The Biz: The Grapevine

Snorkleboard: Enjoy Sea Life with Your Head Above Water

By Stephanie Hanlon

After some sun, who doesn’t want to take a refreshing dip and take in the underwater sights? Those using a traditional snorkel often end up disappointed with foggy goggles they have to continually clear, missing out on time beneath the surface. Out of the fog came a bright idea when Murray W. Scott decided to clear the way for the Snorkelboard. This personal body board is fully equipped with anti-fog goggles built right at the top of the board so riders of all ages can get a wider field of vision with no cloudiness. With bodacious buoyancy and sensational stability, the Snorkelboard is easy to paddle and doesn’t require lessons or advanced skills.

The Grapevine

Real-Time Reassurance with Mimo Smart Baby

By Emmi Kern

Baby monitors have been around for a couple of decades now, and as with most electronic devices, their evolution has been remarkable. Since smart phones became the standard, there have been ways for parents to use them to monitor their baby’s activities, usually by using separate devices that link to the phone. The Smart Baby Monitor by Boston-based company Mimo is one of the best devices of this kind. Its convenience and wide range of options helped make it a fast favorite among moms and dads in 2014.

The Grapevine

ABC Kids Expo Hosts North American Pavilions

By david gaunt

ABC is excited to host the 3rd annual North American Pavilions at the Harrogate International Nursery Fair, March 29-31, 2015 and at CBME China (Shanghai), July 22-24, 2015. Additionally ABC will host the 1st North American Pavilion at CBME SEA (Singapore). ABC’s alliance with the BPA and UBM (show organizers of the Harrogate International Nursery Fair and CBME events) offers exciting entry-level opportunities to exhibit within the North American Pavilions and reach these rapidly expanding markets with minimal expense and maximum reward.

The Grapevine

Size Matters to American Posh Adjustable One-Pieces

By Hannah Driscoll

There’s nothing worse than looking into a closet full of clothes only to realize you have nothing to wear. You wouldn’t think babies would have this problem, but unfortunately, not all one-pieces are a perfect fit. American Posh was created to give parents (and babies) more sizing options, with custom adjustable, high-quality bodysuits that fit a wide range of children.

The Grapevine

Optari Accessorizes a Tweens Vibe

By Stephanie Hanlon

There’s a reason Optari takes its name from the Latin word for “desire.” Your customers will covet all the brightly colored Optari offerings, including customizable bags and accessories and a new line of Spikeletz bracelets, pens, and journals. Founded in 2010, Optari develops products that are fun, colorful and useful. Not sure what to buy? Optari makes it easy with multiple floor display packages. Package 1 is the best place to start with 9 Crossbodies, 8 large Sol Totes, 6 small Sol Totes, 14 packs of Fobbz charms, 8 packs of Mini Fobbz charms, and a 2-sided floor display.

The Grapevine

Grom Squad's Gnarly Hats Stay Put

By Hannah Driscoll

What’s one thing on a parent’s mind when they go to the beach? Sun protection, of course. And as convenient as hats are, unless that hat fits perfectly, it will barely block the sun or stay on a tot’s head. Introduce some Grom Squad hats into the mix. These dome covers are made to fit multiple head shapes from six months to five years old, and come in several style options. On-trend, fun designs make kids want to wear them, giving parents peace of mind during outdoor activities. Made of a durable material blend, each hat can withstand even the most radical of sports (as well as intense wash cycles).

The Grapevine

4funkyflavours: A Unique Taste in Fashion

By Emmi Kern

Experience is a wonderful thing to have if you’re starting a business endeavor, but sometimes ambition, intuition, and enthusiasm can go a long way. The team at 4funkyflavours knows this to be true. The Dutch company started out as an adventure in creativity and imagination. Although the founders didn’t have multiple years in the industry or huge fashion portfolios, they did have a vision for the kind of clothing they wanted to offer customers. They wanted to create clothing that embodied the diverse character traits and moods of children; one that would inspire kids to dress the way they felt and honor their developing sense of style.

The Grapevine

ABS Designs for On-Trend Style

By Laura Vaillancourt

ABS by Allen Schwartz offers affordable luxury to the trend-savvy tastes of modern women and children. The high-quality fabric and attention to detail is apparent in every piece, making it very clear that what lies beneath the surface is just as important as the rest of an ensemble. The 30+ year-old company now has signature lines in jewelry, swimwear, eyewear, handbags, footwear, outerwear, and intimates, as well as the Essentials by ABS brand in several categories.

The Grapevine

Momma's Jewels Are Easy on the Eyes and the Gums!

By Emmi Kern

One of the most common signs of teething is the baby’s desire to chew on everything he can get his hands on. Infants are attracted to shiny items and things that make jingling noises, so mommy’s jewelry is often the target of attempted chewing. Usually, that would be a problem, but a South Carolina mom’s smart creation enables both mom and baby to be happy. Momma’s Jewels offers sterling silver teething jewelry that’s safe, attractive and convenient. The necklaces consist of stylish circles on a silver chain and the bracelets are simple rings that can be worn one at a time or in doubles.