The Biz

Surprise” was my editorial theme for February’s KIDShow, held again at Bally’s, Las Vegas. I have attended every KidShow since it began 12 years ago in the massive windblown tents outside of the Rio hotel. At its new home at Bally’s hotel, KIDShow has easily become my favorite trade event in the West for its assortment of vendors, step-saving location just down the hall from the comfortable North Tower rooms, and the unsurpassed hospitality of its show staff, led by Denise Raeside. It was not easy to choose only one handful of favorites, but these brands made my top 5 for a variety of reasons: Sock Ons, CIRCUS 212, Hip Together, Hannah Banana from G.B.Y.M. and PeryKids.

“I’ve seen that shirt three times today!” You may have had that thought when you were out and about, surprised to see that so many were wearing the same shirt. It’s human nature to want to fit in, but also be ahead of the fashion curve. Children’s clothing retailers that keep an evolving mix of trendy and classic garments know that they need both to appeal to customers. Classics are easy to spot, but the new and trendy are sometimes tougher That’s why it’s beneficial to partner with companies like Angelika London, which not only combines the classics with artistic trends, but also helps buyers stay ahead of the newest fashion wave.

Little Green Trike Shoe Company (formerly Squeakers) is all about bringing new and innovative ideas to the world of children’s shoes. The Utah-based business offers a line of fun and adorable shoes for kids from birth through elementary-school age. What’s special about this company and what unique products can they offer retailers? Little Green Trike’s Squeaky Feet shoes are specially made to help toddlers develop the appropriate heel-to-toe gait that leads to healthy walking. Squeaky Feet feature a removable squeaker that sounds when kids place their feet in the correct way as they walk.

“Safety first!” is a caution that retailers cannot share with their new family customers often enough. Safety gates are a must in most homes, and Gatekeepers models come in wood or paint options to match existing décor. Mommy’s Helper carries every kind of safety gear, with stylish and simple solutions. Safety is not only a concern during waking hours — parents need reassurance that their children are safe sleepers too. The SafeToSleep breathing monitor and the Heaven Sent crib mattress by Secure Beginnings are two options.

Religious families know that sharing their basic beliefs with young children helps form their faith foundation early. A new book, Stella Strawberry: the Fruit of Love aims to show little ones how to love those around them. This book, the first in a collection of nine, uses rhythm to capture a child’s interest about the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The books are written by Yira Jones, who was inspired to create the collection after a bible study course that focused on the fruits of the spirit. With vibrant, full-color illustrations on every page, Stella Strawberry draws young readers and those who read to them into Stella’s world.

A benefit of a global economy is that stores can offer beautiful and unique items from beyond their own borders. Having this kind of reach means you can be the hero for parents and gift-buyers by offering something nobody else can get. In apples-to-apples comparison, England-based Apples to Pears offers the cutest gifts, complete with their own decorative tin packaging (no need to wrap!). Tablets can be cushioned from child-like blows with tabCoosh direct from Australia. The Scottish can be so eloquent with adorable 2D and 3D gallery frames from The Articulate Gallery. From France, TAPIKID playmats by DEUZ stimulate imaginations to fuel the fun.

While child development experts and instructors agree that hands-on crafting projects are beneficial to kids’ creative evolution, it’s not always easy to pinpoint the best project for each child. Variety in projects is important. However, just working through a craft one time is not always best. Any craft project that really engages the child should to be able to allow for multiple versions of the craft, along with some opportunity for the child to add special touches. To this end, Eye Can Art is delivering the best in quality crafting projects that not only delight kids, but hit on all the important facets of really great products.

Retail buyers are already shopping and preparing for the fall/winter seasons. According to the National Retailer Federation, a family typically spends over $600 on back-to-school fall fashions and products for children. Of course, a complete fall work-up for kids includes more than just everyday wear and accessories. Children also require special occasion clothes, mix-and-match pieces, sports gear, and backpacks. Giggle Moon, Fleurisse & Léon, JWORLD and Moon et Miel are among the many brands helping buyers get ready for the fall rush and generate increased sales with functional, trendy products for children.

Many children are at least a bit afraid of the dark, which can make bedtime less peaceful. Kids are prone to nightmares and terrors, making it hard for them to either fall asleep or stay in a restful state. A lack of deep, restful sleep can lead to all sorts of health issues. How can parents help their children — and others less fortunate than themselves — enjoy a more restful sleep? SolPals, a company that develops solar-powered nightlights, not only harnesses the energy of the sun in a fun way for children, but also donates to those less fortunate

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