The Biz: The Grapevine

“Fancy That” Displays Magnetic Personalities

By Stephanie Hanlon

It’s disappointing to put a picture up on the fridge only to have its edges curl or food particles splash across a loved one’s faded face. If only there was a magnetic protective frame cleverly designed to hang vertically or horizontally that also allows personalization and customization. Well, Fancy That, there is! Fancy That Frames are brought to you by the Bearington Collection, a family-owned company dedicated to creating adorable and affordable plush gifts, collectibles and accessories. Since 2000, Bearington has received over 60 industry design awards and nominations.

The Grapevine

The Highchair Organizer Serves to Make Mealtimes Easier

By Stephanie Hanlon

It’s ideal for families to sit down together to enjoy mealtimes. But sitting down is a bit of a misnomer. In reality, most parents with toddlers are getting up constantly to grab thrown silverware or bottles, having to wash the items before placing them back in their little one’s hands, just to see them flung again. What if you could sell something to parents so they would have what they need at their fingertips, without bending and cleaning throughout dinnertime? Then you’d have a gold mine… or The Highchair Organizer.

The Grapevine

A Straw Vote for Lollacup

By Stephanie Hanlon

These days, parents are encouraged to get their little ones away from teeth-altering baby bottles and more toward actual cups around age one. While a sippy cup provides a good transition from bottle to standard cup, it’s not the only alternative. Enter the Lollacup, an adorable straw-based alternative made the U.S.A. The flexible straw on the Lollacup has a weighted end that anchors it in the liquid to help young children drink effectively at most angles, letting them learn how to sip without major spillage.

The Grapevine

BabySmiles Helps Celebrate Years of Memories

By Stephanie Hanlon

Parents may not like showing their own age, but they sure love a chance to show off their little one’s! Liz had a baby son and realized just how fast time can go. She also realized that unless she looked at the date of her photos, she wasn’t always so sure about just how old her child was on some of those special days. Sure, many parents photograph their kid by a handmade sign displaying the age of their little one, but slapping a BabySmiles sticker on an outfit they already own is far more adorable and extremely affordable.

The Grapevine

A Grapple™ a Day Keeps the Dropped Toys Away

By Stephanie Hanlon

As parents attempt to involve their children in a healthy eating regime, the need for more peaceful mealtimes becomes increasingly important. After spending their entire meals playing a game of fetch with their nine-month-old son at dinner, David and Amy Oh wised up and looked for a better way to keep the little one entertained while keeping the family unit together. They did what so many creative parents have done before to solve a need: invented it. “It” in this case being The Grapple™, a tethering system that keeps toys where they belong: on the table and off the floor.

The Grapevine

Peek a Boo Rooms Grow With a Child

By Mari Gold

Finding new resources for quality room décor can be a challenge. The talented team at Peek a Boo Rooms comes to the rescue with designs that work together and can be altered so that a room can adapt from infant to tween. The line eschews themed prints and juvenile images so products can remain useful as kids grow. Little ones can start off with a crib and transition into a big boy or girl bed with the same designs. Artwork is the inspiration for a playful look that’s not ultra-kiddy and is of such heirloom quality that it can be kept and passed down.

The Grapevine

Growing Through Arts^® Promotes Creativity and Confidence

By The Giggle Guide

Aleksandra Efimova’s love of the arts started as a very young girl growing up in St. Petersburg, Russia. In 2010, this Harvard Business School Alumna started Growing Through Arts, which generates learning and exploration of the arts in children through the use of books, e-books, toys, games and smartphone applications. Inspired by the classical world-acclaimed Russian educational system, Growing Through Arts’ products are infused with the philosophy that participating in the arts can have a dynamic impact on children’s careers, educations and social lives.

The Grapevine

Earlybirds Clothe the Needs of Preemies

By Mari Gold

When the stork delivers ahead of schedule, the baby may be too small for standard-sized clothes. If the newborn is very early, some time may be spent at the hospital, attached to monitors and other equipment. Preemies deserve clothing that’s as appealing as full-term baby wear. Earlybirds outfits are a timely answer.The dedicated folks at Earlybirds worked with pediatricians, NICU staff and parents to create a range of garments specifically for teeny-tiny babies.

The Grapevine

Zypalong Clothes are a Zip for Faster Changes

By Mari Gold

Babies on the go will zip along faster and easier when dressed in time-saving clothes from Zypalong. These stylish and convenient outfits help make dressing and changing baby a snap, or rather, a zip! Zypalong incorporates zippers along the entire side of garments for the fastest quick changes. Happy pants incorporate two zippers, one along the entire leg and one along the inseam so they can open completely. Overalls use the same technique, while breezy dresses have a zipper along one side and a buckle on each strap.