The Biz: The Grapevine

In the past few years, there’s been a trend toward the homemade look when it comes to children’s fashions. A quick browse through Pinterest or a peek at what’s popular at kids’ boutiques will show that these days parents are all about craft-inspired brands. These brands are often up-and-coming business that offer quirky, fun clothing that draws on the crafting tradition, using mixed fabrics, eye-catching colors, and innovative details that set them apart from the mass-manufactured crowd. One such designer is Erin Murphy of Everbloom, a line of clothing aimed at girls ages 3 months through 4 years.

Digiplush is an innovative new toy, app, and entertainment company, featuring brands that are designed to enhance children’s play experience through high-quality physical toys and mobile apps for smartphones and tablets. Digiplush brands contain compelling backstories that can be translated for all entertainment platforms, advancing the company’s tagline: “Toys, Apps and Fun - All In One!” The first brand launching under the new Digiplush venture is BirthdayLand. Everyone celebrates a birthday, and yet this unique special day has never been supported by characters or a mythology similar to other major holidays. Until now.

Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” - John Muir. Clothing for children often follows a simple map: primary colors and simple designs. Holly Willis, creator of Eddy and Scout, charts a different course with unique textiles, colors and fit. Born from a need for clothes to fit her own lanky child while still offering uber-soft textiles, a sense of whimsy and quality design, Eddy and Scout has became a line for that skinny, tall kid on their own adventure.

Fresh for Spring! Balboa Baby launches three new mix and match bedding collections for design savvy parents who want to create a stunning space for their little ones. Bedding sets the stage for the entire nursery and Balboa Baby’s new collection provides a simple and fun way to customize the nursery. The Coverlets and Bumpers are reversible, creating two unique looks. The assortment of Crib Sheets makes it easy to achieve the look parents want. And when it comes to keeping baby cozy, the Simply Soft Blanket, Gauze Blankets and the Security Blanket all mix and match with the bedding collection.

Snails nail polish is the first washable and water soluble European nail polish for kids. While there are some children’s nail polishes that claim to use fewer harsh chemicals, Snails’ unique formula is so gentle that even kindergartners can wear it without worry. Snails’ founder Jeanette Sklivanou is a French mom and entrepreneur who makes it her mission to create children’s cosmetics that are both attractive and safe. Snails comes in a range of kid-friendly colors that are big on sparkle and shine, and are so trendy that even grown-ups are jumping on the band wagon.

Switch-A-Rooz by Wild Republic is a group of adventurous friends with one special mission –– to solve everyday challenges. The Land of Rooz is home to realistic and fantasy animals of all shapes and sizes, and embracing each other’s differences isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s important for Switch-A-Rooz and their BFFs to spread the messages of friendship and acceptance, inside and out. Each realistic Switch-A-Rooz has a unique inner strength and a BFF to help them take on challenges in the Land of Rooz. Unleashing its inner self can be as easy as turning it inside out.

Otium Brands is an up-and-coming company with a lot to offer for moms who have an appreciation for natural parenting philosophy paired with a great sense of style. Their products are practical and useful and they also look great. The designs fit in perfectly with the easy-going yet active lifestyle that many parents aspire to enjoy. Clicking through their product catalog you’ll find Cozee Toes, the company’s flagship product and one of their best sellers. These sock/leg warmer hybrids are easy to layer under pants, shorts or skirts. They come in a variety of stylish colors and themes for both girls and boys.

While swaddling is known to calm down a fussy baby, using a godee (a cloth pouch) takes baby to a whole new level of peace and comfort. Promoting a cozy place for baby to feel safe and happy, MeLuvKush makes godees in attractive patterns and prints inspired by India’s rich visual culture. The godee is great for people who aren’t very confident holding a newborn, since it keeps the baby supported better than outside of it, and easily converts to a changing pad when needed. Handmade by skilled women right outside of Delhi, India and made with safe fabric dyes, the godee is the perfect gift for new mothers right out of the hospital.

For kids who want to stand out in a crowd with a fun, interactive product, Make Your Case is the perfect DIY kit. Kids can create the ultimate personalized cell phone cover that can be changed any time (every day if desired). Simple to use, each kit offers a variety of stickers and jewels to suit many different preferences. Created by the Maya Group, this innovative item helps children explore their crafty side with a safe, continuously fun product. The silicon phone covers are easy to make, with no added toxins. Parents and children will love these kits for birthdays, the holidays, or even for a rainy day inside.

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