Eastern Iowa isn’t the place most people think of when they talk about the beach. Known for its thriving agricultural economy, rolling hills, and small but bustling city centers, this area of the Midwest is home to plenty of lakes but of course no white sandy beaches. It is, however, the birthplace of Packable Pails, a business that’s all about the sandbox and beach. Packable Pails may look like regular sand buckets at first glance, but they collapse down to a small, flat manageable package that can easily be taken along on all your adventures.

There’s no better way to kick off the new year of buying and selling than at the NY NOW show, once again bringing thousands of presenters from around the globe. While plenty of these companies are no strangers to the game, this year’s show shines a light on the best fresh faces in the business. Whether a hot up-and-comer or a veteran of the industry, each company showing their wares at the Javits Center this year will have something unique to offer. The Multiples, Dsenyo, Milly Green and Papersalt are among the standout presenters. These companies all do something interesting to make life more rewarding for their young customers.

Playing outside in the sun is great, but rainy day fun has a charm all its own. Most kids have fond memories of days spent splashing through puddles, twirling umbrellas, and catching raindrops on their tongues. However, no matter how much fun playing in the puddles may be, the right gear is necessary. Butler Boot was founded to ensure that every puddle hop is a happy one. The company makes bold, bright rain boots that are easy and convenient to wear. Instead of the regular rain boot that’s worn in place of shoes, Butler draws on the design of traditional galoshes that fit over the shoe.

Parents have all kinds of tricks in their bedtime toolkit. From the perfect lighting – not too dark and not too bright – to the most relaxing rocking rhythms. Sounds also play a large role in getting a baby to go to sleep and stay asleep. There’s no lack of variety these days when it comes to children’s room décor and accessories; there’s something for just about every age group, taste, and budget. Elli & Nooli, Aloka Designs, Jay@Play, and Little Giraffe are among the companies and products that stand out from the crowd for their innovation and quality.