Parent:Wise Austin - Cool-Or-Crummy

Bobo Glove

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:00:11 +0000

Price:

$15

This is one of those things that looks so ridiculous you can’t imagine actually putting it on. But that’s the beauty of it: it’s totally hilarious! This weird glove has everything from teethers to rattles to (non-breakable) mirrors on it — plus a teeny little “Bobo Baby” animal book. The glove is made from a variety of fabrics, with a soft velour-and-jersey lining for whoever is wearing it.

Legal:

We’re required to tell you that all Cool or Crummy items are sent to us by companies and PR agents; we do not purchase these items independently, they just show up on our doorstep. All items are tested by our Product Review Team, otherwise known as the Tester Mamas, who have children in the age ranges recommend by the items in question. As you can see, we’re brutally honest in our reviews so it should go without saying that we do not accept payment for product placement (but we have to say it anyway because this is, after all, a required legal notice). If you have any questions, feel free to email us at Editor@ParentWiseAustin.com.

Livi.Lu.Lu Strawberry Kitty Gift Set + Lotion and Shower Gel

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 19:35:47 +0000

Web Address:

Web Site

Price:

$25

When this gift set arrived, we had a bit of a stampede to review it. The kids just loved the brightly colored kitty, not to mention the little bag o’sparkling stuff around her neck. From a mama’s point of view, we didn’t mind letting them test the products with wild abandon: made by Herban Renewal of Abilene, all of the lotions and potions in this set are natural. And yes, they smell divine.

Legal:

The Lice Edition: Part 2

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:39:47 +0000

By:

Kim Pleticha

Last year’s back-to-school Cool or Crummy “Got Lice” article was so popular that we thought we’d revisit the topic again this year — chiefly because the American Academy of Pediatrics recently published a new policy paper on the critters that seems to have everyone in an uproar.

The paper (found at http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;110/3/638), reiterates the AAP’s position that, because lice do not carry disease and pose no health threat, children should not be excluded from school if they have them.

Beamz Music Creator

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:42:17 +0000

Web Address:

Web Site

Price:

$200-300 (depending on model; not Macintosh-compatible)

This is one of those things that’s so cool, you just can’t wait to get your hands on it. At least, that’s how the tester dads and kids felt when it dropped on our doorstep. The beamz Music Creator uses lasers as musical “keys”: by breaking the connection between the lasers, you can create a symphony in your living room.

Legal:

The Official Blitz Ball

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 15:34:01 +0000

Web Address:

Web Site

Price:

$12 (set of 4 balls)

The packaging calls this thing the fastest ball on the planet and that it very well may be. Lightweight and textured, and about the size of a baseball, the Blitz Ball is super easy even for the smallest of hands to grip. And man, does it fly!

Legal:

The Baggler & The Baggler Bags

Brian J. Stankiewicz — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 16:21:16 +0000

Web Address:

Web Site

Price:

$10

It you’ve made a resolution to be more “green” this year, we highly recommend these cool bags.

Legal:

Tofurky Vegetarian Feast

Admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:08:31 +0000

Web Address:

Web Site

Price:

$27

Non-vegetarians may make fun of Tofurky, but there’s no denying this vegan roast is really good.

Legal:

Vegetarian Plus Vegan Ham Roll

Admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:06:54 +0000

Web Address:

Web Site

Price:

$25 for 2.2 pound box with plum glaze

VegeUSA claims this vegan “ham” tastes exactly like the real thing. Well, not quite. Still, it’s darn tasty!

Legal:

Truth Be Told

Admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:05:48 +0000

Web Address:

Web Site

Price:

$20

Wonder what to do when Great Aunt Hilda and Cousin Jester descend on your house this holiday season? Break out Truth Be Told!

Legal:

My BFF Doll

Admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 04:04:36 +0000

Web Address:

Web Site

Price:

$150

If you’re looking for a fabulous gift for a doll-loving girl, look no further than the My BFF Doll.

Legal: