Mother Essentials: Joy Cho
Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano
Ever wonder what products, books, tools, and methods make fellow moms tick? Well, you’re in luck. Today we’re launching our very first “Mother Essentials” column, which takes moms we love and asks them to list their current favorites—from covetable creations for adults and kids to the non-tangibles that are carrying them through their days. The first mama to boil down her “Mother Essentials” for us is none other than Joy Cho of Oh Joy! The prolific internet personality, maker, and mother of two (Ruby, 6 1/2, and Coco, 3 1/2) is not only social media gold (she just so happens to be the #1 Pinner on the planet), she’s also genuinely adored by millions for her colorful, optimistic, and authentic approach to life, which is definitely echoed in her nearly 20 “Mother Essentials” picks below.
The Yes Brain. “Raising positive and resilient children is so important to me. I love how this book teaches you how to help implement character and qualities they can carry throughout their lives. You might learn a thing or two about yourself, too!”
The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child, $15.90. Amazon.
Washable Rugs. “If you have kids or pets or just life happening around you, these rugs make clean-up easy! They go right into your washing machine, so there’s less worry and more enjoying life that can happen!”
Oh Joy! for Lorena Canals Rug, $325, Oh Joy!
Hot Pink Sheer Socks. “I am not a big sock person, but when they are sheer and pretty like these, I am happy to wear them anyway and everyday!”
Encrusted Hot Pink Sheer Socks, $16, Ban.do.
Reusable Napkins. “Whether for dinner or even to pack in your babe’s lunch as a reusable napkin, these linen napkins are handy, beautiful, and fun!”
The Everyday Co. 11″ Square Napkins, Set of 4, $58, Oh Joy!
Packing Cubes. “Packing cubes are a life-saver when it comes to organizing and packing as much as possible as efficiently as possible. They have made my travels with kids way easier and leave me feeling prepared. By assigning a cube for each kid, it’s easy to find everyone’s belongings while away from home.”
Oh Joy! for Calpak 5-Piece Floral Packing Cubes, $48, Oh Joy!
Be Nice Jacket. “The perfect layering jacket with the perfect message.”
Be Nice Work Jacket, $115, Ban.do.
Now Say This. “When navigating through the waters of raising children, I need all the help I can get! I love the simple and clear tips in this book for how to talk to kids when they’re not listening and it feels like nothing you’ve previously said is working. It’s a must have!”
Now Say This: The Right Words to Solve Every Parenting Dilemma, $9.93, Amazon.
Floral Double Drop Earrings. “When you’re looking to add a little glam to your everyday look, these earrings serve some bling, but are so easy to wear and light in weight.”
Flora Double Drop Earrings, $50, Oh Joy!
Lulu Mules. “I kid you not, I wear these shoes almost everyday in the fall. They go with everything and have just enough of a heel to make any outfit look pulled together.”
Lulu Mule, $105, Loeffler Randall.
Le Freak C’est Chic Circle Clutch. “This is the perfect little bag when you’re on a date night or out with friends to hold all of your essentials.”
Clare V. Le Freak C’est Chic Circle Clutch, $408, Anthropologie.
Power Luggage Tag. “If your phone battery often dips to zero while traveling like mine does, these Power Luggage Tags double as a charger and travel companion in one!”
Oh Joy! for Calpak Power Luggage Tag in Confetti, $32, Oh Joy!
S’well Marble Canteen. “I use this every single day. I love how it transitions from holding coffee to keep warm to a vessel for my ice cold water to keep cool.”
White Marble Traveler Bottle, $35, S’well.
First-Aid Kit. “First-aid kits are a must-have in your car, diaper bag, and of course, at home! We fill ours with Oh Joy! Band-Aids (of course) and essential first-aid items. You can also use the case as a handy activity kit to fill with small toys, games, or books to keep kids entertained on the go!”
Oh Joy! x Band-Aid Build Your Own First Aid Kit Bag, $5.99, Target.
Jeni’s Ice Cream Pint Club. “Because who doesn’t want ice cream to show up at your door regularly?”
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams Pint Club, $230, Jeni’s.
Lauren Boggi’s Workout Class. “Lauren got me in shape for my wedding 12 years ago, and I have been addicted to her classes ever since. New workouts go up online every week, and you can access all the previous ones at any time.”
Fitness Coaching Sessions, $100 and up, Lauren Boggi.
Kiwi Co. Activity Kits for Kids. “These kits are a life-saver when we’re looking to entertain our oldest while our littlest takes her afternoon nap. It allows for creativity, problem-solving, and learning all in one box!”
Kiwi Co. Play Kit Subscription, prices vary, Kiwi Co.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater Tickets. “For those in L.A., this is one of my favorite places in the whole city and such a magical place to be.”
Bob Baker Marionette Theater Tickets, $15 and up, Bob Baker.
Life Planner. “Organization is key to maintaining a busy schedule for both home and work! We love keeping tabs on it all with this Life Planner!”
Oh Joy! x Erin Condren Planner, $55-$60, Erin Condren.
Positive Print. “A must-have mantra for every single day!”
You’re Okay! by Oh Joy! Print, $30, Oh Joy!
For more on Joy Cho, check her out on her blog, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.
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