The Biz: The Grapevine

Critter Control for Earbuds

By Mari Gold

Today’s kids are practically born attached to an electronic product. As they grow, there are several electronic devices in use as tots watch movies on tablets, listen to music on their MP3 players, and do homework on a computer. To make these activities work, the key ingredient is earbuds which, like socks in the wash, are always MIA. Thanks to Education Outdoors, there is a solution. It’s Pet Pods: cute little stuffed animals that arrive with a set of earbuds tucked into the back of each animal and secured with a Velcro closure. Pet Pods come in woodland animal designs, including a bald eagle, black bear, beaver, buck, fawn and moose.

The Grapevine

Toto Puts More Wit in Its Knits

By Mari Gold

Not every little darling has a grandmother or aunt who is a whiz with knitting needles. Satisfy the urge to give a tot a hand-made knit item with hand-made sweaters, hats, booties and more from Toto Knits, made to order from organic cotton in Kenya. Options are huge and include the drapey blanket cardigan in charcoal or cream that makes a perfect layer for any day. A large wooden button closes at the neck. Other sweater choices include a varsity sweater with a large letter on the front, and a pink, blue or natural cardigan with a perky daisy, giraffe or elephant.

The Grapevine

Babee Talk Communicates the Value of Safe Crib Bedding

By Hannah Driscoll

Babies have a tendency to chew on anything and everything. Since they spend so much time in their crib, the railing makes for a tempting teething tool. But some baby furniture and toys are made with harmful chemicals, linking to some seriously scary side effects. At Babee Talk, only organic, high-quality materials are used in its collection of organic bedding and toys. Let baby chew these products as they are all safe plus non-harmful to the environment too. Babee Talk is a company that puts children’s safety first and has a unique marketing strategy, making its products a great choice for parents and store owners.

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Crazy Zebra Makes Falling Stylish

By Emmi Kern

In general, kids’ accessories are the same basic items as those for adults. While they may take different shapes, styles and colors when marketed to kids, they are still hats, scarves, gloves, socks, etc. Now, there’s a new trendy fashion accessory meant just for babies and kids: knee pads. While knee pads have long been worn in sports like skateboarding, rollerblading, and soccer, they have not evolved into a fashionable version until fairly recently. Crazy Zebra is a brand that brings customers a selection of cool, stylish knee pads.

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Ciao Marco Designs Classic Italian Styles for Boys

By Hannah Driscoll

There’s something about European kids’ fashion sense that makes them extra cute. The boys look put together while they play with friends, as if they were born chic. Italy especially sets the bar high by blending style and function with children’s wear that goes from playground fun to dinner with the family seamlessly, and Ciao Marco Classico Italian style is no exception. This clothing line, inspired by the designer’s family trip to Italy, shows how boys can look put together without being uncomfortable. Boys will want to wear the fun, bright prints while parents will love the refined style.

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MyBuckleMate Keeps Car Seat Belts Handy

By Stephanie Hanlon

Road trips are hard enough, with all the packing and planning and getting the kids into the car. The last thing any parent wants to fiddle with is the floppy seat belt buckle. Let’s face it –– backseat buckles are a burden! They move around, get stuck in seat pockets and get wedged under bulky boosters. Parents no longer need to be Olympic gymnasts to get kids in the car. A mom of three, Meghan Khaitan designed MyBuckleMate to lock into place around a car’s backseat buckle bases to keep them firmly propped up. With this product, reaching and putting the seat belt on with one hand is a snap!

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Miss Kiki Designs Dolls to Treasure through Lifetimes

By Mari Gold

As long as there are little girls there will be dolls for their enjoyment. For the ultimate in handcrafted beauties that work as collectables, keepsakes or just treasured toys, show off the ultimate in high-end dolls from Miss Kiki of Cherry Blossom Lane. Everything about these dolls says luxury, starting with the Certificate of Authenticity that accompanies every one of these petite charmers and continuing with exquisite attire. Dolls from Miss Kiki are all handmade, embroidered with care and love by a small team of artisans and filled with sustainable corn fiber.

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Two Sliders Flip for Reversible Clothing

By Stephanie Hanlon

Offer your customers the chance to double their pleasure and value with reversible clothes they can switch throughout the day. Two Sliders was created by a mom and and dad looking to help parents spend less dough on duds. The fully reversible children’s wear line is fabulous for the fashion-forward tot. We all know kids’ clothes are prone to stains, so parents can ditch the stain wipes and simply flip the script by turning the outfit inside out. All of the brand’s clothing is reversible, affordable, and machine washable. It’s all also proudly manufactured in the U.S.A.

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Who's Little? Girls' Dress Line Launches for Spring/Summer '15

By Caletha Crawford

Who’s Little? debuts with a collection of special occasion dresses that are sure to please all generations. The colors, energy and movement of the dresses go straight to the heart of every little girl, while the quality and age-appropriate styling beckon moms and grandmothers. Who’s Little? uses gorgeous fabrics, feminine hues and special trims to transform classic silhouettes into showpieces for the modern girl. The fun, twirl-worthy dresses, which span sizes 2 to 6, reflect the delight and joy of being young.