Items tagged “Toddlers (2-4 years)”

Shark Tank has been a Friday night viewing tradition of mine since its premier in August, 2009. Many children’s businesses have been on the program, so it is also a favorite for our industry. Recently, Betsy Johnson and her brother Berry Wanless pitched the “Sharks” to invest in their SwimZip brand of protective designer sunwear for a $60,000 investment and a percentage of equity ownership.

It’s a familiar tale with tip-toeing parents, a sleepy baby and a squeaky door. In 2007, Gail Calderon and Darlene Garcia came up with a solution born from necessity while combining their business acumen and sewing skills. The Original Cushy Closer Door Cushion answered the need to close doors without a sound, letting baby sleep. Without turning a doorknob or handle, Cushy Closer allows parents to enter or exit a room while keeping children from locking themselves in or out of their room.

In February, we celebrate love on Valentine’s Day and our country’s leadership on Presidents’ Day. For retailers, it’s a season for fun gifts and personal presents that show affection in all degrees, from puppy love to lifelong commitment. Make the season a reason to find new gifts for your store. Here I present one handful of finds that I love…

Donning the right clothes sets a child’s day, as the fit and fabric determine comfort and movement. They also serve as the canvas for family memories: tiny flowers on a neutral background may call to mind little angels picking wildflowers. Companies that understand the intimate connection between clothing and memories have a particularly important link to customers. The Portuguese company Anjo Kids has the creation of memories in mind with its luxury collection of children’s clothing.

KidShow - Las Vegas, Nevada (2/17/14 - 2/19/14)

This February, with celebrations of Valentine’s Day and Presidents’ Day, thoughts turn to personal achievements, leadership and, most of all, the loves and motivating passions of our lives. Passion, leadership and love for the children’s industry can all be found at KIDShow Las Vegas, at Bally’s on February 17-19, 2014. A sampling of KIDShow exhibitors shared with me about their own personal passions and what motivates them to be a leader in the children’s business: No Slippy Hair Clippy, CIRCUS 212, Le Top/Rabbitmoon, Coral & Reef, and Wee Ones.

Baby Bella Maya’s new and innovative 5 in 1 Diaper Tote Bag is a stylishly functional way to store all of your baby’s essentials and so much more! With the use of an ingenious flap and hidden zipper, the carry-all bag miraculously transforms into a multi-purpose cover that keeps your little one comfortable, safe and clean in shopping carts, restaurant high chairs and hot park swings. Just when you think the bag can’t do anymore just zip it back up and make it a nursing cover for on the go!

♦ Includes a multi-purpose mesh bag to carry toys, moms belongings, blankets and more

Contact: Lynn Barber / (805) 302-0520

The 111th annual American International Toy Fair® is running from February 16-19, 2014 (Sunday-Wednesday) at New York’s Javits Convention Center. Retailers, inventors, businesses of all sizes, distributors, manufacturers, and anyone with anything to do with the children’s toy market will descend on one of the biggest shows ever. After its 2013 record-smashing show, attendees can expect the best in products and the serious consideration of global companies. A peek at exhibitors reveals that Smart Games and Toys, Ubooly, Shure Products, and Super Impulse will all make an appearance.

It’s time to PLAE! This unique shoe company is at the forefront of design and function, offering customizable shoes that look great and promote healthy foot development. One look at this fancy footwear will make most kids beg to have a pair, and will have grown-ups wishing that they’d had shoes this cool when they were young. What’s so special about PLAE shoes? They look great for many reasons, but it’s all about the tabs. All Velcro shoes have fastening tabs, but PLAE takes it up a notch. Customers can purchase additional fastening tabs in a mind-boggling variety of colors and prints, so that they can create a whole new look for their shoes whenever the mood strikes.

Kids have their own way of looking at their environment, in large part due to their imaginations. For example, in the child’s mind, the terror of the monster in the closet might have been a cute character from a comic book when the lights were on — but now it has changed into a grim ghoul. Families have been challenged by children’s fears, and more than one parent has spent the night sitting up next to an anxious child’s bed. But now parents have a new champion: Vicki Sewell, author and creator of The Magnificent Sprinkles. Sewell just experienced a strong showing at the AmericasMart in Atlanta, where her plush critters and storybook garnered serious attention.

Summer in the city inspires and informs the latest look from British brand Tootsa MacGinty. The company, which offers distinctive, unisex designs and high-quality knitwear, has nailed good looks with colorful appliqués that draw from vibrant city streets around the globe including New York, London, Barcelona, Rio and Paris. Brand-new looks for this summer include six city-themed embroidered patches created by artist Jennie Maizels.

The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market® - Atlanta, Georgia (1/7/14 - 1/13/14)

“The response was amazing!” And that about sums it up for the The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market. Companies that exhibited at the January 2014 market were unanimous in declaring that it was a hit. With more than seven million square feet of space for exhibitors, AmericasMart Atlanta can afford bragging rights. Its new app launched to rave reviews, scoring in the top ten business apps, according to iTunes. In January alone, new buyer rates went up double digits, indicating an increasing wave of interest. Companies that made their mark at the event include Livie & Cole, Fizoos, Night Buddies and FoneFace.

“They are very soft, daddy.” This testimonial by a small boy lasers in on the primary focus of Lucky & Me undergarments: comfortable, breathable foundational pieces that make parents happy and little kids want to share their enthusiasm. Rochelle Perera, co-founder of Lucky & Me, set out to create undergarments that were soft, comfortable, and safe. She found a ready audience. “We’ve had a great response from the customer – parents who appreciate high-quality products love Lucky & Me underwear,” Perera exclaimed. Lucky & Me undergarments are all about the child’s comfort. They are tagless and the elastic trims don’t tug or pull at the skin.

Login:

Username:
Password: