you live in a cold, snowy area, make sure you choose a jacket with a weather-resistant exterior that can withstand the elements. Winter jackets are usually lined with either silky polyester or microfleece. Microfleece is softer to the touch, but needs to be cleaned more often because it absorbs sweat. Silky poly is not quite as warm as microfleece, but doesn’t need to be cleaned as often and can sometimes be wiped down instead of machine washed.

A jacket’s lining is important, but typically the amount and quality of insulation will be a better indicator of how warm a jacket is. Our glossary below has more information on various winter jacket features, functions, and terminology. Whatever your budget and needs, rest assured we have hundreds of warm, weather-resistant jackets for every budget.

Because the head and hands lose heat more quickly than the rest of the body, winter accessories sets can be just important as a quality jacket or parka. Buying a set with gloves, a scarf and a hat is always cheaper than buying those items individually (our sets start at under $10). Plus, when you get a set, you know everything will match. Sets made of knit cotton, acrylic, or polyester are great for staying warm and are soft to the touch. However, they are typically not waterproof. For kids doing winter sports or playing outside a lot, it’s worthwhile to invest in some weatherproof gloves (like these The North Face gloves).

Winter footwear is equally as important as outerwear and accessories. Although various boots claim to be all-weather, the best cold weather performance you can find comes from snow boots. Kids tend to prefer boots with either Velcro closures or bungee clasps because these kinds of boots are easily adjustable and don’t need to be constantly tied and untied.

For truly unbeatable deals on outerwear, head to our clearance section. We are selling Nautica and Columbia jackets – plus snow boots, winter accessories, and more – at up to 90% below the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, every day!

CookiesKids.com has everything your kids need to maximize winter enjoyment. Make sure to sign up for our mailing list (at the bottom of the homepage) to get the inside track on our sales for Black Friday and the holiday season.

Outerwear Glossary

Weatherproof: designed for winter sports performance, tested at the most extreme temperatures, and completely impervious to snow, ice, and water.

Weather-Resistant: keeps out water and snow but not necessarily designed for the most extreme conditions.

Down Insulation: feather filling designed for maximum warmth.

Synthetic Insulation: fiber filling designed for lightweight warmth.

System Jacket: a jacket with a lining that can be removed and worn on its own, or combined with an included shell for maximum warmth.

Elastic/Adjustable Cuffs: cuffs that create a seal at the wrist or ankle, keeping in warmth and blocking out snow.

Handwarmer Pockets: easily accessible front pockets for warming hands.

Media Port: a special pocket for phones and music players, with a passage for headphones.

Zipper Cover: A placket that goes over the zipper, preventing warmth from escaping.

Stay Dry with Cookie’s Kids Rain Gear!

Wed, 04 Nov 2015 16:26:46 -0500

Grey skies and rain don’t have to get your little one down. We have everything you need to beat the rainy day blues. Umbrellas, rain boots, slickers, and more are available at CookiesKids.com right now! Our quality rain gear – from trusted brands like Disney and London Fog – is durable, colorful, and guaranteed to keep your kids dry. And when you shop at Cookie’s Kids, you know you’ll never get soaked on the price. Order today and you’ll be ready when it starts to pour…

Rain won’t stop your little officer from tracking down the bad guys in this police-themed Wippette rain jacket.

Doc McStuffins is her antidote to rainy day blues with this umbrella. Figurine handle is a lovable touch.

This light and compact rain slicker is great to have on-hand when wet weather suddenly arrives. Toy Story fans will love the Buzz Lightyear motif!

These rain boots from Forever Young sport a bright star print and pull-on loops for easy dressing.

What You Need to Know about Charter Schools

Tue, 03 Nov 2015 13:37:14 -0500

The debate over charter schools is closely related to the Common Core Controversy. Both issues transcend the left-right political divide and garner strong opinions from parents, educators, and academics alike. Our latest Taste of Cookie’s post discusses why charter schools are at the center of this year’s hottest education debate. But first, what is a charter school?

A charter school is a semi-public school that operates using public money. Charter schools are free to create their own curriculum, hire their own staff, and even adjust the length of the school-day or -year, yet they still receive public funding. For example, New York spends $18,825 a year per public school student. If someone decides to send their child to a charter school, that school would receive the money instead of the child’s local public school.

Some oppose the charter school system because they feel it shortchanges public schools. Instead of taking money out of public schools, why not invest it in them and make the schools better so people don’t need to take advantage of charter schools? Public school parents fear a brain drain in which the best teachers and students end up at charter schools.

Do charter schools deliver a better education? The answer is up for debate, as quality of education is extremely hard to measure. There are certain benchmarks, like college acceptance rates, drop-out rates, or standardized test scores, but those give an incomplete picture, especially when you adjust for the fact that charter schools are free to reject students with behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and other issues that affect these metrics.

Proponents of charter schools view them as a way for parents to get their kids out of failing public schools. They argue that the flight of students and money adversely affects public schools, worsening the problem. And while some charter schools do deliver a high-quality education, some do not. With less oversight, it’s harder to know exactly how well charter schools are performing.

The future of charter schools will likely be decided at the state level. Some states have actively lobbied for more charter schools, while others have resisted and doubled down on improving traditional public schools. However, many parents are still unsure of the best choice of school for their children, and it seems that controversy will remain for the time being.

Do you have an opinion on charter schools vs. public schools? We want to hear about it! Chime in on the Cookie’s Kids Facebook or Twitter page!

Sources:

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=how%20much%20does%20new%20york%20spend%20per%20student%20per%20year%3F

http://www.uncommonschools.org/faq-what-is-charter-school

http://people.howstuffworks.com/charter-school4.htm
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2012/01/comparing_charters_and_regular.html

Teaching Children Forgiveness

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 10:27:06 -0400

Kids, especially younger kids, tend to see the world in black-and-white. Understanding a nuanced concept like forgiveness takes a lot of guidance, but ultimately it will help them get along better in social situations and, later, build lasting, healthy relationships. How can you teach your child forgiveness? Read on for some helpful tips.

First, make sure your child understands what forgiveness is. Remember, forgiving someone isn’t forgetting what they did or condoning their behavior. It’s more about moving past an incident, letting go of resentment, and giving someone a second chance.

Encourage your child to explore not just their feelings but the feelings of the person who wronged them. How exactly did the perceived slight make your child feel? Angry? Embarrassed? Hurt? What do they think motivated the offender to take an action against them? It’s important that your child has a basic emotional literacy of the situation. Simply talking about what occurred can prove therapeutic.

Understanding forgiveness is the first step; practicing it brings a new challenge. Encourage your child to talk things out when they feel hurt. The act of forgiving not only makes the forgiven person feel relieved, it brings the same feelings to the forgiver, too. If your child understands this empathetic exchange, they’ll have a much easier time forgiving – and asking for forgiveness.

Teenagers develop their own unique set of problems when it comes to forgiveness. Complex situations, like being mad at someone but still wanting them as a friend, or being disappointed in someone they love, can be challenging to sort through. Try getting your teen to organize their feelings on paper; when they are ready, have them rip up the paper – a gesture of letting go.

As Buddha once famously said, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Learning to forgive is a gift – make sure you give it to your kids!

Sources:

http://www.parenting.com/article/forgiveness-101

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/02/27/how-to-teach-a-child-forgiveness/

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/raising_happiness/post/forgive_andfeel_happier

Fall Family Activity Roundup

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 10:44:56 -0400

Apple Picking: Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors for a number of reasons: fall foliage, a lack of extreme temperatures, and lots to do. Apple picking is a great way to take full advantage of everything fall has to offer. You can spend time with your family outdoors while stocking up on delicious apples. Turning your haul of apples into pie or apple sauce can be another fun way to spend some family time.

Planning for Halloween: Many apple orchards also feature a pumpkin patch. Carving a pumpkin together as a family is the perfect way to set the spooky Halloween mood. Halloween presents a lot of opportunities for family fun. Preparing your house for the occasion can be an ongoing project; you can put up homemade decorations, cook special Halloween treats, and practice ghost stories to tell on the big night. If your kids want to spend the night out trick-or-treating, suggest working on a family costume. We’ve already posted lots of Halloween recipes and costume ideas on our Cookie’s Kids Pinterest board – be sure to check it out!

Seasonal Cooking: Trying out some seasonal recipes is a great way to spend a fall afternoon. Hearty foods with seasonal flavors, like pumpkin pie, chili, ginger bread cookies, and baked squash, are just the kind of rib-sticking meal kids and grown-ups alike crave in the fall. What could be more satisfying than working on a big meal as a family and then enjoying it together?

Autumn Crafting: Autumn presents a lot of great crafting opportunities. Activities like making leaf collages, collecting jars of acorns and pinecones, and building a dreamcatcher with sticks give you opportunities to forage for materials and then turn those materials into something wonderful. Combine whatever beautiful items you can find at your local park with whatever you already have in your home craft kit. Then, let your family’s creativity run wild!

Collecting Canned Food: Thanksgiving season is the perfect time to get your family involved in a charitable cause. Canned food drives, winter coat drives, and other seasonal charity works are a great way to give back and have fun as a family. Reach out to other families in the community to see what they can donate. You and your kids can make new friends while you work towards a noble cause.

Trend Alert: Adventurous New Styles & Cuts in Girls’ Denim

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 10:00:32 -0400

At CookiesKids.com we are committed to bringing you the latest and greatest in kids’ fashion at the lowest possible price. This season, our versatile selection of jeans for girls includes some truly head-turning, stare-getting, borderline-what-is-she-thinking looks! From trendy to outlandish, styles for every girl are represented. Take a look!

Elastic trim at the waistband and cuffs adds both comfort and style to these jogger jeans from Z. Cavaricci.

Colorful paint splashes, distressing, and acid-washed denim make these Dazl skinny jeans unlike any other.

These retro, ska-inspired Twelve K jeans come with the perfect accessory: bright suspenders!

Is she getting bored of skinny jeans? Try these flare jeans from R.V.T. Check out that cow print trim!

The Indispensable Boys Hoodie

Tue, 13 Oct 2015 10:00:15 -0400

Fall just wouldn’t be the same without a trusty hoodie or two. There’s something truly egalitarian about the hoodie: this transcendent topper can be found on the backs of moguls, pro athletes, students, and more.

Seems like every boy has a favorite hoodie. But when his favorite starts looking a bit worn or just too small, who do you turn to? Cookie’s Kids, of course! We have an incredible selection of irresistibly priced hoodies. Take a look at some of our new favorites:

Colorful patches give this black and white Akademiks hoodie an artistic edge.

Part hoodie, part denim jacket, this Levi’s topper is as unique as it is stylish. The French terry is ultra-cozy and looks just like real denim!

Knit poly construction and classic striping add a touch of elegance to this Faze 1 hoodie. And it’s only $10!

Leave it to a trusted brand like Champion to deliver a fleece hoodie that’s both sporty and fashionable.