Items tagged “Newborns (0-6 months)”

If today’s business environment seems to be challenging, imagine being a young woman starting a business very shortly after gaining the right to vote in your homeland. The Roaring 20s were host to powerful men at the helms of companies, but a woman-owned business was somewhat of a rarity. This didn’t deter the vision of one woman, Madame Beatrice Alexander: her desire to create beautiful, quality dolls carried the Alexander Doll Company forward into the next century as a powerhouse in fine dolls and accessories. Now celebrating its 90th year in operation, Madame Alexander has spread joy to thousands of little girls, while generously supporting various philanthropic causes.

Hair accessories are items that many consumers seem to take for granted; they are available in discount stores and there seems to be a nearly endless array of possibilities. However, many parents of little girls will tell you that while hair embellishments might be abundant, they are not always high quality. Over the years, some companies have tried to address the problem and have begun to offer higher-quality accessories that are also trendy and cute. Wee Ones is one of the leaders. This well-respected company provides a wide range of hair bows, clips, and bands, available in a variety of colors and styles.

Sisters Krystal Kirkpatrick and Suzanne Knutson started their company, Bunnies By The Bay, as therapy after two tragic fishing accidents claimed the lives of their father, brother, uncle, cousin, and 11 other fishermen. Suffering almost unbearable grief, they took the advice of their grandmother to keep their hands busy and began sewing bunnies that were inspired by a childhood story. Bunnies By The Bay’s focus is on creating delightfully endearing gifts for little ones embarking on their first year of life. Through engaging art and playful wit, Bunnies By The Bay offers detailed designs and lush materials in timeless products that promise parents and grandparents a cherished heirloom in the years to come.

“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.