Feature Articles: Features

The New York International Gift Fair(NYIGF) will be held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center and Piers in New York City from January 28 to February 2. The NYIGF is produced twice annually by George Little Management, LLC and is open to the trade only, drawing 35,000 attendees from all 50 states and 85 countries. The NYIGF is host to 2,800 exhibiting companies showcasing the very best lines across the home, lifestyle and gift spectrum organized into ten targeted product divisions. As a preview, The Giggle Guide^® showcases a few of the brands to see, including The Ellie Rose, Artterro, Inmate Tease, and Schoolbags for Kids.

Dads are more involved in parenting than ever before, and there’s also an increase in the number of stay-at-home dads. Companies are taking notice of dads and are marketing products specifically for them. Fathers want to be involved in every step of the parenting process, from pregnancy and beyond. Now, they can do it using products with style, designed just for them! Dads are special, and we are seeing products that let them celebrate from fashionable and functional brands, including BellyMan Clothing, Diaper Dude, Andy & Evan, and DadGear.

Clothes that are made in the United States occupy a special place in our hearts and a vital one in our economy. The strength of American manufacturing carries implications for the entire economy, for national security, and for the well-being of Americans. When you stock products that bear the “Made in the U.S.A.” label, you show that you buy into this concept. You are doing your part to keep your country strong. These companies, among others, subscribe to the ethos of American pride — they proudly make their goods on our shores, with our workers: Susanne Lively Designs, CiCi & Ryann, Owl’s and Bat’s, Hankie Babies and Nay et al, Inc..

Baby carriers or slings have been around for thousands of years. They are an easy way to keep an infant close by while mom or dad go about the business of living. While this trend seems like it’s here to stay, there have been some serious safety concerns associated with baby slings and carriers. Many reputable companies have joined the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance to share their talents and become advocates for babywearing standards and safety. The Giggle Guide^® applauds the Alliance’s goals and teamwork, and we plan to regularly update our readers on their activities and products. For our first installment we showcase Gypsy Mama, Beco and Moby.