The Biz: The Grapevine

Canine Cardz are Doggone Fun with Zazzy Pals

By Emmi Kern

Board games rarely get as much exposure as they did in the days before electronic entertainment became the default, but there are still some great board games being created and marketed, and kids can still find pleasure in playing these fun, mentally-stimulating games. One of the selling points of board games is that they’re usually fairly easy to play and are appropriate across a wide range of ages, so they bring the generations together and encourage healthy competition. Zazzy Pals is the creator of a new multi-use pet-themed game set called Canine Cardz.

The Grapevine

Silk Road Bazaar: Fair, Fresh and Fun

By Emmi Kern

The search for the perfect baby shoes usually begins with the “aaaaww” factor. Are the shoes colorful? Are they soft? Do they sport characters that babies might like? Of course, parents are looking for more than cuteness in a baby shoe; many are also concerned with quality and craftsmanship, especially if the child will be wearing the shoes while learning to walk. Eco-conscious shoppers may also have questions about whether the materials used are sustainable and safe. Companies like Silk Road Bazaar are stepping up to create baby shoes that meet all these criteria.

The Grapevine

Color Them Eggnogg

By Mari Gold

What’s not to like about Eggnogg? The nog under discussion is a quirky English brand with a humongous sense of humor. Birthdays are brighter when the host or hostess colors personal invitations sold in packages of twelve. There are also postcards and Thank You notes to combine learning essential lessons in politeness, while having fun coloring. Flags, banners and tablecloths are also available, designed to keep kids happy and occupied. Other items to personalize include fairy wings, color-in masks, a hero cape and a pirate hat — all perfect for a party.

The Grapevine

Two-in-One and Gender Perfect

By Mari Gold

Having a baby but don’t know whether to expect a girl or boy? Shopping for someone in this situation and bored by gender-neutral offerings? A clever company has helped solve this dilemma with a line of charming clothes for babies without a green or yellow item in sight. Take a look at Twotara, a company offering spectacular baby outfits that are right on the money gender-wise. Parents will be thrilled knowing they only need bring one set of clothes to the hospital. Whether that new little bundle is a he or a she, a Twotara outfit looks sweet and is also just the right thing.

The Grapevine

Larrivo Delivers Functional, Sexy Maternity Fashion

By Emmi Kern

With an ever-changing body, it can be hard for a pregnant or nursing woman to find styles that work from day to day. Attempts to keep up can lead to wasted money and closets filled with clothes that don’t quite fit. In recent years, maternity wear companies have begun to better understand the needs of moms-to-be when it comes to both stylishness and versatility. Larrivo is one of the leaders in fashionable maternity wear. The New Jersey-based company specializes in simple, yet eye-catching designs with clean lines and functional details.

The Grapevine

Peace. Passion. Positivity. Bracelets Brighten Wrists and Hearts

By Emmi Kern

Peace. Passion. Positivity. is a company that makes colorful, soft, braided bracelets and assorted pewter bracelet charms. First, customers pick the bracelet color they like best. Next, they can choose from a wide variety of charms that reflect their passions and interests. It’s a long list that includes themes like dance, sports, faith, music, and animals. They make great gifts and kids enjoy trading them, so it’s not surprising that their popularity is on the rise. These bracelets have the look and appeal of a trendy tween accessory, but the real draw lies in their message and the vision of their creators.

The Grapevine

KOS*USA for the Sporty One

By Stephanie Hanlon

The arrival of fall means the return of school activities. For stylish girls who are seriously sporty, KOS*USA offers fashionable fitness apparel for the active young lady. Perfect for dance, gymnastics, gym class or just out and about, KOS*USA designs edgy activewear using performance fabrications and on-trend colors. Established in 1990, Los Angeles based KOS*USA has specialized in the fitness industry over a decade and continues to be a fashionable fitness apparel supplier to major gyms and exclusive spas.

The Grapevine

Get a Leg Up with Blade & Rose

By Kelly Lee

As babies become more mobile, parents suddenly realize that tiny tots don’t see the world in quite the same fashion –– toes go right into mouths and rolling around on the carpet is all the rage. Since it’s “bottoms-up!” from about age six months or so, savvy parents usually slip on a pair of leggings or stockings to keep little bottoms covered. But there’s no need to go with boring solids for the bum when you have access to the sweet stylings of Blade & Rose, which specializes in wrapping busy bottoms in warmth, comfort, and style.

The Grapevine

Kidskoje Carriers are Built to Last

By Kelly Lee

No one wants to get stuck at home all the time, but what are today’s increasingly mobile families to do about transporting baby? Even if a parent simply needs to work in the kitchen or the home office, baby might have to rest alone in her room. Slings and carriers are great, but sometimes, it’s nice to just have a sturdy place for baby to rest… but still be able to be on the move (in style, of course!). Dorte Grau has an innovative solution to the mobility issue that grows with the blossoming child. “The Kidskoje is a revolutionary, patented, new, and innovative sleep, transportation, and game concept,” explains Grau, the mother of two.