Feature Articles: Features

Features

Holiday 2012 New York International Gift Fair Preview

By Carolyn Kavarnos

The New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) will be held at the Javits Center August 18-22, 2012. The NYIGF is produced twice annually by GLM Shows and is open to the trade only. Held in January and August in New York City, the Fair hosts 2800 exhibiting companies showcasing lines across the home, lifestyle and gift spectrum. Baby & Child presents 150 resources of innovative, functional and fun products for babies, toddlers, kids and their families. Toys, apparel, accessories, furnishings, gear and juvenile décor will be on display. Box Play for Kids, good seeds, Kiddidoo and Beyond123 will be some of the many brands showing off their product lines.

Features

Playtime New York is Just Around the Corner!

By Mari Gold

The 5th edition of Playtime New York (August 4-6) will offer a selection of merchandise showcasing 90 American and international children’s brands. Vendors will exhibit infant and children’s clothing, shoes, accessories, baby gear, toys, and deco/design products. The theme of this summer edition is “DREAM,” which will be explored in exhibitions, events and trend spaces to provide fantastic creativity throughout the event. Several companies are participating in Playtime New York for the first time, in addition to returning favorites. The Giggle Guide^® previews a few must-see brands, including Rayil, Hazel Village Toys, Sammi & David and Sweet Petunia.

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Dressed to a “T” – Tip to Toe

By Mari Gold

“You’re never fully dressed without a smile” as the Annie anthem goes, but it doesn’t hurt to also wear coordinating hair accessories, a knockout dress, fancy coat and step-out-in-style shoes. Those who shop for girls want their little miss sunshine to look adorable from top to toes. Styles that go along with what the adult world is wearing are fun for all, especially when manufacturers interpret mini-me clothing that remains age-appropriate. These vendors offer stylish merchandise that’s fashionable, tasteful and well-made. Need immediates? Help your customers dress their best at all the celebrations of fall and the holiday season with Liv and Lily, Donita, Biscotti and Rachel Shoes.

Features

Keep Baby Shower Gifts Fresh and Easy

By Carolyn Kavarnos

Looking to find a baby shower gift addition for your store? Do you prefer something that’s a balance of practicality, functionality and personality? Kivelli Baby, AM PM Kids, Paci-Plushies and Dr. Carey’s Baby Care provide the “ahhh” factor. From minky blankets and hooded towels to adorable plush pacifier holders and essential baby care kits, there is something ideal for every new arrival. It’s important to keep your baby shower surprises fresh. The choices are up to you!

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Girls Want to Be Superheroes, Too

By Mari Gold

Little girls grow up to be lawyers, astronauts and neurosurgeons so why shouldn’t they start flexing their powers young? Dressing up is a great way to try on an ambition. While neither boys nor girls can fly (but don’t tell them), both can feel strong and powerful when emulating a character who can outrun the wind and zoom around the stars. Bring on energy and authority and encourage girls to dream big; it can start with something as simple as a cape. Who knows? That little bundle of pink and cream might just grow up to be a world leader!

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Self-Sell Packaging Delivers Great Gifts

By Lauren Rollheiser

According to Perception Research Services, a company that studies consumer reactions to product packaging, packaging design affects the success of a product even more than the quality or use of the product itself. To get new customers, products have to grab shoppers’ attention. An effective way to stand out on the shelf is changing the packaging structure, “thinking outside the box”. Packaging that literally breaks the mold will inherently stand out on the shelf and get noticed. Examples of quality products, with self-sell packaging include: Baby Aspen, Kee-Ka, The Baby Bunch and Carrie and Company.

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Storage Ideas: For Kids That are Neat, but Not Tidy!

By Mari Gold

It is often said that the baby is small but its “stuff” is enormous. Little clothes pile up, diapers seemingly multiply, books abound, and toys happen. There never seems to be enough space to keep it all, which is the rationale behind these exceptional storage and organization products. Everyone functions more smoothly when items are easy to locate and there’s no need for a finding frenzy. The Giggle Guide^® recommends these brands that help organize closets, tidy toys and shelve books: The Happy Closet, 3 Sprouts, Oeuf and Tidy Books.

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Walk on the Wild Side

By Mari Gold

Buying children’s shoes used to be a chore, but with the popularity of easy-fastening systems and styles that practically dance out of the store, the experience is a lot easier and far more fun. The children’s shoes of today are as jazzy and comfortable as manufacturers can make them. Shoes from Kirsten Licet, Zooshuu, Zooligans and Lelli Kelly take a cue from the animal world to come up with captivating designs that attract kids’ attention. When shoes have child-appeal in the design, and make sense to adult shoppers with fine materials and top quality construction, the bottom line will show the results.

Features

Here’s to the Babies that Drink!

By Mari Gold

When it comes to feeding time, parents, babies and toddlers want a relaxed, pleasant, delicious experience. Show your customers ways to banish tension at mealtime with products that enhance food-appeal and make feeding youngsters as carefree as possible.To ease the transition from breast to bottle, and from bottle to cup, demonstrate to shoppers a variety of smartly thought-out and well-designed products made to help feed young children. Here are some recommendations to calm the feeding frenzies: Mixie, ReliaBrand, Piyo Piyo and Cubbie Cup from Parent Perfected.