When Melanie Morgenthaler and her young family moved back to her childhood home in Maine, she went to work creating a place where parents and children could go to learn, play and bond together. She began offering music programs for children and soon after added a symphony of retail products to meet local demand. Melanie shares her story about blending love of family, music and sharing. Read on to discover how “plorking,” a word she coined, defines her business philosophy!

Funny-face animals, bold shapes and bright colors are all part of the whimsical palette used by Norway-based Tyler Trends to entertain and comfort kids. This family-owned business offers high-quality children’s tee collections at affordable prices. Anette Tyler, the designer-mom of Tyler Trends, takes inspiration from her son and daughter who love her animal faces in bright, solid shades. In addition to one-piece shirts for infants, the collection includes long and short-sleeved shirts for ages up to 6 years old.

It probably comes as no surprise that Moms are the big shoppers in most families. However, Dads do play an important role, especially during the holiday season. ‘Tis the season for Dads to play Santa Claus! The Giggle Guide^® surveyed 26 mothers, living throughout the U.S. and Canada, about today’s children’s market and the products they purchase. The sixth question in our exclusive series asks…

What role does Dad play in the purchasing of children’s products for your family?

Bill Cook is known as the “Bullfrog” of Frogs Frills and Daffodils, a unique children’s clothing company with an equally non-traditional approach to design, brand collections, merchandising and sales strategy. Together with his wife and designer Mary, these grandparents have brought an original and successful approach to specialty stores that want to do business in a different, and for many, a better way. Innovations include $100 minimum orders, no pre-packs, and mix-and-match combo orders for styles, brands, and seasons.