The Biz: The Grapevine

Perry Mackin Bags Have a Place for Everything

By Lauren Rollheiser

Perry Mackin is a line of chic and functional diaper bags. These mom-designed bags aren’t just high on style, they are built to last with the functionality to make mom’s childcare tasks a little easier. There are five different styles in the line: Zoey, Harper, Alexis, Billy, and Amy. The Perry Mackin line comes fully equipped with features and accessories, including a bottle warmer pocket, a diaper changing pad and pouch. Each bag is fully lined and easily cleaned. The interior of each bag was designed to have large, sectioned pockets surrounding every side, and multiple interior zippered pockets.

The Grapevine

Babymoon Pillow Provides Relief for “Flat Head”

By Lauren Rollheiser

The Babymoon Pillow was created when designer, Kelly Su couldn’t find a solution for her 3 month old’s “flat head”. Flat Head Syndrome is a common issue and can lead to long-term mis-forming of the skull. As more and more families are following guidelines to put their babies to sleep on their backs, Flat Head Syndrome has also risen. The Babymoon Pillow was designed to ease flat head for babies that love lying on their back. Not intended for use during sleep, this donut shaped pillow keeps the baby’s head elevated off the floor or seat, providing light neck support and eliminating pressure on the back of the head.

The Grapevine

a-door-nimals Go from Door Décor to Baby’s Best Friend

By Lauren Rollheiser

a-door-nimals are a versatile creation from the minds and hearts of two grandmas. An a-door-nimal is a baby-friendly stuffed animal holding a high-quality dry erase board heart. The animals were originally created to be used as birth announcements to decorate hospital room doors. a-door-nimals can be hung on the outside of the door with a message that includes baby name, birth date, weight, and any other info parents want to share. Because the writing surface is a dry erase board, parents can easily change the message. Moms can write, “shhh… napping” or “privacy please, nursing baby.”

The Grapevine

Take Looks at Mademoiselle à SoHo

By Stephanie Hanlon

Boho chic has long been in vogue for adults, but it’s making its way into the children’s world with parents who like to share their style with their offspring. Capitalize on this burgeoning trend with Mademoiselle à Soho. Raised by a Romanian actress mother and a director father, Alexana’s flair for the dramatic is apparent throughout her collection of unique clothing for infants and older children. Her bohemian clothing is the perfectly playful blend of practical and trendy. While her items are sold separately, you’ll want to feature some of them just as she does on her site: as complete outfits she refers to simply as Looks.

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It’s a Wrap — No, It’s a Knottie

By Mari Gold

On a scale of one to ten, I would award a twelve-plus to Knotties, something new in baby sleepers. This little gem from Lala’s Pequeños was designed with the idea of snugly bundling little legs and toes and, as a bonus, making it possible for baby-tenders to change diapers quickly without having to mess around with snaps or ties. The changer can simply tie the ends in a knot so tiny toes stay under wraps. The force behind the company is a dynamic mother of two who, together with her family and business partners, owns a 1500 acre rain forest in Costa Rica. To make and keep ecological awareness top-of-mind, a percent of proceeds from Lala’s Pequeños goes to help the Rainmaker Conservation Project.

The Grapevine

The Solution to “Are We There Yet?”

By Mari Gold

Anyone who has ever traveled with children dreads the inevitable “Are we there yet?” and longs for a way for the kids to be occupied during the journey. Retailers can answer this yearning with great travel games for kids from Smart/Tangoes USA, a company that produces puzzles which amuse kids (and their adult companions as well.) Tangoes is based on the ancient Chinese Tangram puzzle that not only entertains but also helps develop problem solving skills and creative thinking. Perfect for out and about, Travel Tangoes is available in animal, people or object versions and fits neatly in a backpack or purse.

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Pump Your Bike Ride

By Mari Gold

Shoppers who want the last word in a bicycle now have a way to avail themselves of a totally customized fashion bike that will be unlike anyone else’s. To design a bike at Villy Customs, a customer can click on the “design your bicycle” link on the homepage and select the perfect frame from the Villy Brougham, Villy Deluxe, Villy Woman’s Brougham or Villy Onassis (two styles for men and two for women). Then the fun really begins! Founder and entrepreneur Fleetwood Hicks has capitalized on the growing trend for customization, well aware that almost everyone wants to stand out.

The Grapevine

Chispum Enlivens Walls with Wit and Whimsy

By Carolyn Kavarnos

Chispum believes that our story can be told anywhere, even on the walls. In fact, they not only believe that the “no drawing on the walls rule” should be lifted, but that drawing on the walls is necessary. Chispum has always believed and defended creative freedom and supports breaking boundaries, coloring outside the lines, doodling, and moving storybooks to the wall. Chispum’s vinyl decals offer an easy and fun way to transform dull walls and enliven family décor with whimsy, words, wisdom and wit.

The Grapevine

Calorie-Free Towel Treats Tempt Gift Givers

By Mari Gold

Get ready for some good, clean fun! Your customers will laugh with delight at these sweet-looking towel creations from Towel Treat. Each is created with a fluffy hand towel or washcloth folded and displayed to look like a tempting sweet. These unique gifts are perfect as bridal, baby shower or birthday favors. Plus, they’re calorie-free! The newest additions to this whimsical line are rolled up plushy kids’ blankets of 100% polyester, packaged as cuddly animal pals.