Feature Articles: Features

Features

Hip and Cool Product Finds

By Emmi Kern

Today’s viral marketing makes it easier for a product to take off and gain popularity seemingly overnight. Of course, some of these products end up being a flash in the pan, but others stand the test of time and become well-loved classics. To get there, it usually means having a combination of a high-quality, innovative product, smart marketing, and excellent customer service. The following companies are innovators with possibly the next “must-haves”: HICKIES, Buddha Board, EarZings and 4moms.

Features

Kids Clothing Entrepreneurs Are Drawn to Magnets

By Kelly Lee

There are magnets just about everywhere in our world, from cabinet latches to cars, computers, can openers and more. They’ve also enjoyed a stint of popularity in bracelets that allegedly relieve minor aches and pains. Now, magnets are being put to another practical use – baby and children’s clothing. Anyone who has ever struggled to line up the snaps an infant’s one-piece sleeper will appreciate the sheer simplicity that magnetic closures can bring. Considering the success of MagnaMini and Magnificent Baby, you can’t help but wonder whether magnets will be the paradigm, and if buttons and snaps will some day be nothing but decorative flourishes.

Features

Made for Baby and the U.S.A.

By Emmi Kern

Appreciation for American-made products is all around us. As the economy recovers, more entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the benefits of doing business here at home. You can see them at every trade show and market, bringing their innovation and creativity to wholesalers. Retailers are realizing the impact of a “Made in the U.S.A.” stamp. When customers buy American, they can be confident that they’re purchasing a product that is manufactured to high standards in responsibility to the environment, treatment of employees and reliability of delivery. The Giggle Guide^® presents another selection of these products, including Raindrops, Tidy Tots Diapers, Pure Play Toys and AXL Brand.

Features

Styles and Finishing Touches Made in America

By Mari Gold

Do your customers think that buying goods made in the U.S.A. is only a slogan? In truth, it means a great deal and here are some solid facts to mention as you proudly display clothes and accessories for kids from Lucy & Leo, Stinky McGee, Cavelle Kids and Stoney Clover Land — all companies that proudly produce their goods in the United States. When goods are made overseas, they often don’t meet strict U.S. standards. Furthermore, workers toiling in poor working conditions may make them. Buying American-made products supports more than just American manufacturers — it also helps support our workers, safe working conditions, and child labor laws.

Features

Summertime, and the Fashion is Easy

By Emmi Kern

Ask any kid what their favorite time of year is, and you will likely hear “summer!” The weather is good, school is out, there are friends to see and family fun to enjoy. Summer’s dress code is mostly casual, but it doesn’t hurt to have some stylish additions for a kid’s warm weather wardrobe. Get ready to take a tour of some of the brands making the coolest summer clothing and accessories for kids, including Flik Flops, Andy & Evan, BSkinz and Koko-Nut Kids. From flashy flip-flops and fashions for little gentlemen to fair trade Batik, the possibilities are as diverse and fun as the sights you’ll see on any summer road trip.

Features

Two-Wheeler Dealers for Bikes and Tikes

By Kelly Lee

Bike riding forms a cornerstone in the memory, not only as a fun way to break free, but also as a rite of passage. Companies that capitalize on that desire understand that they are delivering more than just a bike or accessory; they are fulfilling part of a customer’s dream. KaZAM brings extra sturdy bikes to kids, while Yedoo keeps everyone in the family on wheels with their bikes and scooters. Nite Ize and Bike Brightz help kids kick it up a notch with decorative lights that illuminate the path to warm memories.

Features

The Changing Face of Tween Fashion and Culture

By Emmi Kern

You just can’t escape it; tween culture is everywhere. Go to the mall or the library, turn on the television, or listen to the radio, and you’re likely to see or hear something that’s targeted at this demographic of savvy and enthusiastic youngsters. It is, of course, up to parents to decide what products are appropriate for their kids, but many moms and dads will find that tween culture isn’t all edge and attitude; it can have some positive, uplifting elements as well. We present some of those choices, including BLÜ, Emily by Tomas, Reina Mora and MAÁ Shoes.

Features

Grow New Business with a Kids' Gardening Center

By Stephanie Hanlon

The beauty of getting kids into gardening is that it combines outdoor play with education and fun. Health and wellness are nurtured with My First Garden — raised garden beds that are so easy to assemble, a kindergartner can do it. Don’t go without DOGO and their designer gardening products in 10 unique collections. Once the gardens are built and flourishing, Sassafras will provide fun activities amongst the flowers and Super Sprowtz will inspire kids to put their newly grown veggies to work. These are among a blossoming category of products that can grow some green in your coffers while nourishing healthy, balanced appetites.

Features

Mix of Picture-Perfect Matching PJs

By Stephanie Hanlon

Come holiday time, when those kids are nestled all snug in their bed, visions of picture-perfect pajamas are dancing in a parent’s head. The stylish and sustainable designers featured here focus on unique patterns you won’t find at mass merchants during this busy shopping season. Sweet Bamboo features unexpectedly soft and durable pajamas out of the popular plant. Nobody will get the bedtime blues with Bluebelle, featuring matching mother and daughter pajamas. New Jammies offers a twist on 100% organic cotton –– soft pjs covered with fun prints for every personality. Maxomorra maxes out with fun fall patterns like mushrooms and leaves. These clever printed pajamas will effortlessly round out your holiday gift display and bring joy to the world one fox or lobster pattern at a time.