This week’s roundup of Mom’s Choice Award winners features online resources, children’s picture books, kids’ toys, and more! Be sure to scroll through the entire list so you don’t miss any of our new award-winners! All the items you see below won a Mom’s Choice Award during May 18, 2025, to May 24, 2025.
Every week companies, inventors, and publishers from around the world send us their products for evaluation. Only the best earn our designation.
Tweens & Tech: How To Deal With Devices, Group Chat & Social Media
Tweens & Tech: How To Deal With Devices, Group Chat & Social Media is an online course to help parents learn how to safely allow or manage the technology their children are asking for. The course creator draws from practical experience as a mom and former Snapchat Executive, to break down the information parents need to make the best choices for their kids.
Online Resources (Websites, eMagazines and Blogs):
Family/Parenting
Tonka Steel Classics Giga Series: Dump Truck, Excavator and Bulldozer
The Tonka Steel Classics Giga Series offers a rugged trio of construction vehicles, built to inspire adventure and withstand the test of time. Each truck in the assortment—the classic Dump Truck, powerful Excavator, and sturdy Bulldozer—is made with tough steel construction, ensuring they can handle even the roughest play. With their iconic bright yellow design and lifelike details, these vehicles encourage kids to dig, haul, and build their own imaginative construction sites. For over 75 years, Tonka has been a trusted name, creating toys that bring families together across generations. Built Tonka Tough, this assortment is perfect for kids who love outdoor exploration and play that lasts!
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Preschoolers
That’s My Sister: Growing Up With My Special Needs Twin
Written by Adrianna Pakes; Illustrated by Victor Lodevico
A touching and loving illustrated story, by new Author, Adrianna Pakes, who shares her journey of growing up alongside her special needs twin sister, Alana. A final high school essay assignment prompts Adrianna to reflect deeply on their unique relationship. Through Adrianna’s eyes, readers witness a heartfelt journey filled with love, resilience, and helping others to learn the value of diversity.
That’s My Sister is more than just a story about siblinghood—it’s a celebration of neurodiversity, a testament to the strength of families touched by disability, and a reminder of the power of unconditional love. With warmth and authenticity, Adrianna invites readers into her world, fostering understanding and compassion for the special needs community.
Children’s Picture Books:
Specialized Concepts / Differently Abled
Stacks
Three STACKS of 7 cards each. Can you get rid of them before your opponent gets rid of theirs? Or will YOU, or your TEAM, be the one stuck with a lot of points? You move your piece the same number of spaces as the number of points you got caught with! Yeah…you don’t want to be moving!
Your turn? Start by playing a card. You have 3 piles each with the top card revealed. If one of those top cards CONNECTS to your played card (is one # bigger or smaller) take it and place it on your played card. Flip over the card from the STACK you just took from. Keep pulling cards off as long as they continue to connect. Play from your hand to fill in a gap.
The special cards and board play add fun to the already engaging game of… STACKS!
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
SPF 50+ Sheer Finish Mineral Sunscreen
Our SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen is an advanced non-nano zinc formula that provides reliable and comprehensive broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It has a true 80-minute water resistance to offer extended protection during water activities and outdoor adventures and the fragrance-free formula reduces the risk of skin irritation, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Our sunscreen delivers a sheer finish for a lightweight and comfortable experience and is hypoallergenic, vegan, paraben-free, and phthalate-free. Additionally, it is reef-safe -free from harmful ingredients that can damage coral reefs, and marine ecosystems.
Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Children
S/Hets
You need ALL five of the 5s for a SET. Three 5s is over HALF so that, at LEAST, is a good start. You can finish off the three 5s with a 2Wild (it serves as TWO extra 5s!).
Going for the 9s? Yep, you will need to get NINE of them! Have just THREE of them and you have a 3Wild? Bummer – you can’t use the 3W yet ‘cause you have to have MORE of the real card than what the WILD adds to the SET.
At the end (all cards drawn) if you have LESS than HALF of a SET, you lose points! And try not to get stuck with cards that don’t play at the end – they will cost you points, too!
Are you going to get to 500 first?!? It will depend on how you play the cards you get!
S/HETS is the addictive new card game that everyone wants to play!
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Pura Diaper Range
Pura is a British Brand which launched in the US in June 2023. The brand was born when parents Guy and Abi Fennell realized that traditional disposable diapers and wipes contain ingredients that could be harmful both to babies’ skin and the planet.
Frustrated by the lack of truly clean, sustainable and ethical diapering options on the market they set out to create their own brand. Pura diapers provide parents with a guilt-free, planet-friendly alternative without sacrificing convenience, allowing families to care for their babies while also caring for the world they will grow up in.
Many disposable diapers contain chemicals such as chlorine, fragrances, lotions, and phthalates, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in babies. Pura diapers are totally chlorine-free. They are also free from synthetic fragrances, toxins, phthalates or harsh chemicals which helps prevent diaper rashes and skin irritation and make them a safe option for newborns and infants with allergy-prone or sensitive skin.
Pura diapers are designed with an ultra-absorbent core made from plant-based materials that lock in moisture efficiently.
Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Babies
Nogoal’s Turtle Toy Splash & Bubbles
Nogoal’s Turtle Splash & Bubbles: The Backyard Toy Every Parent Needs This Summer
Why It’s a Must-Have:
1. Two-in-One Fun
This toy combines a sprinkler and a bubble machine:
4 rotating nozzles spray water up to 3.6 feet.
Built-in bubble blower creates a stream of bubbles.
2. Kid-Safe and Durable
Made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic.
Low-pressure water is safe for toddlers.
Tip-resistant base handles rough play from kids and pets.
3. Easy to Set Up
Connect to a hose for sprinkler mode.
Snap on bubble tube for bubble mode.
Takes just 10 seconds to set up.
Why Families Love It:
✓ Great for toddlers, older kids, and even pets.
✓ Perfect for summer parties or everyday play.
✓ Sturdy and long-lasting. Kids come back to it again and again.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Toddlers
Money Moves a Nation, A Civil Rights Lesson for Children
Written by Hazell Thomas.
Https://tinyurl. com/MoneyMovesANationACivilRights LessonforChildren; Illustrated by Wayne Thomas
Fritz Hartman; Edited by Sharon Jennings
Meet Jonah ,a bright fourth grader who would rather stay home this summer and play games with his friends than go on a trip to Money, Mississippi.
Little does he know, a life changing discovery awaits, revealing his family remarkable ties to the Civil Rights Movement!
This is a heartwarming story about growth and discovery, and how learning from the past can help us connect with those around us in the present.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Inspirational / Motivational
Margaux & May Crib Mattress Protector Pad
If your little one has any accidents during the night, you will no doubt want to protect the crib mattress so it is not completely destroyed!
Luxuriously Soft Crib Mattress Protector: Let your little one indulge in the supreme softness of this crib mattress protector, meticulously crafted from a blend of natural viscose made from bamboo. Its exceptional breathability outshines traditional cotton terry waterproof protectors, providing a refreshingly cool sleep experience. Tailored for the utmost comfort, this crib mattress protector is an ideal choice for new mothers and children.
Whisper-Quiet Performance: Superb quilting process ensures the thicker filling fixes evenly to promote air circulation quickly, produces no crinkling sound and absorb all liquids instantly. Pamper your little one with our toddler mattress protector and provide a healthy, soothing, and undisturbed sleep environment for their sensitive skin.
Gear & Accessories:
Bedding & Room Decor
MamaSuds Laundry Soap Powder
The Ultimate Nontoxic Solution for Clean and Safe Laundry – UPGRADED TO A POWDER!
Discover a laundry detergent that truly cares for your clothes, your family, and the planet. MamaSuds Laundry Soap Powder is a powerful, nontoxic laundry detergent made with simple, natural ingredients that effectively cleans without harmful chemicals.
Switch to MamaSuds today and experience the difference of a truly safe nontoxic laundry detergent that puts your health and the environment first.
Ingredients: sodium carbonate, sodium percarbonate, and sodium olivate (saponified olive oil)
32 ounces in a sealed kraft paper bag.
Miscellaneous:
Other
Maddie Finds Her Place
Written by Dana Sutton; Illustrated by Nicholas Donovan Mueller; Edited by Friesen Press
Lots of kids come from loving homes, but not everyone is so lucky. This is how it is for Maddie, whose family’s grown-up problems keep them from looking after her. She bumps from place to place, living with the birds and bears, until she meets a lady who wants to give her the love she’s always deserved. Together, they make a home.
Children’s Picture Books:
Family Life
Luciana’s Finest Hour
Written by James Reum
“Once upon a time, there was a medieval land called Knowhere ruled by the kindly King Julian . . .”
In the whimsical royal realm of Knowhere, renowned for its talented artisans and majestic scenery, lives a young girl named Luciana who works as a junior apprentice in her father’s glassblowing workshop. Teased by boys at school and longing for acceptance, Luciana spends her free time training and riding Diego, her loyal pet dragon and best friend. When her father invents an innovative hourglass to help the king and townspeople track their daily tasks, the jealous town hermit Balthazar casts a spell on him that results in timekeeping disasters and chaos throughout the kingdom.
Desperate to rescue her father from confinement in the royal dungeon and to prove her worth, Luciana and Diego set out on a brave undertaking against daunting odds. Will Luciana succeed, or will the chance to save her father’s fate slip away like sand through an hourglass?
Luciana’s Finest Hour is a story that celebrates and embodies the spirit of a girl’s empowerment. In her unforgettable finest hour, Luciana shows readers that with courage, kindness, and belief in one’s self, anything is possible.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Fantasy, Myths & Legends
Lite-Brite Touch Mini
Light up your day with endless fidgety fun with the Lite-Brite Touch Mini, a portable twist to last year’s award-winning Touch! This compact Lite-Brite lets you light up your imagination with just a simple touch – featuring 25 light-up buttons in seven different colors. Play three addicting games, including Lite-Tac-Toe, Lite Remember, and Lite Dot-to-Dot, perfect for sparking creativity or challenging friends. Compact, colorful, and packed with excitement, it’s the perfect on-the-go gift for anyone who loves creative play! Whether you’re a kid discovering Lite-Brite for the first time or a nostalgic kidult, the Lite-Brite Touch Mini is a must-have gift.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 5 to 8
In Search of You: How to Find Joy When Doing More Isn’t Doing It Anymore
Written by Kasey Compton
Forget everything you think you know about success and self-care and learn how to really love yourself, with this revolutionary guide from an acclaimed therapist who gets it.
Many modern women experience a frustrating phenomenon: No matter how much we accomplish, the feeling of satisfaction we anticipated never actually comes. Raised in a society of gender-influenced expectations—be an amazing mom, be an extraordinary partner, be an incredible executive and execute on all these roles flawlessly—women have lost the one thing that can ever truly fulfill us: self-love.
Acclaimed therapist and self-love spokesperson Kasey Compton has been there. Through her own experiences with anxiety, divorce, and therapy, she was constantly searching for ways to become “better” and often thought the life of her dreams was just around the next corner. It took her over a decade to realize what was truly missing. Now, as a counselor, she’s spoken with more than a thousand women who felt that same nagging emptiness, often asking, “Shouldn’t there be more to life?” The answer is yes.
Young Adult Books:
Self-Improvement
IF
IF…you are on RED…you may only play a RED card to move forward. On BLUE – play BLUE. On GREEN? Yep, play GREEN. Play ANY color to move back but that’s the end of your turn. But, sometimes, your only move IS to move back.
BLACK and WHITE are a little different.
Plan your moves in the best way to get back to WHITE. Pass WHITE and you get 1 point. Land on WHITE and you get 2 points!
Use ALL of your 5 cards during your turn – draw 5 more and use 1 of them (if you can).
IF is a WONDERFUL family game that has everyone planning the best use of their cards in hopes of moving their piece the fastest!
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
HP Court Connect
HP Court Connect is the app that is designed to
connect Highland Park residents with fellow racquet sport
enthusiasts in the neighborhood.
Reserve a court with the town of Highland Park and post a
request on HP Court Connect for a playing partner who matches
your criteria. Use the chat option to easily communicate and
discuss details of the scheduled game.
HP Court Connect is free to download and easy to use. Just
create an account, enter your profile details, and request a match.
Or log in and search available matches to join someone else’s
game. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced
player, HP Court Connect makes it easy to connect with players
near you, making your next match a lot more fun.
Apps & Software:
Young Adults
GiiKER Super Decoder
GiiKER Super Decoder is inspired by the classic code-breaking game “Mastermind”. Super Decoder is a true test of brainpower—winning relies entirely on logic and deduction to break the code. With its detective-like challenge, it is incredibly engaging and hard to put down! Redesigned by GiiKER, the game now features simpler mechanics and a lightweight, portable design, allowing you to enjoy a thrilling mental challenge anytime, anywhere! The goal is to break the 4-digit color code within 7 attempts. After each attempt, lighted hints will appear indicating whether the position or color is correct.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Ages 9 to 12
Free & Clean Laundry Detergent
Our Free & Clean Laundry Detergent is a premium laundry solution crafted with care. Infused with a blend of plant-based ingredients, this detergent boasts a sulfate-free formula that ensures a thorough clean without harsh chemicals. Biodegradable and hypoallergenic, it’s a conscientious choice for both your family and the planet. Free from preservatives, dyes, and fragrances, it’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin, delivering a gentle and effective cleanse. With Zoey Naturals, embrace a laundry detergent that not only cleans but also cares for your loved ones and the environment.
Sulfate (SLS) free
Fights stains, can be used as a pre-treatment
Biodegradable
Hypoallergenic
Preservative-free
Safe on sensitive skin
Contains no dyes or synthetic fragrances
Concentrated Formula – Up to 42 loads per bottle
Designed for use in standard and HE machines
Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Children
Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion
Our Fragrance Free Moisturizing Lotion is thoughtfully crafted to calm and nourish baby’s delicate skin. Made without harsh chemicals, parabens, or phthalates this aloe-based gentle, vegan formula soothes and hydrates, leaving sensitive skin soft and comforted. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, locking in essential moisture to prevent dryness. Ideal for daily use our lotion provides gentle, lasting care to keep your baby’s skin healthy, soft, and balanced.
Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Babies
Fragrance Free Head To Toe Wash
Our Fragrance Free Head To Toe Wash is crafted especially for baby’s delicate skin and hair. Our ultra-gentle, tear-free, aloe-based shampoo and wash is designed to match your baby’s natural pH balance, ensuring a mild, soothing cleanse without harsh chemicals.
Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Babies
Fragrance Free Diaper Cream
This hero product saves the day every time! Our Fragrance-Free diaper cream is the ultimate defense against diaper rashes. Formulated with zinc oxide to treat and prevent diaper rash, shea and cocoa butter to nourish delicate skin, and avocado oil to prevent and relieve dryness. Hypoallergenic, harsh chemical free, and made with love in the USA.
Personal Use Products (Skin Care, Health Care, etc.):
Babies
Family and Friends: Tales for Children
Written by Janice Spina; Illustrated by John Spina
This is a children’s book with six stories for ages 5-8. Each story is a stand-alone story. Children will read about two little sisters, two young boys, a boy and a toad, rabbits, a bluebird, and a mouse and a piece of cheese.
They are feel-good stories that children will want to read again and again. One story will make children laugh out loud while others will teach them important life lessons about kindness to others, friends and family matter, believe in yourself, and you can do anything if you just try.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Fiction – General
Familidoo Q1 Multi-Use E-Wagon
The Electric Q1 Multi-Use Wagon is the first-of-its-kind. Its all-in-one mobility solution combines power, convenience, and versatility to elevate everyday family adventures. Whether it’s a weekend adventure, school drop-off, grocery run, or a stroll through the city, its electric-assisted drive makes every outing effortless. With a simple adjustment, the speed can be set to zero—instantly transforming it into a manual wagon, ideal for indoor spaces or for conserving battery life.
Designed for effortless use, the Electric Q1 features dual electric wheels and precision steering, ensuring smooth maneuverability across all terrains. Ideal for longer trips, it maintains a steady speed while providing exceptional control for a seamless ride. Its quick-folding design allows for easy storage and transport, making it perfect for families on the go.
Gear & Accessories:
Strollers
ebba – Story Pals
It’s a double dose of enchantment with Story Pals, the ultimate 2-in-1 adventure that combines the magic of storytelling and the comfort of cuddles for your little one! These captivating crinkle books include an adorable plushie related to each book, creating an engaging experience that’s perfect for little hands and growing minds. Watch as your child’s eyes light up with every crinkle and giggle, exploring the vibrant pages and adorable plush companion. Whether you’re on a grand adventure or snuggled up at home, Story Pals ensures that the joy of reading and the warmth of a cuddly friend are always within reach.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Babies
ebba – Snuggawugs
Fall in love with the Snuggawugs collection by ebba, a heartwarming range of plush animals designed for babies, yet irresistibly cute for all ages. Each Snuggawug features an adorable animal holding its own baby counterpart, creating an extra layer of charm and comfort. Crafted from ultra-soft materials, these plushies offer the perfect snuggle experience, ensuring that every cuddle is as cozy and special as possible. Whether for nap time, playtime, or simply a comforting companion, the Snuggawugs collection brings warmth and joy to anyone looking for a soft, huggable friend.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Babies
ebba – Cuddlers
Discover Cuddlers, a plush boutique crafted for the tiniest dreamers. Each plush toy invites cuddles with its floppy design and two-toned fabrics, perfect for babies. Made from the softest materials, Cuddlers plushies are gentle on tiny hands, enhancing naptime, playtime, and bedtime with comfort and love. This collection merges innovative design with baby-approved softness, ensuring every moment is filled with snuggles.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Babies
ebba – Baby Talk
Discover ebba’s Baby Talk, an interactive plush collection for curious little explorers. These baby plushies are not just cuddly; they offer an auditory adventure with unique sounds like chirps, roars, and chatters. Perfectly portable, Baby Talk plushies are ready to accompany your baby on any outing, turning every trip into a symphony of playful sounds and engaging experiences.
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Babies
Dynamic Play and Creative Movement: Powering Body and Brain
Written by Judith Peck
Dynamic Play and Creative Movement: Powering Body and Brain by Dr. Judith Peck reveals how children learn using three things most natural to them, attributes they have been using since birth. Physical energy, imagination, and the urge for self-expression, which she terms children’s natural endowments, are recognized by parents, sometimes to noisily aggravation. Yet when valued as natural endowments, they might intelligently be used to increase a child’s perceptive abilities and self-confidence to make learning the joyful, lifelong endeavor it was meant to be.
Supported by ground-breaking research on brain activity related to physical energy and endorsed by prominent educators, the book’s content holds scores of ideas and activities directly useful to teachers in the elementary grade classrooms. These three natural qualities of children combine in dynamic play, a term devised by the author to describe an approach to learning. Through physical participation, children deal with concepts, ideas, and emotions while they reach out to touch a vast world of people, animals, nature, and activities. The chapters provide for improvisations in music, visual art, drama and stories in addition to topics related to the changing seasons, sports, travel, games, and elements of the natural and man-made world. The correlation of movement to brain activity is included to support the thesis that creative movement is an effective adjunct to learning. Therapists, counselors, and preschool and elementary teachers will find this easily adaptable material valuable in fostering perception, insight, and cognitive understanding in children.
Adult Books:
Body, Mind & Spirit
Dogfish and the Gift of Inclusion
Written by Rita Reed; Illustrated by Craig Cartwright
TOGETHER, we are a beautiful song, each note is important, we ALL BELONG!
Dogfish and friends receive an invitation to celebrate Wally the Whale Shark’s birthday in Mexico! But when Ollie goes missing, it’s all fins and flippers on deck to find him, because the party can’t start unless EVERYONE is included!
Children’s Picture Books:
Developing Social Skills
Baxter Learns to Save
Written by Italia Tornabene, Sheila Marie; Edited by Richard Samuel
Baxter Learns to Save is a vibrant journey into the world of savings, investing, and diversifying, tailored to empower children with financial wisdom that’s often missing in early education. Through the playful adventures of Baxter the Bunny and Hazel the Hedgehog, this book plants the seeds of financial literacy in young minds, showing them the importance of building a savings nest egg and the magic of making it grow.Guided by the astute Wise Mr. Owl, our furry friends explore the forest’s natural bounty, learning life-changing lessons about managing resources and ensuring a bountiful future for themselves and their forest friends.This delightful story is not just a narrative; it’s a foundational step towards securing a financially stable future for the next generation.
Juvenile Books (Level 1 – Ages 5 to 8):
Fiction – General
Babaloo Baby-Led Bottle® with Hands-Free Feeding Strap
The Baby-Led Bottle®, is more than just a feeding tool—it’s a breakthrough in baby care technology. Here’s what makes it special:
Baby-Led Flow Control: Just like breastfeeding, your baby controls the milk flow, promoting natural feeding patterns. When your baby pauses, the milk pauses too — supporting a healthy suck, swallow, and breathe pattern.
Airless Technology: Say goodbye to colic and nutrient loss. Our patent pending design eliminates air bubbles and preserves milk quality.
360° Gravity-Free Feeding: Feed your baby in any position, anytime, anywhere. Our multidirectional design ensures milk is always available, promoting sensorimotor development and providing flexibility as your baby grows.
Gear & Accessories:
Feeding
Ascend
Start climbing! Well, make sure you have enough resources. You do NOT want to run out. The number on each card can do many things. It can bring cards from the DRAW pile to your RESOURCE LINE. Or they can FLIP the cards over in your RESOURCE LINE. (They MUST be flipped before you can bring them into your hand.) You can also use it to bring the FLIPPED cards into your hand. Finally, you can choose to use the number on the card to MOVE your way up the mountain on the board! Now, be careful – you must use the number for ONE type of those listed moves. You can’t use a 6 to bring three cards into your hand and then move three spaces on the board. The 7 is the ONLY card that can split! Since you can only have FIVE in your RESOURCE LINE and SEVEN in your hand – it becomes a strategic juggle between using your cards for the best moves at the best time. A wonderfully ENGAGING game for the whole family!
Toys, Games & Puzzles:
Arfie’s Adventures
Written by Gina Musachia; Illustrated by Michael Voogd
Discover the heartwarming and hilarious true adventures of Arfie, the lovable escape artist dog who never fails to find his way into (and out of) trouble!
Book Description
Meet Arfie, the dog with a knack for adventure and a heart full of mischief. In “Arfie’s Adventures,” you’ll embark on a journey filled with true stories of Arfie’s escapades, from his daring escapes to his encounters with new friends and curious places. Each tale captures Arfie’s indomitable spirit and boundless joy, reminding us of the simple pleasures in life and the extraordinary bonds we share with our pets.
Perfect for animal lovers and anyone who enjoys a good laugh, this book is a tribute to the unbreakable spirit of a dog determined to explore the world on his own terms. Get ready to fall in love with Arfie and join him on his many unforgettable adventures.
Children’s Picture Books:
Adventure, Adventurers & Heroes
All About Apple: How To Set Up Parental Controls On Any Apple Device
All About Apple: How To Set Up Parental Controls On Any Apple Device is an online course to help parents learn exactly how to make any Apple Device as safe as it can possible be. Parents will learn step by step how to set up Apple Parental Controls as well how to add additional safety tools to fill in the gaps. The course creator draws from practical experience as a mom and former Snapchat Executive, to break down the information parents need to make the best choices for their kids.
Online Resources (Websites, eMagazines and Blogs):
Family/Parenting
One Comment on “Weekly Roundup: Online Resources, Children’s Picture Books, Kids’ Toys, + More!! 05/18 – 05/24”
I absolutely love some of these Mom’s Choice Award Winners, especially the GiiKER Super Decoder and the Lite-Brite Touch Mini!