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Mother Essentials

Mother Essentials: Maria Dueñas Jacobs of Super Smalls

Written by Katie Hintz-Zambrano

Mama of three Maria Dueñas Jacobs knows a thing or two about bold, sparkly things. Lucky for us, the former fashion editor (most notably at ELLE, where she was Accessories Director), has applied her expertise—to perfection—with Super Smalls, her line of play jewelry and accessories for kids. After pleas from her own children (Luna, 10, and twins Isa and Silvi, 7) to create jewelry that mimicked her own impressive collection, Super Smalls was born in 2019. The line now boasts over-the-top play baubles, craft kits, a Disney collaboration, beading kits, and even bedazzled goggles and other accessories. Below, the New York-based mama shares her favorites from her current collection, alongside her other Mother Essentials of the moment.

Super Smalls Mini Bead Kits. “Of course all kids (and cool grownups!) need tons of Super Smalls mini bead kits this summer! They are such an amazing hack for beach days, rainy days, and an all-around great way to keep kids off screens and engaged.” Mini Bead Kit, $19, Super Smalls.

Jenny Bird Sunnies. “Sunglasses are one of my favorite parts of summer style. I just bought these fun Jenny Bird sunglasses that I’m wearing a ton right now.” The Cat Eye, $240, Jenny Bird.

Kosas Tinted SPF. “This tinted Kosas SPF has been so great all summer. A friend recommended it and I’m passing on the good deed to you now.” DreamBeam SPF 40 PA+, $40, Kosas.

Jones Road Miracle Balm. “I love that you can use this for cheeks and lips!” Miracle Balm, $38, Jones Road.

Bird Feeder. “This little bird house has brought me so much joy! I hung it by a tree outside my kitchen and I get so excited every time birds stop in to eat.” Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder, $39.99, Amazon.

Mango. “We eat a lot of ice cream during the summer of course. These mango pops are one of our favorites to snack on poolside that are a bit more guilt-free!” International Harvest Organic Mango Slices, $16.99, Amazon.

Swan Floatie. “I love swans and love summer fun. This floatie has brought our family lots of laughs!” White Swan Pool Float, $63.20, Funboy.

Glam Goggles. “The BEST and most glam goggles your kids will ever own. They have a water—tight seal and your kids will love them, promise!” Super Smalls Goggles, $29, Super Smalls.

Fresh Tennis Gear. “I’m buying more tennis gear to get me excited as I practice. My current favorites are an Alo tennis skirt, sneakers from Adidas, and a new racket with fun colors.” Alo Match Point Tennis Skirt, $68, Alo. Adizero Ubersonic 4.1 Tennis Shoes, $140, Adidas. Babolat Pure Aero Rafa Unstrung, $209, Amazon.

Alphabet Bead Kit. “Now that my girls are gearing up for back to school, we are loving making our own personalized bracelets for them to wear on their first day with our new alphabet bead kit.” Make It Alphabet DIY Bead Kit, $49, Super Smalls.

Family Games. “As a family we love playing games. Here are a few of our family favorites that we play by the pool, at the beach, and also for evening game nights: Sequence, Uno, and Monopoly.” Sequence in a Tin, $35.10, Amazon. Hard Travel Case for Mattel UNO Classic Card Game, $10.99, Amazon. Monopoly, $19.92, Amazon.

Dezso Necklace. “I love wearing brighter and more fun jewelry in warm months. This Dezso necklace adds an element of fun to any outfit.” Black Enamel Diamond Cowry Surf Cord Necklace, $1,700, Dezso.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features on the mamas behind MAJO IDEASAPRIL SHOWERS of Afro Unicorn, crafty mamas ERIN BOYLE AND ROSE PEARLMAN, writers CLEO WADE and ALEX ELLE, comedian JENNY SLATE, poet MAGGIE SMITH, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream co-founder LAURA O’NEILL, author and doula BRANDI SELLERZ-JACKSON, designer CLARE VIVIER, Miles & Milan founder SHENNEL FULLERGRACE NA of Pistola, the designers behind MILK TEETH, photographer NICKI SEBASTIAN, Duster co-founder MELISSA MAGSAYSAY, Herman Miller creative director KELSEY KEITH, chef VALERIE GORDON, artist ERIN JANG, and Chicago party mom KRISTEN KAZA.

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