Birthday countdown

I owe a whopping thanks to Big Day Chains for getting me to my daughter's 5th birthday (today!) without completely losing my mind. Because if there's anything more annoying than the "Are we there yet?" question, it's "How many days until…

Birthday countdown
I owe a whopping thanks to Big Day Chains for getting me to my daughter's 5th birthday (today!) without completely losing my mind. Because if there's anything more annoying than the "Are we there yet?" question, it's "How many days until my birthday?"

These smart 30 day countdown paper chains allow your kiddos to keep track of how many days are left without ever having to ask you. The packet contains perforated sheets splashed with bright birthday-themed graphics printed in soy ink on one side and blank pictures on the other side for your kids to color. Simply tear apart the strips, stick them together with the included self-adhesive dots (genius), and hang from a keepsake card that houses cute fill in the blank factoids about your birthday girl (or boy). Then each day she gets to cut off a link until her big day arrives.

$14.95 for a month's worth of sanity? Absolutely. -Kristen

Visit Big Day Chains for baby and wedding countdown chains too!

Congratulations to Alison M, lucky winner of the 30 day countdown kit!

More in KidsView all picks →

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Q&A with children's author Sophie Blackall

Cool Mom Picks readers, we are so excited to launch a new series for you. We are obsessed book lovers over here at the CMP headquarters, and we have a particular soft spot for children's books (even though we're moving our kids into coll…

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

The sweetest back-to-school tradition

Back-to-school season doesn't have to be all backpacks, supply lists, and new sneakers. Sometimes the best way to mark a new school year is with something that feels a little more fun—and a lot less practical. Enter Build-A-Bear , where …

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Shiekh makes the back-to-school shoe hunt easier

Back-to-school shopping has a funny way of turning into a negotiation. Parents want shoes that are comfortable and durable. Kids want the pair everyone will notice in the hallway. Luckily, Shiekh makes it a little easier to keep everyone…