The Biz: The Grapevine

Piggyback Rider^® is the Way to Go with Tots

By Mari Gold

Take heart on behalf of parents who want to be able to spend outdoor time with their toddler, but feel the strain when lugging around what rapidly feels like a sack of stone. Now there’s an answer! For a toddler carrier that won’t kill the carrier’s back and shoulders, stock The Piggyback Rider from Full Sail International, LLC. Playing off the tradition to carry a child on an adult’s back, Piggyback Rider does away with the need for cumbersome, bulky backpacks and awkward strollers. Easy to put on and take off, the Rider has a solid aluminum shoulder-mounted foot-bar to distribute the child’s weight at the adult’s core, so the carrier can walk comfortably in a natural, upright position.

The Grapevine

Jammin’ with Ambajam

By Mari Gold

Once upon a time, a little prince and princess were thrust into dull, boring clothes which made them feel sad. Then a fairy godmother gifted them with duds from Ambajam, and before you could say “feeding time,” not only were they clad in hip, good-looking garments, they immediately felt like the leaders of the pack! Ambajam delivers adorable one-pieces and tees made of one hundred percent, super-fine, extra soft cotton interlock for a luxurious feel and incredible durability. Ambajam apparel gives every little one a touch of royal treatment!

The Grapevine

Good Works Make a Difference!

By Sandra Simmons

LIVE IN UNITY, GIVE BACK, ACCEPT DIVERSITY, BE AWARE, TRUTH, FORGIVE: They’re noble thoughts, each and every one, and worthy to be written across the sky in letters. They’re just as meritorious doodled on a kid’s notebook, displayed as bumper stickers on the family car, or even selectively tattooed on the breast of the person who embraces the concepts and cares enough to wear one permanently over the heart! The good people at Good Work(s) Make a Difference choose to render them in more-versatile media: beautifully inscribed leather bracelets to grace the wrist of man, woman, or child.

The Grapevine

Some New Moms Like It Haute

By Kelly Lee

New moms often face a unique challenge: how to breastfeed without creating a Janet-Jackson-at-the-Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction! Breastfeeding undergarments abound, but postnatal tops and dresses are in short supply. Veteran mom and former news producer Jamie Rubin experienced the “slump after the bump.” Not one to shy away from a challenge, she pulled out all stops to find the best in couture that would allow her to appear cool and classy while breastfeeding. She crafted her own clothes that were both utilitarian and stylish: Milkstars.

The Grapevine

Happy Nappers Transform for 2-in-1 Fun

By Kelly Lee

Lots of toys children want are all about electronic games or gadgets. While these are certainly fun, there’s also an interest for playthings less stimulating. Even several dolls and action figures tend to be geared for a worldly child — the child who has one foot in the adult world. Even as children are attracted to these things, more parents are asking if these are really the kinds of toys their youngsters should be having. More importantly, they are looking for a kinder, gentler toy. The Happy Nappers are an answer for soft, nostalgic fun.

The Grapevine

Baby Furniture Plus Association Reflects on Twenty Five Years in the Juvenile Industry

By The Giggle Guide

Baby Furniture Plus Association, an association of independent specialty stores in the juvenile industry celebrates their twenty five year anniversary this September. “Since 1986, Baby Furniture Plus Association has been devoted specifically to the needs and best interest of the juvenile merchants and the industry. Assisting its member stores in operating highly profitable businesses, and providing an exceptional level of customer service and valuable programs has not changed in twenty five years,” said Beth Jarabek, Executive Director of Baby Furniture Plus Association.

The Grapevine

Luvali Puts the Versatile in Reversible

By Emmi Kern

Handbags that match certain outfits, occasions, and needs occupy an important spot in women’s fashion. For an accessory that started out as a basic sack to carry one’s essentials, handbags have been elevated to status symbols, fashion statements and works of art. Along with shoes, they take a good chunk out of the average woman’s budget and closet space. Luvali offers versatile, reversible handbags and children’s apparel to stretch shopping budgets.

The Grapevine

Pitch Toddler TeePees for At-Home Adventures

By Emmi Kern

Remember the fun of making tents and hiding places when you were a kid? You’d gather as many blankets and pillows as you could find and swipe a couple of chairs from the dining room. With two little hands and one big imagination, you would turn these simple household items into a cozy den in the forest or a pioneer camp on the Great Plains. Toddler TeePees by Imaginenation are a fun and easy way for children to enjoy the tradition of tent play, without all the hassle of set-up and take-down.

The Grapevine

Piperoid Makes Paper Rock with Scissors!

By Mari Gold

Do you remember the fun of making paper crafts when you were a kid? It’s still very much in style and nowhere is it expressed with more originality than with Piperoid, incredibly cool robots made entirely out of paper. Futuristic-looking Piperoids hail from Japan where they won the Good Design Award. They’re a breeze to put together, as each robot is made of colorful paper tubes with pre-drilled holes so older children can cut, fold, and connect the pipes without having to fumble with sticky, messy glue or tape. The only tool needed is a pair of scissors!