I’m the first person who will tell you that being cool is not a piece of criteria for good parenting. (And yes, I'm fully aware of what that implies!) It isn’t even in the ballpark. That said, it can be a blast when your kid—and your kid’s friends—think you’re cool for a good reason (for doing cool tricks and making good snacks—not for having a criminal record or something). Cool Parent 101: Fun Things to Make Your Kid Say Wow!, while a bit cheesy, can help you attain the cool parent status you dream of.

And even if you aren’t a parent, Cool Parent has some pretty fun things that you still might want to learn. From writing in secret code to making maple ice candy, creating optical illusion photographs to surprise-filled soaps to snow globes, it’s one of those rare books that is filled with fresh, creative ideas to use.

Other cool tricks and activities in the book include making your own ant farm, beach in a jar, bird tree, survival kit, holiday ornaments, crystal garden, and more. Edible creations covered in the book include bread art, dinner around the world, no-bake family cookies, and a family cookbook project. True to the title, there are 101 different projects in all, and most of them are very unique and fun to carry out.

Out of all the child activity books I’ve checked out or purchased, this is one of the better ones since it’s such a one-of-a-kind collection. Rather than repeating the same old, “Toss a ball, then roll it” we hear over and over again, it presents some new ideas—as well as revamped old ideas—that both adults and kids are sure to enjoy.

It’s also a highly portable, useable book. Every how-to is very simple, and only takes two to three short pages to explain. Some activities are explained with ways to take them further in your child’s life as well. Who needs a circus clown or face painter at your kid’s next birthday party, after all, when he’s got you?

Instead of giving your pregnant best friend or her husband yet another book about child development that will undoubtedly provide them with plenty of sleepless nights and worries, think about including this book as a shower gift instead. Then, by the time Junior is born, Mom and Dad can start earning points by making homemade piñatas, stained glass candy, and a homemade toy train. The kid will definitely be glad that he got the cool parents.