The Biz: Feature Articles

I happen to live in Las Vegas, where slogans such as “You can’t win if you don’t play,” define our local gaming community. I have to admit it’s hard to argue with that logic, Who can win at slots, poker or blackjack without opting in to play? Bystanders don’t reap any rewards. Only those who are willing to put up the cash and potentially lose it, have the chance to win and win big dependent upon the size of their bet. Most don’t win big but some do; some break even, while others lose. The same is true when it comes to marketing. Without it, you are like those bystanders, watching your competitors play.

Tree Blocks Wooden Toys are quality wooden playthings with character. The collection includes wood tree houses, play furniture, blocks and educational toys that are unique because they look like the wood from which they are created. While some wooden toys are so processed they lose the integrity of their origins, Tree Blocks retain the detail and natural characteristics of the wood. Tree Blocks are eco-friendly and no living tree is harmed in the making of the toys. The only trees used are the discards of managed paper forests.

Toy Fair 2012 takes place February 12-15, 2012 at the Javits Convention Center, as well as in showrooms at 1115 Broadway (at West 25th Street) and other locations throughout New York City. The 2012 event is expected to attract more than 1,100 exhibitors from around the world with over 250 of them exhibiting for the first time. Attendees will include retailers, wholesalers, importers, buying groups and trade guests from nearly 100 countries. Here are a few of the must-sees recommended by The Giggle Guide®: K-Dron, Little Adventures, Fascinations and BeginAgain.

Adolescence is filled with changes, challenges and crossroads. Letting girls have some creative freedom with their hair, accessories and clothing choices empowers them and gives them confidence. There are many creative, non-permanent options that allow girls to show off their individuality, but are as easy to change as their moods. Colorful hair wraps, glittery temporary tattoos, jewelry that reflects their interests and fun, funky accessories all help girls to show off their sense of style. Here are some winners for tween changelings: That’s Perfect, Glitter My Tattoo, Darling Charms and New Dimensions Toyz & Trendz.

Parents are seeking and demanding a greater selection of natural, organic products for their children. The essence of the organic and natural movement is purity. Babies and toddlers are extremely susceptible to toxins in their environment, much more so than adults. Statistics from 2010 alone show that consumers opened their wallets to the sum of $28.6 billion for organics –– and the trend is only getting stronger. Original Baby Company is dedicated to providing original, high-quality children’s products that help meet the demand for a variety of useful organic innovations.

What has gorgeous stretches of sandy beaches, hosts the world’s opal capital, and is known for its friendly, outgoing people? That “Lucky Country” is Australia, home not only to bouncing joeys but also lively, thriving businesses. Australians prize their individuality and let their hard work speak for itself in the form of long-lasting, sturdy, unique items that can be found nowhere else except in the Land Down Under. The Giggle Guide® presents some awesome children’s brands from Australia: Fertile Mind, Weegoamigo, Tetra Tea Tree, and Littlehorn.

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.

There’s something motivating about a fresh start. That must be why each year we think about what resolutions we will make for the New Year. We list our aspirations and resolve with confidence to realize these goals. For many, just weeks into the new year we fall back into our old ways and the resolutions seem to fade away until the next new year when we once again make resolutions. Even after a few weeks into January, it’s not too late to start anew and resolve to make positive changes. Those who achieve success are the ones who apply a structure to their efforts, assign accountability to the goals, and define measurable milestones to ensure progress is being made.

Getting baby out of the house for some fresh air, a quick run to the store, or just to visit some friends is necessary for both parent and child. But as new parents are quick to realize, babies need more gear to visit grandma than Sir Edmund Hillary needed to climb Everest! Smart companies have latched onto the idea that stepping out shouldn’t include getting stressed out. Attractive products that are easy to use and make life easier will always be in demand. Innovative brands such as Baby K’tan, Ju-Ju-Be, Innobaby, and Lifefactory are ready and able to make baby’s day out a stress-free affair.

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