The Biz: The Grapevine

InStructures Builds Better Communication Through Gameplay

By Kelly Lee

Who says that learning to communicate well has to be an exercise in tedium? The folks at Fundex Games have figured out a great way to help everyone, from students on up, to practice their communication skills in an exciting new game. Billed as “The Game of Construction by Instruction”, InStructures goes well beyond architecture: it actually has enjoyable learning down to a science.The developer of such popular games as Jarts and Gnip Gnop, Fundex has been bringing quality fun to families for over 25 years.

The Grapevine

Daydream Toys Focus Wandering Minds

By Kelly Lee

Quick: picture a daydreamer hard at work. Can’t do it? Daydreamers aren’t usually associated with go-getters. Typically thought of as laid-back and passive, daydreamers are actually anything but lazy. Research scientists Kalina Christoff of UBC and Jonathan Schooler of UCSB monitored subjects with wandering attention, and have drawn the same conclusion that other studies have shown: daydreaming is not for slackers. The real question has nothing to do with whether daydreaming is beneficial, but rather how this brain power can be tapped and turned into the concrete. The answer? Daydream Toys.

The Grapevine

“Teddy Needs A Bath” Makes Plushies Clean

By Stephanie Hanlon

Parents lovingly store favorite stuffed animals for their future grandchildren, but even with the best of intentions and storage systems, there’s no escaping the unmistakable musty smell of an old friend called back from pasture. The universal truth is, all old toys will have to be washed. And to those carrying a 20-year-old delicate teddy who has undergone multiple surgeries, that can be a daunting process. Your customers will love you for carrying the perfect solution: Teddy Needs a Bath.

The Grapevine

Little Trendstar Mixes Up the Retro-Mod Vibe Just Right

By Stephanie Hanlon

Fashion-forwardness in the infant and toddler set is becoming a hot trend for designers. No longer content with mass-marketed clothes, many parents want sartorial uniqueness for their mini me’s wardrobe. Enter Little Trendstar, whose name says it all. The brand is dedicated to little kids with big personalities. Creator Nicole Worth knows kids love the spotlight; she’s seen it countless times in her own two little boys. Her designs are all about capturing attention by focusing on fashionably creative graphics and plenty of style. Little Trendstar has already released seven new designs for 2012, including Beat Goes On, a guitar graphic tee that embodies the spirit of a true performer.

The Grapevine

“Go! Go! Sports Girls” are Active, Sports-Loving Dolls

By Carolyn Kavarnos

Go! Go! Sports Girls of Dream Big Toy Company Founder Jodi Norgaard knew as a mother and a coach of girls’ sports that there was need for a girl’s doll that would be age appropriate, proportioned properly and send a positive message about a healthy lifestyle through sports. Jodi spent two years launching the product, from a rough sketch to the fall 2008 debut of the tennis girl doll at the U.S. Open in New York. Jodi believes the point of her business is to send a message to girls to dream big and go for it, which is her personal mantra.

The Grapevine

Adore La Vie Puts New Life in Children’s Fashions

By Carolyn Kavarnos

Amanda Boyd, the designer for Adore La Vie was born and raised in Iowa. Amanda knew since the age of five that she wanted to be a fashion designer, remained true to her childhood dream and achieved a degree in Apparel Design with a minor in Creative Design, from both Iowa State University and London College of Fashion. In 2008, Amanda decided to pursue her big dream of launching her own design company, Adore La Vie, which means “love life.” From the designer with a Midwest soul and West Coast spirit, Amanda showcases this vibe through every collection she creates

The Grapevine

Ann Loren: Exclusive Styles, Satisfied Customers

By Kelly Lee

If you’ve ever experienced that let down that comes from seeing someone sporting the same fashion as you, you’re not alone. Thousands of adults feel that way, and not only do they want something different for themselves, but they also want it for their children. And when parents begin voting with their wallets, you can bet that there will be creative, edgy designers such as Ann Loren ready to supply their eager demands. Ann Loren by JESS KIDZ is the purveyor of unique delights: original children’s boutique designs in durable, moveable fabrics created in tightly-limited runs of no more than a few months.

The Grapevine

Chooze Shoes: Different Than Your Average Pair

By Kelly Lee

“Creativity” is a buzz word that is tossed around quite a bit. Creativity, or the ability to “think outside the box,” is vital in every aspect of life. Specialists agree that creativity is something that can be taught, but it does require some work. Children need to be able to see past what is traditional or accepted, but they can’t do it without practice, and some good examples might help in developing a more innovative mind. One company that has ingenuity on its mind is Chooze, the maker of a line of highly imaginative footwear that breaks the mold when it comes to cutting-edge design.

The Grapevine

Me Giant: Big Laughs for Little Ones

By Kelly Lee

You may have seen the movie “Patch Adams.” It’s about a real-life doctor who has an unusual approach to healing: he uses laughter as a therapy. While laughter may not be able to heal all wounds, it certainly can be the best medicine. Laughter has an enormous and proven impact on the human body and quality of life. Young and old alike can take advantage of the powerful medicine that comes from a good belly laugh by checking out the gentle humor provided by Me Giant products.