The Moms Who Get It Awards 2026: Our Favorite Products for Kids

Favorite Water Bottle: Owala 24-ounce FreeSip Water Bottle & Thermos Funtainer Water Bottle

There’s no competing with the primacy of the Owala FreeSip — and we get why it’s so popular, with two modes of drinking, a good-looking (and easy to decorate) exterior, and easy-to-clean parts. But we’ll also always be loyal to the affordable 16-ounce Thermos Funtainer, partly because it has no straw (and therefore fewer parts to lose), partly because it comes in a ton of different designs, and partly because it’s pretty hard to break, despite our kids’ best efforts.

Favorite Bento Box (Dry Goods and Sandwiches): Bentgo Easyboxes 3-Compartment Food Containers

Basic, yes, but you don’t need a heck of a lot more than this — and if one of these boxes breaks or gets forgotten about for months in an old camp backpack, you won’t be throwing $50 down the drain. These plastic bento boxes are pretty easy for kids to open and close, and go in the dishwasher for straightforward cleaning at the end of the day.

Favorite Pantry Snack: Chomplings Mini Meat Sticks

For a quick hit of protein on the go, these shelf-stable Chomplings are super convenient. With flavors ranging from regular beef, chicken, and turkey to smoky BBQ beef and savory breakfast chicken, they offer plenty of variety, and four to five grams of protein per stick.

Favorite Protein Bar: Aloha Organic Plant Based Protein Bar Minis

For plant-based protein, these mini Aloha bars are another great snack to keep around the house. Just the right size for a couple bites (aka you won’t waste a full bar when your kids decide they’re done halfway through), they have six grams of protein each, and fun flavors like chocolate chip cookie dough and caramel chocolate pecan that genuinely taste good.

Favorite Seltzer: Spindrift

We tend to buy Spindrift for ourselves, but it’s one of those drinks we don’t feel so bad about when the kids steal it from the fridge — because it’s more exciting than water or plain seltzer, but still only minimally flavored, without added sugar. So for a slightly more interesting after-school snack situation, it’s a win.

Favorite Fruit Snacks: Nature’s Garden Probiotic Yoggies

You can steal these straight from the kids’ snack drawer and feel pretty good about it, since while they taste like candy, these actually have a lot going for them in the nutrition department. Coated in probiotic yogurt and with three grams of fiber per serving, they’re a more balanced snack than the Sour Patch Kids you may have been eyeing, and a slam dunk for school snack bags as far as we’re concerned.

Favorite Sweet Treats: Johnny Pops Organic Rainbow Fruit Stacks

These things fly off the freezer shelves in our houses, and we feel pretty OK about that. They do have added sugar, but they’re naturally flavored with no artificial dyes, and they look exciting enough to make for a great birthday treat at school (where they’re more likely to be accepted than baked goods, since they’re made in a peanut-free facility).

Favorite Beading Kit: Perler Bead Fun Fused Bead Kit

Yep, those perler beads. They’re still around, and still a hit. This kit comes with four pegboards and 8,000 beads, plus lidded storage trays and a book of ideas. Once your kids assemble their creations, all you’ll need is an iron to immortalize them.

Favorite Affordable Craft Kits: Mondo Llama

For fully assembled art kits (like Christmas tree ornaments and light-up haunted houses) you won’t want to immediately throw in the trash, it’s difficult to beat Mondo Llama’s variety and price point. We particularly like their seasonal Halloween and holiday collections, and one of our favorite after-school parenting hacks is to just keep a bunch of these $5 kits in the closet and pull out as necessary.

Favorite Card Game: Go Farm! & Uno Jr.

It’s an under-celebrated milestone when your kid is finally old enough to really start playing games, and these two intro card games are perfect for those early days when you start to realize family game nights might not be too far off. Go Farm! is a sweet, animal-themed take on Go Fish, and Uno Jr. is the game you know and love with an added animal-matching element.

Favorite Dependable Birthday Gift: Outfoxed! Game

This hits the under-$25 sweet spot in terms of price, and we love that it’s a board game that can be played collaboratively by siblings of different ages. It’s enthralled our own kids ages 4 and up, and become our go-to birthday gift for anyone in this age range.

Favorite Headphones: JBL Junior 320 Headphones

Whether for music, audiobook, or tablet time at home, or technology classes at school, there’s a good chance your 5 through10-year-old is going to need a decent pair of headphones. These wired headphones keep volume under 85 decibels, have soft earcups, and even a built-in microphone.

Favorite Beach Toy: Surfer Dudes

We heard someone ask for these by name at a beach town toy store this summer, and obviously had to see what all the fuss was about. We were immediately impressed: these simple, no-tech toys are “surf boomerangs” — meaning you just throw them into the waves, and they turn themselves upright and surf their way back to shore. It makes for hours of outdoor fun, and the perfect summer birthday gift for any beach-loving kid.

Favorite Gaming System: Nintendo Switch 2

When you’re ready to invest in a full-on gaming system for your household, the Nintendo Switch 2 has a lot going for it. It’s compatible with kids’ favorites ranging from the Super Mario games to Minecraft and more — plus, since you can play on a TV or take the console itself to go, it’s adaptable to pretty much any situation.

Favorite Wearable Tech: Bark Watch

Think of this as a real smart watch (it’s a Samsung Galaxy Watch8) with a whole lot of parental controls baked right in. It’s water-resistant, cool-looking, and most importantly, it gives you all the benefits of wearable technology (like the ability to text your kid and track their location) without the dangers and distractions of social media, internet access, and gaming. The most impressive part is Bark’s signature content monitoring, which alerts you to problematic messages, videos, or photos your child sends or receives.

Favorite Tablet: Amazon Fire Kids Tablet

Over years of use, we’ve been impressed with the curation of safe and age-appropriate content on these tablets, and the Amazon Kids interface is easy for both kids and adults to use (hello, pause button on mommy or daddy’s phone). They’re also extremely durable, which we know because they’ve survived their fair share of spills and drops.

Favorite Board Game: Clue Junior

Teach your kids logic and reasoning while enjoying a take on the classic board game (complete with a double-sided board your child won’t immediately get sick of). It’s challenging without being impossible, and works for groups of two to six. Another family favorite (although not technically a board game) is Teacup Pile-Up!, which teaches matching and sequencing under the guise of creating whimsical, fall-prone stacks of colorful teacups and saucers.

Favorite Scooter: Micro Kickboard

Whether you’re shopping for little kids or adults, Micro has an age-appropriate option, and these high-quality scooters are easy to pass down to younger siblings over the years. Choose from mini versions with training wheels and LED lights to foldable suspension scooters that park without a kickstand, and you’ll be set for everything from playground days to cross-neighborhood commutes.

Favorite Kid-Friendly Phones: Tin Can

There’s a reason these things have been the talk of playgrounds all around the country since they launched. Well, two reasons. First of all, they’ve been pretty difficult to get your hands on until now, regularly selling out and having a waitlist. Secondly, they’re pretty dang cool — landline phones (powered by WiFi) kids can use to call only approved numbers, like their best friends and grandparents.

Favorite Music Toy: VTech Kidi Star Rockstar Interactive Musical Guitar

If you’re not ready to invest in a full mini electric guitar for your budding rock star (although we do endorse that path as well), this is a good first step. This under-$50 toy has playable strings and frets, and you can connect wirelessly to play your own music (or go with the 30 songs stored on the guitar itself).

Favorite Educational Toy: Yoto Mini

The Yoto falls somewhere between the Walkman you might have had as a kid, and a kids’ tablet: It’s screen-free, but (depending which cards you purchase) gives kids access to a wide range of age-appropriate music, audiobooks, podcasts, and more. Get a little binder or organizer for the cards, and a set of headphones, too. The brand new fourth-generation edition was released too late for testing, but worth checking out as well.

Favorite Lip Balm: Starface Star Balm

When winter dry skin hits, this cute balm’s coconut oil/shea butter/cocoa butter combo provides up to eight hours of hydration at a time (although chances are it’ll be reapplied liberally before that stat is ever fully tested out). Choose from 17 flavors, including an unscented version.

Favorite Hair Accessories: Gimme Beauty Bounce Back Hair Bands

These gentle hair bands don’t hurt sensitive scalps, and are designed to work well with even fine hair. They come in multiple colors and don’t attract attention on their own, so they’re perfect for simple ponytails or as the base support for more exciting accessories.

Favorite Hair Brush: Wet Brush Original Detangler Hairbrush

This budget-friendly hairbrush punches above its weight when it comes to pain-free detangling. We (and our sensitive-scalped little ones) have tried many, many brushes over the years, and found this to be the most effective and least painful, both for our own hair and our kids’.

Favorite Hair Product: Kitsch Hair Taming Wand

For anyone with a perma-frizz situation, this taming wand — essentially a transparent mascara for your hair — is the quickest, easiest solution to make messy hair look presentable in under a minute. It’s easy to throw in a backpack or bag, too, for touch-ups on the go.

Favorite Hand Sanitizer: Touchland

A hand sanitizer your kid actually wants to use is priceless, and these trendy Touchland spritzers (which you can buy with a matching keychain case) come in lots of cute scents and colors for maximum cool factor. 

Favorite Toiletry Holder: Baggu Dopp Kit

With three inside pockets and a handy top loop, this toiletry bag is perfect for holding whatever your budding skincare obsessive wants to travel with. The machine-washable recycled heavyweight nylon is tough enough to withstand spills and keep its shape, while the cheerful, bold patterns make this almost impossible to lose.

Favorite Sunscreen: Supergoop! Play

Nothing says “summer with kids” like investing in an 18-ounce jug of sunscreen and leaving it by the door. This SPF 50 formula is worth that investment — it’s light and easy to rub in, and won’t leave you looking like you tried to rub cream cheese into your face by accident.

Favorite Deodorant: Saltair Pink Beach Skincare Deodorant

While finding the right deodorant for your tween will likely take some trial and error, one Skimm mom raves that this “smells really good, and is the best aluminum-free deodorant” her daughter’s tried. Designed to work for more than 24 hours and sold in a cute, refillable container, it’s worth putting at the top of your list of brands to try.

Favorite Shampoo/Conditioner: Frida Kids

It may be hard on you emotionally to graduate from that baby-friendly shampoo you’ve bought since day one, but when it’s time, it’s time — and Frida’s brand new line of self-care products (for kids 6-11) has you covered. It helps that the packaging is cute enough to be tween-approved (the little bottles nestled within each bigger bottle are refillable for travel purposes), and the products themselves are developed with dermatologists and made without sulfates, dyes, and parabens.

Favorite Electric Toothbrush: Babsy Build-a-Brush

Brushing twice a day, every single day, can get a little tedious, even for grown-ups who understand on a deep and painful level why it’s so important. So there’s no shame in enlisting a little help from this colorful toothbrush pal to make the task more palatable. Your kids can design and redesign this stackable brush at will — every day, if necessary — with twist-on “bits” that can be supplemented with new material as needed.

Favorite Organizer: Caboodle On-the-Go Girl

This ’80s and ’90s fave is back and arguably better than ever, with a full range of kids’ organizers in just about every color combination imaginable. Open it up to find a pop-up tray with a lid and mirror, plus bigger bottom compartments that stay organized when shut. Whether this is following your child to camp, school, or just from bedroom to bathroom and back again at home, it’s great for everything from school supplies to fashion accessories and more.

Favorite Trendy Sneakers: Nike

For shoes that look cool, feel great, and more than scratch the trendiness itch, Nike is an all-around winner. And while the price point reflects that trendiness, frequent sales make these pairs more attainable if you watch for the right moment. 

Favorite Real Jewelry: Pip Pop

Pip Pop's hypoallergenic screw-back earrings prioritize both comfort and cuteness, so this is the perfect brand for kids new to the whole world of “real” jewelry. They sell a wide range of styles, but we’re especially into these simple, lightweight hoops and flat-back bow studs that come with a matching necklace.

Favorite Play Jewelry: Super Smalls Rainbow Sparkles Mega Set

If you’re not on the real-earrings train yet but your kiddo does love to indulge in some serious dress-up sessions at home, Super Smalls has the sparkly, aesthetically pleasing (fake) gem stone-filled sets for you. With a range of themes and color schemes on offer, it’s easy to assemble quite the enviable jewelry case for the wannabe royalty in the playroom next door.

Favorite Dress Clothes for Boys: H&M

It only takes one family wedding or special event for you to realize just how expensive (and unlikely to be re-worn) suits for under-10s are. But those same suits are frequently extremely adorable, which makes H&M’s suiting collection a useful thing to know about. You can get an entire kids’ suit here for under $50 (sometimes much less, when there’s a sale), and add accessories like vests, shirts, and ties as needed. It might not last forever, but it doesn’t need to, and you’ll get at least one priceless family photo. Another plus for those of us known to lose important outfits at the back of the closet: The fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily.

Favorite Dress Clothes for Girls: Next Occasionwear

For bridesmaid dresses, religious events, and other fancy parties that require a special outfit, it’s worth browsing Next’s collection of special occasionwear (which also includes a wide selection of matching shoes). You’ll find choices from their own house brand, as well as other favorites like Monsoon, Baker by Ted Baker, and more.

Favorite Activewear: Abercrombie YPB

For activewear and loungewear, Abercrombie’s YPB (“Your Personal Best”) line is chock full of great picks ranging from sports bras and layered shorts to sweatshirts and a super-cute pleated dress.

Favorite Winter Jackets: Kids Squall Waterproof Insulated Winter Parka

This waterproof jacket with an adjustable hood and cuffs should last you at least two winters if you size it right, and we love that it’s warm without the bulk of a puffer coat. Available in eight colorways and sizes 2-3 to 18-20, it’s the perfect coat to keep buying (and passing down) for your kid’s entire childhood.

Favorite Rain Gear: Kids Magic Print Rain Jacket

This fully lined jacket makes rainy days a little more fun with its patterns that change color when exposed to water — so no more arguing with your kids to pleeeeeaaasse pack that raincoat for school today.

Favorite Winter Hats/Gloves: Home Prefer Beanie Hat

One Skimm mom writes, “We've bought this hat for about four years now,” adding it’s “warm, cute, and comfy” — so everything you need from a winter hat. And since there’s a more-than-zero chance one or two of these will be left behind at school or in a friend’s car, we like the stock-up-friendly price point.

Favorite Swimwear: Kanu Surf

When you’re past the stage of wanting family-photo-quality swimwear for your toddler’s summer beach trips, and need a larger supply of basic, reliable swimwear that’s both comfortable and cost-effective, Kanu Surf lets you stock up without spending a small fortune. We particularly love this brand for rash guards, but you’ll find everything from swim trunks to two-pieces you can count on, with bright colors available (useful for easily spotting kids in the water) and a range of fun designs.

Favorite Training Bras: Bleuet Training and First Bras

A Skimm HQ fave, this brand is a good place to start when bra shopping’s on the agenda for the first time. With soft, seamless bras thoughtfully designed for maximum comfort (they’re all reversible, for example, and this one has the pads sewn in), they’ll help your tween or teen feel confident rather than awkward.

Favorite Underwear: Hanna Andersson

Underwear isn’t the most interesting thing to stock up on, but since it’s the base layer of literally every outfit, finding a comfortable and reliable brand is key — and for us, that’s Hanna Andersson. Their organic cotton pairs have cute designs and, most importantly, comfortable, breathable fabric, whether you’re shopping for hipsters or boxer briefs.

Favorite Period-Friendly Underwear: Kt. by Knix

Any tween or teen who’s nervous about their period should be comforted by these cozy and easy-to-care-for boxers, which absorb a small amount of liquid (about one tampon’s worth) and are recommended for “just-in-case moments” — i.e., most days when they’re still figuring out their cycle.

Favorite Affordable Kids’ Brand: Old Navy

We’re often singing Old Navy’s praises for everything from maternity to workout wear, because the truth is it’s pretty hard to beat their price point for reliable basics you can wear day in and day out. And when it comes to kids’ stuff, it’s no different. Moving your kid’s entire wardrobe up a size at short notice (aka when they come home one day and you suddenly notice their pants are two inches too short) can be an expensive proposition, but with jeans, joggers, dresses, and graphic tees your kids will get excited about, Old Navy makes it as painless as possible.

Favorite Expensive Kids’ Brand: J.Crew

For elevated basics with preppy flair, J.Crew has sweaters, dresses, and chinos to spare. Kid-sized blazers and barn jackets, anyone? 

Favorite Crossbody: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag

A hit with grown-ups and tweens alike, this fanny pack, which comes in neutral colors but also fun shades like bright pink, yellow, and blue, is the perfect size for everyday valuables like a wallet, phone, medication, accessories, and more.

Favorite Backpack: Pottery Barn Large Kids Backpacks

For kindergarten and early elementary school years, the large-sized Pottery Barn Kids backpacks (and even Pottery Barn Teen bags, if you need more patterns to choose from) are our book packs of choice. They have the right mix of style (aka exciting patterns and character-driven designs) and durability, plus really comfortable straps and enough room for a lunch box, water bottle, spare clothes, books, and a couple folders.

Favorite Pencil Sharpener and Pencils: AFMAT Electric Pencil Sharpener & Personalized Pencils

If you’ve been out of the classroom game since your own high school days, you might be under the mistaken impression that analog writing tools have fallen by the wayside and everything is done on the computer these days. We’re happy to report that pencil culture is alive and well, and once you buy this ridiculously satisfying automatic pencil sharpener, you might just find yourself going out of your way to use (and sharpen) pencils on a daily basis. If so, you may want to consider investing in some of these adorable personalized pencils, both for the current students in your family and for yourself.

Favorite Highlighters: Ban.do Stacking Highlighters

These aren’t the violently neon markers of your youth — although they still serve the exact same purpose. For the aesthetically minded student, they’re a fun modular addition to any pencil case, and as a bonus, they take up minimal space (the whole stack is essentially five highlighters in one).

Favorite Scissors: Fiskars 5-Inch Pointed Tip Kids Scissors

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. These classic kids’ scissors are easy to stock up on, and good to keep around for homework, art projects, and your typical tag-cutting and snack-opening tasks.

Favorite Markers: Pippi Post Dual-Tip Art Markers Set

Every marker in this 48-piece set has both a broad and a fine-brush tip, so they can handle any task that comes your kid’s way, from a science project or school poster to thank-you cards and journal sessions. The storage case fits neatly onto art carts or into desks, too.

Favorite Pouches: Caboodle Bring It! Bags

A cute and helpful way to keep your big kids organized at school. Use these as pencil cases or for hair accessories, chapsticks, and other random items that otherwise get lost at the bottom of backpacks.

Favorite E-Reader: Amazon Kindle Kids 16GB

This glare-free kids’ Kindle comes with your choice of three covers, plus a six-month Amazon Kids+ subscription (with content for kids 3-12), and a two-year replacement guarantee. With up to six weeks of use on a single charge, it’s a great way to give your kids access to a virtually unlimited number of books without needing to buy 30 bookshelves for their room.

Favorite Labels: Mabel’s Labels

Restocking on these customizable labels is a must before school or camp every year, and we love Mabel’s Labels for both the quality and variety of the options on offer. If you prefer removable labels (that stay on through the wash, but can be peeled off when you hand clothes down to others), go for the stickers, but if you want something more permanent, we love the super-easy (and strangely satisfying) name stamp.